Treasures for Troops

The holidays are just around the corner, and the American Red Cross is gearing up with an array of options for Americans to show their support for U.S. service members and their families. In addition to responding to disasters, overseeing more than half of the nation�s blood supply and providing first aid and CPR training, keeping the American people connected with their loved ones serving in the U.S. military is a fundamental mission of the American Red Cross through its Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES). This season the Greater Ozarks Chapter joins nearly 1,000 American Red Cross field units around the world in helping the public bring holiday cheer to U.S. service members and their families.

The American Red Cross supports members of the U.S. military and their families by: (1) facilitating emergency communication; (2) mobilizing and deploying Red Cross workers to live and work alongside troops; (3) reaching out to the �changing face� of the military, including members of the National Guard/Reserves and their families; and (4) other social services through a worldwide communication network that includes workers who live and work alongside troops. Urgent news of death, serious illness or birth is delivered wherever troops are�to the frontlines or on the home front. Since January 2003, demand for American Red Cross services has increased significantly and remains at record levels.

�The American Red Cross is dedicated to bringing a touch of home to the frontlines,� Scott Emerson, interim director. �From as far away as Tikrit, Iraq to right here in the Ozarks, we work around the clock and all year long to keep the U.S. military connected to home. The Greater Ozarks Chapter wants the community to know they can turn to their American Red Cross to show support or send well wishes to neighbors, family and friends deployed this holiday season.�

Here are some ways Ozarks area residents can help:

 Bestow treasures. Treasures for the Troops can offer some fun and relaxation for down time on the frontlines. The durable, lightweight, compact and reusable shaving/make-up bag contains �treasures� like a deck of cards, book of crossword puzzles, snacks and candy, an electronic pocket game, batteries and a multi-tool for $20 (includes shipping and handling). �An overwhelming generosity coupled with security concerns dictated that we offer this alternative to our past practice of collecting in-kind items from community members,� said Emerson. �We�re very excited about Treasures for the Troops because we continue to be a resource for those who want to show support for service members in general, but the human and financial resources of the chapter are not strained. And even better, like the Quality of Life Items program, this is not just a holiday thing. The public can show support anytime of the year!�

 Support keeping families connected. Make a financial donation to the Greater Ozarks Chapter so that it can continue emergency communications, deploying workers, outreach and financial support efforts of the family members of career and reservists.

 Donate a Phone. An estimated 30 million old wireless phones lay idle in American homes and businesses according to the CTIA Wireless Foundation. Through the end of the year Nextel Communications will donate an average of $1.50 per old wireless phones (regardless of manufacturer, make or model) brought into any of its 400 plus retail stores nationwide www.nextel.com. Donations benefit American Red Cross services for U.S. military members and their families.

 Don�t forget those here at home. A great way to take care of a service member is to help take care of his or her loved ones back home. Offers to baby-sit, pick up groceries, do laundry or mow the lawn may be especially appreciated.

 Save up to three lives in about an hour. The simple act of giving blood can touch up to three lives in the time it takes to run an errand. Every two seconds a person in the United States needs a blood transfusion, yet only five percent of the eligible U.S. population donates. And because blood is perishable, the supply needs to be replenished constantly. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543) or visit www.givelife.org to schedule an appointment today.

 Volunteer. Reach out to Veterans Administration hospitals and nursing homes, coach children�s sports teams, provide meals for the homeless or volunteer for other organizations, including the American Red Cross. �We know that many service members who normally do this volunteer work are now deployed.�

Governed by volunteers and supported by community donations, the American Red Cross is a nationwide network of local community supporters -- volunteers, blood donors, and financial donors -- organized into nearly 1,000 chapters, Blood Services regions and field units dedicated to saving lives and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Led by 1.2 million volunteers and 36,000 employees, the Red Cross annually mobilizes relief to families affected by more than 67,000 disasters, trains nearly 12 million people in lifesaving skills and exchanges more than a million emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families. The Red Cross is the largest supplier of blood and blood products to more than 3,000 hospitals across the nation and also assists victims of international disasters and conflicts throughout the world.