About the American Red Cross, Brown County Chapter
The Brown County Chapter: History of Helping Others
The Brown County Chapter was started at the beginning of World War I in 1914. This chapter has the unique distinction of having $7,500 appropriated by the county commissioners in 1918 to carry on Red Cross work. H.W. Jewett was elected the first president of the Brown County Chapter in 1914 and continued in this capacity until 1922. Members of the chapter met troop trains with treats.
August 19, 1943 was the first day of operation of the famous “Pheasant Canteen.” The Red Cross sponsored the canteen at the Milwaukee Railroad depot to provide food and drink to servicemen and women traveling through Aberdeen. Pheasants were abundant during this period and delicious sandwiches were made from them. Travelers from other sections of the country thought this was a rare treat hence the name “Pheasant Canteen.” During the first years of operation, 150,000 service personnel were served. Through many donations of money and food, the canteen was self-sufficient within a month. Newspapers all over the country paid tribute to Aberdeen’s hospitality and service papers in all combat theaters added their plaudits.
The Brown County Chapter of Red Cross does not stop functioning during peaceful times. Volunteers are trained to handle disasters. Equipment must be constantly checked and updated in the event a disaster situation would occur. Red Cross volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to prevent and minimize human suffering.
The local chapter has over 3,000 people each year take part in the various levels of the water safety program. This program is the only nationally recognized water safety program in the area. Red Cross CPR and first aid courses, along with other health and safety programs, are given to over 2,000 people each year. These courses are taught by qualified personnel to assure safer communities in the area. The American Red Cross and the Brown County Chapter continually evaluate their instructors and courses to assure that an updated and quality program is being presented.
The Gray Ladies, under the auspices of the Red Cross, are volunteers who make items such as lap robes, bed socks, saddlebags for wheelchairs, tray favors, etc for VA hospitals. They make many items for service clubs, the Red Cross health fair and nursing home sales. They Gray Ladies also provide many services at the local hospitals and nursing homes. They are a very active segment of the local chapter.
Through the years, teenagers have participated in a variety of volunteering service through the local chapter. In 1998, the Youth Board was founded. In 1999 they decided to expand their horizons and change their name to the Red Cross Teen Leadership Council (LTC). Training is provided so that they will be able to help open shelters in the time of disaster. They also are provided the opportunity to receive training in Red Cross CPR and first aid. These skills will provide them with a lifetime of volunteer opportunities and can be used throughout the United States.
The Brown County Chapter sponsors and annual Health Fair. Over 1,500 people participate in this fair annually. The local chapter’s main fundraiser is the Brown County Fair’s Chili Cook-off. The local chapter exists entirely through volunteer funding and volunteer workers.
The Brown County Chapter’s office is located at 1024 South Lawson St.. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The chapter’s phone number is 605-225-9664.
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