Facts about the American Red Cross

• The Red Cross is NOT a Federal Agency. We are a private, non-profit organization that receives approximately 24% of our budget through the United Way.
   
• Although the Red Cross is chartered by Congress as America's leading private disaster relief organization, we receive NO Federal budget subsidies.
   
• The Red Cross is the largest volunteer organization in the United States. At all levels, volunteers direct Red Cross programs and services. In Greenville, Abbeville, Greenwood, and Laurens Counties, over 1,200 men and women dedicate their time to serving others. We are truly an organization of neighbors helping neighbors.
   
• Victims never pay fees for American Red Cross disaster assistance. All Red Cross disaster relief is made possible through gifts from the American people.
   
• The American Red Cross joins with Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from more than 170 countries to provide prompt, well-coordinated humanitarian services to those in need around the world. As part of this international organization, we send goods, volunteers, and expertise to relieve disaster victims wherever there is human need.
   
• As part of the International Red Cross Movement, the American Red Cross is governed by the principles of Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.
   
• While all Red Cross services meet National standards, no two chapters are exactly the same. The Upstate South Carolina Chapter reflects the needs of our community. All Red Cross units offer Disaster Services; Health, Safety and Community Services; Armed Forces Emergency Services; and International Tracing Services.
   
• Each year, the Upstate South Carolina Chapter responds to more than 200 local disasters; certifies thousands in CPR and First Aid; trains hundreds through courses water safety, life guarding, and Nurse Assistant Training; and serves as a communication link to service personnel and their families by providing birth announcements, death notifications, and critical illness messages.