Jimmy Carter

“ During this period I hope all Americans will reflect on the selflessness that has led so many of our neighbors to serve the Red Cross—and their fellow Americans—with their time, their energy, and their love. ”

“ But the Red Cross does much more. Through its network of blood centers and with the help of voluntary donors, the Red Cross meets over half the country's needs for blood—an essential resource for healing the sick and injured. The men and women of our armed services depend on the Red Cross for emergency contact with their loved ones, for counseling, and for financial assistance. And the Red Cross provides trusted, reliable programs to educate Americans in first aid, home nursing, and water safety. ”

“ Many Americans think of the Red Cross in connection with disaster relief. It is right that they should. Last year the Red Cross responded more than 32,000 times—once every sixteen minutes, on the average—to disaster situations in our country, coping with the emergency needs of victims and doing those things that a good neighbor does in time of trouble. ”