The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

In 1908, the Dallas community faced one of its greatest challenges when the Trinity River swelled, flooding the area.  More than 4,000 people were made homeless.  A small group of passionate and committed individuals, who later founded the Dallas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, set to work.  The group erected a tent city at Main and Stone streets and hauled hay in wagons to make beds.  In one day, Dallas residents contributed $156,000 to aid the victims.

Almost 100 years later, the Dallas Area Chapter continues the legacy of those hardworking men and women to provide disaster relief assistance and safety education to the North Texas community.  That’s its promise to the community–to be there whenever or wherever they are needed.  The Dallas Area Chapter provides services to 4.2 million people in 12 counties in North Texas.

Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter has:

  • Prepared and trained more than 63,800 adults and youth through courses such as First Aid, CPR, AED, Aquatics, Babysitting and other lifesaving courses.
  • Engaged more than 4,800 volunteers to help the American Red Cross prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters in North Texas.
  • Supported nearly 9,000 military families by providing communication messages, outreach through the  €œGet to Know Us€ program and services at the military entrance processing station.
  • Provided more than $570,000 in emergency financial assistance to more than 3,000 people affected by more than 700 local disasters.
  • Performed 20 international services, including delivery of 12 messages to families who were separated or lost contact with family members due to war, natural disasters or other factors changing world conditions.
  • Produced more than 11,200 comfort items such as blankets, dolls, slippers, layettes for Parkland Hospital, Children’s Medical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center (VA), Fisher House at the VA, the Military Entrance Processing Station and Ronald McDonald House.
  • Everyday helps an average of 3 families affected by local emergencies.