How many lifes have you changed?

The American Red Cross' new slogan is Change a Life.  That's a pretty big demand to expect the public to accept.  How does one go about changing a life?  Whose life should I change?  Is it my life? What should I change in the life? 

After some reflection to this challenge of the Red Cross, some direction takes shape.  The Red Cross offers the tools needed to make a difference and change a life every day with as little or as much commitment someone wants to dedicate. 

For those who want to take a small step, donating a pint of blood or money is a safe way to go.  Their donation stays local to help change a life of someone in their own community and all it took was a single blood donation or writing a check.

People who want a more hands on approach to changing a life have the opportunity to volunteer.  Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross.  They could be behind the scenes at one of our offices ensuring our services run smoothly or at the front lines of a disaster, being the compassionate individual, victims look to in their greatest time of need.    This opportunity to change a life comes at the price of your time but rewards you with immediate gratification of seeing first hand your work making a difference.

Would you know what to do if someone started choking or collapsed?  The Red Cross offers classes to prepare people for emergencies.  Education in first aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is something that anyone can do and everyone should know. 

Actually, the ability to change a life through the Red Cross is easy.  Take your available resources and apply them to the less fortunate.  Remember, no matter which way you decide, one thing's for sure - you will Change a Life.

Corinna Krauskopf
Development & Marketing Officer
Tri-County Red Cross