Our hearts go out to the many victims and their families of the natural disasters we have recently seen.  From the floods in Louisiana to the Tornado this week in Joplin, Missouri.  Many of you have expressed concern and have asked how you can help our fellow Americans.  At StaffScapes, we support the American Red Cross.  Their ability to respond in a crisis immediately and to deploy thousands of individuals to help relief efforts is to be commended.  According to their website, www.RedCross.org, 20 separate operations have been coordinated since March 31 with more than 4,500 aid workers assisting in over one half of the United States to help those in need.

How can you help?  Quoting the Red Cross, there are several ways that you can help. 

1. Make an online tax deductible donation.  The Red Cross website will allow you to make an online donation at www.RedCross.org.  You can choose for your monetary donation to be applied to the greatest need, disaster relief, military members and their families, your local American Red Cross or International relief efforts such as the earthquake in Japan. 
2. Go mobile.  Make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999
3. Mail your donation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018
4. Call 1-800-REDCROSS to make a donation via phone.

Although your monetary donations are appreciated, the Red Cross also depends on its volunteer workforce and supporters and offers opportunities to assist outside of financial contributions.  You can:

1. Search online for volunteer opportunities in your home area.
2. Give blood.  Only 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood and of that, only 3% actually give.  Statistically, that’s 3 out of every 100 Americans.  Did you know that just one pint of blood can save up to 3 lives and that every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion?
3. Learn CPR.  Become certified and teach others. 
4. Host a fundraiser, donate a portion of sales, coordinate a drive or auction something and donate the proceeds.  Just be sure to check with your local Red Cross first for rules and regulations.

One of our greatest human strengths is our ability to come together in a time of need.  If you have a desire to help, we hope this overview of ways to assist through the American Red Cross will be a great resource to you.