Be that One.

I very much enjoyed learning about both the American Red Cross and the Alzheimer's Association this morning. For all I thought I knew – I realized I really knew very little at all. I didn't realize I was supposed to blog about this so I missed the cut off before our presentation. I can't tell you anything here that wasn't already said in that meeting. Except this ...

The single most important thing I walked away with ... was the desire to GIVE BACK. GIVE MORE. DO MORE. United Way supports some amazing agencies that our community needs now more than ever. Funding has already been cut back for many of these agencies which makes it even more important to GIVE NOW. Life is unpredictable. You never know when you will need one of these agencies yourself. Wouldn't it be terrible if these agencies no longer existed should that time arise?

Even ONE dollar can help someone in need. Even ONE hour of volunteerism can help an agency that is understaffed. Be that ONE.

10 Things About the American Red Cross

Did you know ...
the American Red Cross of Williamson County also serves Hickman and Humphrey counties

Did you know ...
the American Red Cross of Williamson County is staffed by a mere 3 individuals; the remainder of the team consists of volunteers. The ARCWC has more than 100 registered and trained volunteers, 50 of whom are trained in disaster assistance.

Did you know ...
all Red Cross volunteers are required to complete 10-15 hours of training so that they are able to respond to any disaster in any part of the country -- or world, for that matter

Did you know ...
that the ARCWC blood drives collected 10,000 units of blood for Williamson County patients; each unit of blood has the ability to save 33 lives

Did you know ...
while the Red Cross is best known for responding to major natural disasters, the agency responds to local disasters every day -- namely single family house fires. In fact, the Red Cross is the third "emergency" responder called -- behind the police and fire department.

Did you know ...
last year, the American Red Cross of Williamson County responded to 72 house fires. Their job is to help families get back on the road to recovery as soon as possible -- whether it's with a temporary place to stay or a money to buy clothing and supplies.

Did you know ...
the American Red Cross is federally chartered and mandated by the government to provide services BUT receives NO government funding

Did you know ...
20 percent of ARCWC funding comes from the United Way Williamson County; the other 80 percent from private donations and fundraising

Did you know ...
a lesser known function of the American Red Cross is military communications -- connecting deployed military personnel with family members when there is an emergency back home

Did you know ...
it's easy to volunteer with the American Red Cross Williamson County. Just call 615-790-5785 or visit the website

American Red Cross

It was interesting to learn the many ways the American Red Cross helps out during a disaster situation. Many people have no idea that the American Red Cross is the 3rd person contacted when someone has a house fire. We are very fortunate to have a organization such has the American Red Cross to help out when we need them.

Alzheimer's Association / American Red Cross

Alzheimer's Association:

• 25,000 Middle Tennesseans are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease
• Every 70 seconds someone is afflicted
  
• By 2011, the there will be over 10 million people suffering from this disease
  
• Most medications don't help, because it's brain damage
  

American Red Cross:

• ALL volunteers are trained
• They receive no government funding but are mandated to provide their service
• They provide immediate relief: shelter, clothing, food
• The team helps with referrals for any long-term needs