[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S12042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE CHESTER-WALLINGFORD CHAPTER OF THE 
                           AMERICAN RED CROSS

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 
Chester-Wallingford chapter of the American Red Cross. The third oldest 
Red Cross chapter in the United States, this organization will, in 
1998, celebrate 100 years of continuous service to the community.
  With 400 volunteers and 4 staff members, the Chester-Wallingford 
Chapter carries out the Red Cross's mission of ``providing relief to 
victims of disasters and helping people prevent, prepare for, and 
respond to emergencies.'' Following disasters, the Red Cross supplies 
victims with groceries, clothing, temporary housing, transportation, 
and medicine. Blood drives are another important initiative. Every 2 
seconds, somebody needs a blood transfusion. The Chester-Wallingford 
chapter proudly helps satisfy this need by providing thousands of 
gallons of blood to area hospitals. As members of our Nation's Armed 
Forces serve overseas, the Red Cross facilitates communication between 
the soldiers and their families. Other public services provided by this 
organization include first aid, CPR, and swimming lessons.
  The Chester-Wallingford chapter has helped soldiers and veterans of 
WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm in times of need. The Red 
Cross has provided financial assistance to servicemen and servicewomen 
for emergency travel, health needs, and in some cases, burial 
assistance. Likewise, dedicated workers and volunteers have helped many 
veterans settle benefit claims. Finally, the Chester-Wallingford 
chapter has provided numerous supportive services to patients in VA 
hospitals.
  Mr. President, I commend the Chester-Wallingford chapter of the 
American Red Cross for its commitment to the people of southeastern 
Pennsylvania. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending the Senate's 
best wishes for continued success to the staff and volunteers as they 
prepare to celebrate the chapter's centennial.

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