WHAT WE DO   The Red Cross brings together local volunteers to care for their neighbors, trains 70,000 people each year in life-saving skills, and responds to a local disaster once every 48 hours.  With offices in Seattle and Bremerton, we serve the people, businesses and communities of King, Kitsap and North Mason counties.   HOW WE DO IT   Through the efforts of 63 full- and part-time employees and nearly 1,500 volunteers, we provide: Immediate, short-term disaster assistance for victims of fires, floods, earthquakes and other natural or man-made disasters Community disaster education Safety classes for adults and youth Workplace preparedness and training Emergency kits and supplies International communication to locate family members separated by disaster or warfare. Emergency communication for military families Patient and staff support at Naval Hospital Bremerton Language translation and interpretation The chapter also mobilizes local volunteers and resources to help respond to disasters across the nation and around the world.   HISTORY AND LEADERSHIP   The local chapter dates back more than a century. The Seattle-King County Chapter, founded in 1898 and the Kitsap Chapter, founded in 1925, merged together in 2002 to provide more effective services for our local communities. Today, a 36-member Board of Directors consisting of local community and business leaders sets the direction and policies for the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties. Randy Hutson is the chapter’s chief executive officer.   THE RED CROSS MOVEMENT   The Red Cross is an international humanitarian Movement dedicated to saving lives.  The local chapter is one of nearly 700 chapters across the United States that form the American Red Cross with national headquarters located in Washington D.C. The American Red Cross is a member of the Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies , which is made up of 185 national societies around the world. The International Committee of the Red Cross coordinates international relief efforts and helps protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and violence. Together, we are guided by our Fundamental Principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. OUR CONGRESSIONAL CHARTER   The American Red Cross is not a government organization. We are a nonprofit organization mandated by Congress to provide short-term emergency relief for natural or manmade disasters. During a disaster, the organization works closely with government agencies and other nonprofit organizations to coordinate services, but remains politically neutral and impartial.  The Red Cross receives very little money from the government. In fact, more than 95% of local Red Cross funding comes from the generosity of individuals, businesses and community foundations.   OUR CHAPTER BY THE NUMBERS   In FY 2009, the local Red Cross chapter: Provided more than 38,655 meals and snacks and 3,864 shelter nights to local individuals who suffered from a disaster. Brought together 1,460 local volunteers who gave 174,157 service hours of time and expertise.  Conducted 6,814 health and safety classes for 70,367 participants. Helped 19,848 youth and community members prepare for disasters. Sold more than 1,752 emergency kits and supplies. Assisted 963 military families with emergency communications, welfare inquires and other services. Translated documents and provided language interpretation services for 2,652 people.