I have to build on what Deane has said, what a wonderful time to be a part of the American Red Cross! I too was able to visit a “crazy hat” relief drive held by school children. Their concern for a country few had even heard of before the earthquake is astounding! A local school is beginning to collect 1,000,000 pennies! That’s not a typo – one million! School children are showing they are today’s leaders, taking action to support disaster response and recovery efforts. Efforts that even adults have a hard time understanding. Community response to support the relief work following the tragic earthquake in Haiti has been great, with every part of the community getting involved. “Text to donate, how easy can it get?” has been a phrase I hear often in public places around town. Then there is the “gotta do something” crowd. What people will do to raise a dollar! Boy Scouts standing in not so great weather with collection cans, a hot chocolate booth that brought in over $500, and a car wash hosted by an auto body company because the employees wanted to “do something to help.” The American Red Cross along with its local and international partners could not do anything without community support –your support. Each donation is making a positive impact in the rebuilding of Haiti, work that will be going on for years to come. To paraphrase a well worn quote, it takes a world to support a country.

Thank you.

Dale