TITLE: Recognizing the American Red Cross South Texas Chapter on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the American Red Cross South Texas Chapter on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the American Red Cross South Texas Chapter on the occasion of its 100th anniversary; and WHEREAS, The South Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross was established in 1917; it serves the people of Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Starr Counties through its health and safety programs and by its signature emphasis on providing disaster relief; and WHEREAS, For more than 135 years, the American Red Cross has played a key role in the nation's response to disasters; in 2016 alone, Red Cross volunteers responded to 180 significant incidents, including wildfires, storms, and floods; they opened nearly 800 emergency shelters, served more than four million meals and snacks, and distributed more than two million relief items; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross is responsible for maintaining 40 percent of the nation's blood supply; the organization also focuses on education, teaching valuable life-saving techniques, and helping people learn how to better prepare for and respond to natural disasters; and WHEREAS, The South Texas Chapter of the American Red Cross has had a profound impact on the lives of countless people throughout the Rio Grande Valley, and it is truly fitting that it receive special recognition as it reaches this milestone in its history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the board of directors, staff, and volunteers of the American Red Cross South Texas Chapter on their commitment to public service and extend to them best wishes for the future and congratulations on the organization's 100th anniversary; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for this chapter as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 23, 2017.