The Skyland post. [volume] (West Jefferson, N.C.) 193?-1988, 1937-11-04
A GREAT ORGANIZATION

One of the greatest of all organizations in the
world is the American Red Cross which covers
every section of the country and offers to every
man, woman and child relief from disaster and
poverty and protection of health.
The value and Importance of this great hui
manitarian organization was clearly demon
strated during the past year when flood waters
of greater magnitude than ever recorded previ-
ously brought suffering to two million people
in the Ohio and Mississippi valley.
In twenty-five days, as warm air met cold,
165 billion tons of rain descended most of it di-
rectly upon the huge coiling Ohio and its trib-
utaries from West Virginia to Illinois, The sea-
on-land swept 1872 counties in II different states.
Cities were darkened as power plants failed;
drinking water systems were drowned out; fires
ragged uncontrolled; every means OF transporta-
ton was severely crippled or paralyzed; and an
influenza epidemic was in full swing and stag
gering total of 100000 persons were in urgent
need of rescue from second floors and roofs,
transportation away from the menacing waters
to dry shelter, clothes and food
To meet this gigantic need, relief organiza-
tion of wartime size was created almost over
night The foundations were there in the local
American Red Cross chapters in every county,
manned by thousands of loyal volunteers AS
rapidly as serious situations developed, disast-
er relief workers were sent by the National Red
Cross to aid the local chapters Communica-
tons were maintained at any cost, every avail
able boat was put into service; food, clothing
and shelter were provided for the million flood
Victims and medical care and attention was
Al, 10 Of Odd r0|0XJ
and nurses from all parts of the county.
When the flood waters finally receded, the
Red Cross continued to give every possible as
sistance and to aid in the rehabilitation work.
This was the most destructive flood in Amerl-
can history and caused more suffering and loss
of property than many others added together
and vet the American Red Cross answered the
call and gave relief to millions.
And this is only one feature of the Red Cross
service Last year Red Cross Public Health
nurses made more than 4 100000 visits to sick
and courses in home hygiene and the care of the
sick were given to 50, $50 mothers and young
girls men and boys, inspiring them toward bet
ter living conditions.
Working for the elimination of permanent
injuries and deaths from accidents, the Red
Cross last year trained 256,884 persons in the
administration of first aid as we'll 1921 per-
sons in life saving.
While all of this was being done throughout
the nation, the Ashe County Chapter of the
American Red Cross also provided relief to
many needy cases locally.
BY joining the Red Cross during the annual
roll call, which commences November IL and
ends Thanksgiving Day, you will be helping to
carry forward the work of this great organlza-
ton at home and in the nation.
The response in the county to the annual call
last year was gratifying, but this year we are
in hopes that the membership of the Ashe
County Chapter will be the highest in its his
tory. A Red Cross membership is one of the
best investments any one can make. Resolve
now to join.