The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for,and respond to emergencies.It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross movement.

Description:
Twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year, our disaster services staff and volunteers respond to disasters of all kinds, from fires to flooding,to chemical spills. They respond with shelter, hot meals, vouchers for clothing, and shoulders to lean on. Volunteers are involved with our Armed Forces Emergency Services. Here, the volunteer learns how to assist military personnel and their families with important issues. In our Health and Safety Department, volunteers learn to deliver much needed courses and trainings, ranging form workplace safety, to first aid and CPR, to becoming certified and working in first aid stations.

History:
The American Red Cross , San Antonio Area Chapter was chartered on February 11, 1916, and was the first Red Cross Chapter in the state of Texas. The Chapter's charter was in direct response to the Mexican border incident, when thousands of troops were stationed here, often arriving in boxcars. From these services we grew from volunteers providing classes in hygieine and first aid, to current situations such as the floods of July 2002, where over 2000 volunteers answered the call and provided shelter, food, and financial assistance to neighbors in need.

Contact person: Alfred Lopez, Youth Services Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (210) 226-9973

Address:

3642 East Houston St. San Antonio, TX 78219 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.saredcross.org

Overall Experience   
Volunteering gives me as much as I give others and makes me feel like I'm still part of the community.

I'm currently volunteering at the shelter at Kelly USA. I've worked in data entry, missing persons, and infant care. The people sometimes just want to talk about their experiences and I love people so it's been a wonderful experience. It does, however, seem that the desire to volunteer has lessened because the volunteer parking lot was almost empty last night. My previous volunteer experience includes sorting clothing at a thrift store that supports St. Peter St Joseph Childrens Home, Junior Achievement, and mentoring (elementary through high school). The hours I've put in at Kelly have been some of the most rewarding of my life because these people's need is so immediate and so evident. I have gained personal satisfaction from volunteering because I've seen the difference it can make. I never leave without a smile on my face. posted on September 11, 2005