Kristin Alexander

Staying in an emergency shelter can be overwhelming for anyone. Having just escaped a hurricane, wildfire, flood or other disaster, emotions are high. No matter how well they are run, shelters can be crowded, loud, and lacking the familiar comforts of home. For children with autism spectrum disorder prone to overstimulation, those conditions can be particularly stressful. However, a philanthropic partnership between Amazon and the Red Cross is helping kids feel safe.

Will Willis and Randy Gilbert live by the same values. Connected by their pledge to serve God and the community, the men recently organized a blood drive sponsored by the Tacoma chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

The year was 1963. Susan LaBrie Martin, then a 15-year-old schoolgirl with cropped, brown hair and a passion for horses, had set her sights on earning the Gold Award. The highest achievement for a Girl Scout, the award is earned by fewer than 6% of scouts annually. Her mom told her about an opportunity to volunteer for the Red Cross that would give her the community service experience she needed to earn the pin.

Seattle resident Laura Buckland’s grandson Henry was just 3 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. The news came as a shock to his entire family – Henry had seemed like one of the healthiest kids around. Henry was rushed to Seattle Children’s Hospital, where he underwent a life-saving blood transfusion. Subsequent transfusions would follow so he could continue to survive his chemo treatments.

All of Angela Mirador’s training had led up to this life-or-death moment.

The slogan on PAC Worldwide’s website reads, “Protecting The Things People Care About." A fitting motto for the Redmond, WA, company, which manufactures packaging materials. In addition to cushioning merchandise sold by e-commerce businesses, its products now safeguard a priceless commodity – human blood collected by the American Red Cross.

For people with developmental disabilities, the impacts of coronavirus can be substantial. Job loss and isolation disproportionately affect the population. People First of Washington, a nonprofit led by people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, is reaching out to peers across the state to offer reassurance and foster a sense of community.

Those lucky pennies in your wallet are lifesavers. Since 1998, Coinstar has allowed customers to give their spare change to the Red Cross. Just head to a kiosk at your local grocery store, drop in your nickels and dimes and receive a receipt for your tax-deductible donation. All that pocket change adds up. To date, the Red Cross has received $3.2 million from Coinstar’s Coins That Count program.

Supporting Red Cross blood donation services is in Kendra Young’s blood. The Issaquah High School student recently organized a blood drive at her school. Twenty-three pints of blood were collected. More than 70 years earlier, her grandfather Raymond Henry Salyer helped set up a Red Cross blood bank in Omaha, Neb.

Danielle Jordahl understands nurses. She knows all about American Red Cross founder Clara Barton. And she looks up to Florence Nightingale, who influenced the work of the British Red Cross. The Bellingham nurse and newly minted board member for the Red Cross chapter serving Northwest Washington shares not only her career in common with those women, but her passion to serve others.

For Seattle resident Jim Anderson, the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina was more than a horrible news report. It was a call to action. “There’s no way you could look at that particular storm … and not be moved to either participate or contribute in some way,” Anderson said.

Got a long drive ahead of you this holiday? Drowsy driving can lead to serious injuries. Rotate drivers and make frequent stops. If you’re too tired to drive, pull over and get some rest. #DriveSafely #RedCross

Washington winters can be tough on pets. If possibly, bring Fido and Fluffy inside when it’s cold. Or at least be sure they have access to food and drinking water that isn’t frozen. #WaWx

This holiday, some will walk in a winter wonderland, others will take the bus or train. If your commute includes public transportation, remember that everything you touch is likely touched by someone else. Wash your hands and carry sanitizer. #FluSafety

Hitting the highway this holiday season? An emergency road kit can be a lifesaver when winter conditions turn foul. Pack a first aid kit, jumper cables, ice scraper, snow brush, sand or kitty litter for traction, flashlight, flares, drinking water, nonperishable snack bars, warm clothes, a small shovel and a phone charger. #DriveSafely #WaWx