The Red Cross is considered around the world for their good works when confronted with disasters. From tornados to hurricanes to wildfires, earthquakes and tsunamis, the Red Cross is oftentimes the earliest organization to respond and set up shelters and give basic needs to displaced people. The Red Cross is led by volunteers and is a humanitarian organization that steps in when emergencies and disasters happen and offer help and relief. In recent years, the Red Cross has broadened their endeavors beyond just disaster relief. The Red Cross offers services which help the needy; communications services and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of blood; educational programs on preparedness, health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

The Red Cross is run entirely by volunteers and sustained by community donations, income from their health and safety training and products and income from their blood programs. There are more than 650 nationwide Red Cross chapters with 36 blood services regions specializing in saving lives and helping people react to emergencies.

There are more than a million Red Cross volunteers who each year mobilize relief efforts around the globe. Statistically, the Red Cross responds to in excess of 67,000 disasters, train nearly 12 million people, and handle more than one million emergency messages for U.S. military personnel and their families. Hospitals count on the Red Cross too, as they are the biggest supplier of blood and blood products for more than 3,000 hospitals nationally.

When it comes to recognition, it is the Red Cross who comes to mind first for many individuals when disaster strikes. They are capable of mobilizing and dispatching relief with great speed and efficiency. The American Red Cross’s headquarters are in Washington, DC.