Honor Red Cross Volunteers

2018, as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention to the dedicated efforts of those individuals from across the State of New York who volunteer their time and energies in service to the community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend all American Red Cross volunteers and donors, in conjunction with the observance of March 2018, as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and chartered by the United States Congress in 1905, the American Red Cross is one of our nation's oldest and most recognized humanitarian organizations; and WHEREAS, Countless New York State residents donate blood and platelets each year with many more serving as volunteer blood drive coordinators at blood drives throughout the State; and WHEREAS, Volunteerism is an essential element of all societies; it provides a way in which the human values of community, caring and serving can be sustained and strengthened; and WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, the American Red Cross, along with its generous donors, volunteers and employees, have shared a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world, through disaster relief, support of America's military families, lifesaving blood, international services, as well as health and safety services; and WHEREAS, With 12 regional chapters, the American Red Cross throughout this great Empire State has a long history of providing compassionate care to those in need; and WHEREAS, The American Red Cross continues to provide comfort and support to our military families and, working with the International Red Cross, collects and distributes funds to those suffering from the effects of civil unrest and natural disasters around the world; they have also spearheaded a campaign to immunize millions of children in developing countries who do not have access to life saving vaccines; and WHEREAS, This vital organization helps make communities safer through its disaster preparedness and response efforts; its volunteers are always among the first on the scene providing food, shelter, clothing and friendly faces for support; and WHEREAS, Volunteerism promotes family and community solidarity; most importantly, people who volunteer their time in civic and charitable endeavors inspire others to the call of volunteerism; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend all American Red Cross volunteers and donors, in conjunction with the observance of March 2018, as American Red Cross Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the American Red Cross, New York State Chapters.