The Red Cross would provide the assistance needed for transportation. Providing for the needs of soldiers, Weir emphasized, was the original mission of the international movement. The Red Cross is designed to be a dynamic body that grows with the constituency it serves. For Cape Cod, one of the greatest needs is transportation for the seriously ill to any of the five major hospitals in the Boston area. Weir said that a large percentage of Hyannis chapter volunteers are of retirement age, and many are professionals.
Riders receive an envelope when they board, and return the envelope when they disembark.
The exchange is completely anonymous. Often, the envelopes are returned empty. But the service goes on, and was used by almost 3,000 Cape Codders last year. We just need 24 hours' advance notice. Weir said that many volunteers are recruited through organizations and named the Osterville Men's Club and United Methodist Church as examples.