After last week’s devastating earthquake in the capital of Port-au-Prince, Haiti killing thousands of innocent people and leaving millions homeless, The American Red Cross quickly took action. Not only did they deploy their people, food and water, their worldwide organization raised $103 million dollars in under a week. In light of their selflessness, we at AFM wanted to recognize their round-the-clock work ethnic and unbelievable compassion in times of need.

It’s hard to fathom such devastation could happen in our backyards, but in fact it does. Earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides and tornadoes affect hundreds of families each year and yet the American Red Cross still manages to help everyone in need. Truth be told, the American Red Cross responds every 2 to 3 days to a family in crisis. They provide emergency shelter, food, personal hygiene, clothing and financial assistance. They also link families to housing assistance, social services and mental health services. There multi-faceted organization helps thousands get back on their feet each year.

The American Red Cross Southern Arizona chapter employees 20 paid staffers, 500 volunteers and serves 1.3 million people across a 5-county area including Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham and Greenlee counties. Rain or shine, Tucson’s men and women are ready to help 24 hours a day, seven day a week.

Additionally, the Tucson chapter (and most Red Cross affiliates) offers first aid classes helping you better react in times of crisis. Classes include: CPR, AED and first aid training, babysitting boot camp, dog and cat first aid and specialty training. Currently, many men and women associated with Red Cross are still in Haiti helping with its search and recover efforts. It’s estimated that 3 million people—about a third of Haiti's population—have been affected by the quake.

Looking to help? Aside from money, which is always appreciated, the American Red Cross has six other ways to donate which include: the donation of goods and services, workplace giving; employee match gift programs, where an employer matches a dollar-for-dollar donation; donate by mail; shop at Holmes Tuttle Ford, where a new car purchase grants a $250 donation and shopping at your local Bashas’ supermarket utilizing their Shop & Give program.

For more information on how you can help, please visit: www.redcrossarizona.org.

The American Red Cross is a branch of the International Red Cross, which includes representatives from Red Cross, Red Crescent, Red Crystal and Magen David Adom societies throughout 175 countries.