American Red Cross Volunteers support our community in many different ways. Many give their time in areas that are closest to their hearts.
A place near and dear to my heart is working with children in St. Charles County.
Halloween is especially concerning to me with kids going door-to-door, sometimes left to trick-or-treat alone without a parent or an adult to supervise.
Last year after getting my recertification in CPR/AED and First Aid, I decided to put this training to good use. Being the Neighborhood Watch Captain in our subdivision, I called a neighboring Watch Captain and asked for her help. Together, we started a fun, new event that has become an annual celebration in kid’s safety right here in the St. Peters area. We invited our area first responders and of course, the American Red Cross, to help pass out candy and get to know the children in our community. They hand out their information to the kids and parents as they pass through our neighborhood park pavilion. The space is decorated in a non-scary way so children of all ages have a few minutes of fun without fearful after effects.This turned out to be an amazingly HUGE hit the first year because it’s safe for all.
The event includes visits with firefighters, police officers, paramedics and American Red Cross Volunteers. For kids, we have small table games and refreshments. For the parents, this is a place to recharge their batteries.
Tonight is our
2nd Annual Halloween Night Kid’s Station. Hopefully, we won’t have to use CPR or First Aid but if it’s needed, we’ve got the training we need to save a life, wrap a sling or bandage a skinned knee.
Learning CPR and First Aid is only the beginning of caring for your community. Use your imagination and put it to use.
Contact your American Red Cross to take a class.
Terri Violet is the Marketing and Communication Liaison Volunteer in the St. Charles County Service Center.