Dear Editor,
As Thanksgiving approaches, family and friends gather to give thanks for their good fortune over the past year. The American Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties would like to take this opportunity to thank its family and friends as well.
Thousands of volunteers and members of our community have given their time, talent, blood and leadership over the past year to help those in need. As a result, the Red Cross was able to provide disaster relief to more than 150 families whose homes were destroyed by fire. With your support, we taught the lifesaving skills of first aid, CPR and water safety to more than 30,000 of your neighbors in Summit and Portage Counties. Our Learn-to-Swim program"now in its 64th year"reached more than 600 children. Volunteer blood donors gave more than 34,000 units of blood to help sick and injured patients. Red Cross emergency communications services kept military families in touch during family crises.
Through our partnership with the United Way of Summit County and the financial support of more than 2,900 individuals, organizations and businesses, the Red Cross is able to carry out its mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
It is your continuous commitment to providing help and support to other members of our community for which we at the Red Cross are so thankful.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and know that you have truly made a positive difference this year.
Sincerely,
Toby Ann Weber
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties