Marti Lanese Helps Her Local Red Cross When It Needs Her Most
Marti Lanese was first exposed to Red Cross programs at the age of six when she enrolled in swimming lessons. By high school, she was a Senior Red Cross Lifesaver and later, a water safety instructor.
Over the years, Marti's fondness for the Red Cross has grown. In January 2002, following the tragic events of September 11th, Marti was inspired to join the St. Louis Area Chapter's Clara Barton Society. "I saw the Red Cross struggling with so many restricted donations going to help people in New York. I wanted to give unrestricted support to help the local Chapter," she said. "It's important to give now for future events," Marti shared. "Because if there's a disaster tonight, supplies must already be purchased and available immediately, before donations can be collected. It's frequently a kind of 'catch-up' situation for Red Cross funds."
These days, Marti spends six months of the year in Connecticut with her family and the rest here in her hometown of St. Louis with friends. In 2006, Marti wanted to get more involved with the Red Cross. "I picked up the phone and called my local Connecticut Red Cross to find out how I could help. Before I knew it, I was in training to become a member of the Disaster Action Team!"
Marti makes time to help in both communities where she lives. She is an active Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer in Darien/Stamford and has just completed her DAT registration here in St. Louis.
"I've always admired the work of the American Red Cross," she said. "I'm proud to be part of such a worth organization."