On August 22nd, 1881, the first local chapter of the American Red Cross was formed in Dansville, N.Y. In 1905 — with 18 chapters — they were issued a U.S. Congressional Charter, under which they still operate. By the end of World War 1 in 1918, the American Red Cross had grown to over 3,800 chapters, and the International Red Cross had won a Nobel Peace Prize. Most recently they have consolidated to 760 chapters in the U.S. and they offer a great number of programs, services and classes. Find your local chapter by visiting www.redcross.org. Learn about the programs and resources they provide in your community; what they are not permitted to provide; and how to take part in such opportunities as disaster assistance, training, etc. For more on the history of their chapter system, visit http://snipurl.com/arcchapters.
