To the Editor:

My name is Angela Wohlschlegel and I am a student in the Community Health program at SUNY Potsdam. Community Health students are required to do two: seven-week internships, at a Community Health site of their choice. After looking at various internships around the Potsdam area, it was clear that I wanted to intern at the American Red Cross of Northern New York.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and is guided by its congressional charter and the principles of the International Red Cross movement. The American Red Cross of Northern New York, led by 501 volunteers and four staff, serves 250,613 people in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties.

The American Red Cross provides relief to victims of disasters at home and abroad, collects and distributes nearly half of the nation’s blood supply, teaches lifesaving skills, and supports military members and their families. It is the mission of the American Red Cross to be there and help those who are in need.

Whether disaster strikes a huge area affecting thousands of people or just one family in the middle of the night, our job is never done; people always need us, every single day.

The American Red Cross is a non-profit organization and not a government agency. It depends on voluntary contributions of time, money and blood donations to perform its humanitarian mission. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. So, we rely on the assistance of caring supporters like you to deliver our critical services. We need volunteers, donors, interns, anyone who is willing to lend us their time, to give support to those in need.

Benefits of Volunteering or Interning at the American Red Cross

• Both volunteer and internship work look great on resumes.

• The volunteer or intern will have the opportunity to attend any training sessions we offer.

• The volunteer or intern will have the chance to learn all about the services offered.

• Joining this organization will be a rewarding experience.

• It is a great way to gain experience that may help create paths to future jobs.

• There are fundraising events that are fun and provide social networks.

• The volunteer or intern will have the privilege of helping others.

Change a life, starting with your own.

If you are interested in the American Red Cross of Northern New York, please contact: Olga Grant, Branch Office, 73 Market Street, PO Box 627, Potsdam, NY 13676, Phone 268-0102

Angela Wohlschlege, Student Intern
American Red Cross of Northern New York