Arcadia
California
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Arcadia American Red Cross
History
Beginnings
What we know today as the Arcadia Chapter of the American Red Cross had its beginning as the "Arcadia Committee" of the Los Angeles Chapter in 1917. Community leaders supported the affiliation, and were early Red Cross leaders in providing services to the military as well as to their own community.
Early Activity
The group met in various places about town, and was primarily occupied with the making of garments. In 1929, the term "Committee" was changed to "Branch" and in the same year, the group was allocated quantities of Army surplus food, clothing, and other supplies for local distribution to families in need.
A New Name
The Arcadia Branch was transferred from Los Angles to the Pasadena Chapter in 1936; then in 1939 its annual fund campaigns were divided from the Community Chest and conducted independently.
World War
World War Two caused dramatic expansion of the services of the Arcadia Branch, until hundreds of volunteers were engaged in its various activities which included sewing and knitting, first aid classes, as well as classes for home nursing, nutrition and canteen instruction. There was training for "Gray Ladies" and nurses aides, with service being rendered at McCormack General Hospital formerly Pasadena Area Station Hospital and Santa Anita Race Track.
One of the marvels of the Arcadia Branch was its output of surgical dressings. Sixteen supervisors for this department were specially trained and in taking their posts worked steadily through the long months until the war's end. With hundreds of workers, a production of over a million dressings was turned out, a splendid contribution to the needs of war.
Disaster emergency stations were set up, fully stocked with provisions and first aid supplies. Cots, blankets and dressings were stored nearby. Motor services was inaugurated with members using their own cars.
Salute to Volunteers
It is estimated that 97% of the work of the American Red Cross is done by volunteers. This is true today in the Arcadia Chapter. Red Cross exists here and throughout our country and the world solely due to the gifts of time, talent and financial support of volunteers. Enclosed is a current list of services.
Beginnings
What we know today as the Arcadia Chapter of the American Red Cross had its beginning as the "Arcadia Committee" of the Los Angeles Chapter in 1917. Community leaders supported the affiliation, and were early Red Cross leaders in providing services to the military as well as to their own community.
Early Activity
The group met in various places about town, and was primarily occupied with the making of garments. In 1929, the term "Committee" was changed to "Branch" and in the same year, the group was allocated quantities of Army surplus food, clothing, and other supplies for local distribution to families in need.
A New Name
The Arcadia Branch was transferred from Los Angles to the Pasadena Chapter in 1936; then in 1939 its annual fund campaigns were divided from the Community Chest and conducted independently.
World War
World War Two caused dramatic expansion of the services of the Arcadia Branch, until hundreds of volunteers were engaged in its various activities which included sewing and knitting, first aid classes, as well as classes for home nursing, nutrition and canteen instruction. There was training for "Gray Ladies" and nurses aides, with service being rendered at McCormack General Hospital formerly Pasadena Area Station Hospital and Santa Anita Race Track.
One of the marvels of the Arcadia Branch was its output of surgical dressings. Sixteen supervisors for this department were specially trained and in taking their posts worked steadily through the long months until the war's end. With hundreds of workers, a production of over a million dressings was turned out, a splendid contribution to the needs of war.
Disaster emergency stations were set up, fully stocked with provisions and first aid supplies. Cots, blankets and dressings were stored nearby. Motor services was inaugurated with members using their own cars.
Salute to Volunteers
It is estimated that 97% of the work of the American Red Cross is done by volunteers. This is true today in the Arcadia Chapter. Red Cross exists here and throughout our country and the world solely due to the gifts of time, talent and financial support of volunteers. Enclosed is a current list of services.