When we began writing THE SHADOW OF MUDFLAP, we knew that it was going to be a book for charity. We weren't sure at first what charity we wanted that to be, though. But as the story progressed, with an emphasis on first responders, we realized the obvious answer for our charity was the Red Cross.
ALL the proceeds from the sale of THE SHADOW OF MUDFLAP will be donated to the Lubbock, TX chapter of the American Red Cross.
The following information was provided to me by Shannon Smith, the Executive Director of the South Plains Chapter.
Mission StatementThe American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. We provide disaster relief, health and safety training, and service to military families.
HistoryThe Lubbock County Chapter of the American Red Cross was chartered on August 8, 1917 by President Woodrow Wilson and proudly serves the counties of Bailey, Cochran, Crosby, Dickens, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, King, Lamb, Lubbock, Lynn, Motley, Terry and Yoakum.
South Plains Regional Chapter OverviewThe Red Cross is like no other organization. We empower ordinary people to perform extraordinary acts in the face of emergencies. We train. We mobilize. We connect donors and volunteers to those in urgent need of a helping hand. Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane or a heart attack, a call for blood or a call for help, the Red Cross is there.
On call 24/7 to provide immediate care and comfort to those affected by disaster, whether it is a single family going through the trauma of a house fire, or an entire community facing the aftermath of a tornado, hurricane or flood, the Red Cross is able to be a first responder providing food, shelter and emotional support.
When a U.S. service member is deployed and a crisis happens at home, the American Red Cross uses its network across the U.S. as well as offices on military installations around the world to provide emergency communications and referral services. Last year, local volunteers and staff provided over 42 emergency communications and additional services for our military families.
The Red Cross measures disaster readiness in three ways: developing human resources, increasing material resources, and building community partnerships. We rely on local volunteers who have the leadership and technical expertise necessary to deliver and manage an effective disaster response. To reduce the time between an event and when supplies reach people in need, we pre-position items such as cots, blankets, and first-aid kits throughout the region, and we have agreements in place with food suppliers acrossTexasso that we can provide mass feeding at a moment’s notice.
With 95 years of serving Lubbock and the South Plains region, the American Red Cross is a critical and integral member of the community infrastructure. We are a stakeholder and vital provider, collaborating with others to provide support to and strengthen the community at large.
A Stronger Red Cross for Lubbock and the South Plains RegionTogether, in 15 counties from Bailey to Lubbock to Yoakum, and stretching across the North Texas Region, we are the American Red Cross, South Plains Regional Chapter and our mission is vast and critical. No other organization provides the depth of humanitarian services the Red Cross provides with your support.
Each day brings new disasters and people count on us to be there with food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials. We’re in communities every day teaching life-saving skills, providing resources for members of the armed forces, helping international families in crisis, and aiding efforts to maintain a safe and ready blood supply.
The Call for Support
The American Red Cross South Plains Regional Chapter has approximately125 volunteers that deliver our services 365 days a year / 24 hours a day supported by 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff. The Red Cross empowers our volunteers to achieve our mission in the South Plains and exists solely through the support of the local community. It is only through the donation of time, talent and financial support by the community that Red Cross is able to provide life-saving services.
Red Cross volunteers and paid staff throughout Texas and the nation are working together as never before to help Texans prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Our ability to care for people in Lubbock and across the South Plains depends upon building and strengthening partnerships, and engaging more volunteers and donors as Red Cross supporters. With your help, we can build a stronger, more sustainable Red Cross.
Of course, we'd love for you to help support the Red Cross by purchasing our book (buy links will be up SOON), but in the meantime the Red Cross can always use your donations. The button below will take you to a link where you can donate.
