Non-Profit News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Winter Haven, FL (February 14, 2008) – The American Red Cross has been the nation’s top emergency response provider ever since Clara Barton founded it in 1881. Today, the American Red Cross is helping more victims than ever before. And the Red Cross chapter in Polk County, FL is no exception.

 As part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Polk County chapter has done its fair share of emergency relief. From the 2004 hurricane season to recent house fires, this nonprofit organization is out to make a difference with its donated dollars. Phil Attinger, Director of Public Relations, attributes the chapter’s success to volunteers, frugality and not surprisingly, press releases. 

“The Red Cross, on its most basic level, is here to help people in their community with whatever disaster they experience.” Said Attinger, 37. He worked as a volunteer with the American Red Cross for several years, then joined as an employee in June of 2006.

Offering disaster relief, health and safety training, armed forces communication, and international social services, the American Red Cross has broad goals. But in the midst of its numerous programs, the Red Cross has certainly pinpointed its purpose.

“When volunteers created the American Red Cross, their intention was not to be a successful nonprofit organization. Their intention was just to be there. It’s our job to provide aid in a situation when people feel helpless.” said Attinger.

Disaster services in the American Red Cross provide immediate food, water, shelter, and clothing for victims. Health and safety services include classes in CPR, first aid, HIV-AIDS awareness, and other life-saving abilities. Through their links in the armed forces, the Red Cross is able to convey emergency messages to and from troops worldwide. Finally, as part of the International Red Cross Movement, the Red Cross is dedicated to protecting and aiding victims of war and violence worldwide.

As an individual chapter in the Red Cross network, Polk County has stayed busy. From July 2006-June 2007, the Polk County American Red Cross responded to 166 local disasters in Polk and Highlands County, including 154 house fires, according to their website. Their chapter also offered 1,350 lifesaving skills classes, as well as provided emergency contact for 386 families.

With such extensive programming and events, the American Red Cross is a commendable organization. And according to Attinger, their success is no accident.

Attinger emphasizes volunteer involvement as the most significant success factor in this nonprofit organization: the Red Cross in Polk County has approximately 630 volunteers. According to their website, this large volunteer core makes up 97% of their workforce.

“We are a volunteer organization. That’s the only way we can do what we do.” said Attinger.

 

In addition to volunteer involvement, Attinger lists media coverage as a step to non-profit success.

“For a nonprofit organization, the ground work you lay with the media is essential for success.” said Attinger. Coming from a prior career in journalism under the Highlands County News-Sun, Attinger understands the importance of media coverage for successful nonprofit organizations. He estimates that fifty percent of his press releases result in a media mention of the Polk County Chapter.

“For a nonprofit, volunteer organization that nearly everyone knows something about already, it’s just comforting for them to know we are here.” Attinger said. 

Finally, Attinger hints at frugality as a source for success for Polk County’s Red Cross. Rather than receive government funding, the American Red Cross is financed entirely through donations. Even the forty percent of funding received from United Way is sponsored through private donations, according to Attinger. However, even with community generosity, Attinger acknowledges that thriftiness is important for nonprofits.

“We pool all the resources we have, and then we stretch them. That’s one big thing that has made the Red Cross a success.” said Attinger.  

For more information on the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter, follow the link to polkcountyfl.redcross.org.

 

All pictures copyright American Red Cross Polk County Chapter.