[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 149 (Thursday, October 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN RED CROSS OTTAWA COUNTY CHAPTER ON 100 YEARS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER HOEKSTRA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 15, 2009

  Mr. HOEKSTRA. Madam Speaker, I rise here today to congratulate Ottawa 
County's Red Cross on such a significant milestone--100 years serving 
Ottawa County.
  The American Red Cross of Ottawa County, a humanitarian organization 
led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the 
Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, 
provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, 
prepare for and respond to emergencies.
  The organization has helped people throughout the world, but closer 
to home it has provided residents of Ottawa County with tremendous 
help, whether it is emergency relief, offering health and safety 
classes or assisting active duty military personnel.
  It is rightfully proud of its record in preventing and relieving 
suffering, offering community assistance and offering compassionate 
services across the board.
  Most notably, it has facilitated in giving people the gift of life 
through countless blood drives every year. It is amazing that it is 
able to do all that it does with no taxpayer dollars, but by the 
generous donations of time, money and blood.
  Moving into the next 100 years of dedication to Ottawa County, 
ongoing fundraising and community partnerships are crucial to the Red 
Cross's ability to serve.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the American Red Cross Ottawa 
County on its celebration of a century of success.

                          ____________________