[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 83 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 30, 2014

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendously 
positive impact the American Red Cross has on my congressional 
district.
  Earlier this month, my constituents in the Southern Tier and Finger 
Lakes regions of New York endured disastrous levels of flooding. Upon 
finding their homes severely damaged, hundreds of people sought refuge 
at local Red Cross shelters.
  I had the opportunity to visit the areas in Yates County hit hardest 
by the storm and was humbled by the outpouring of care and support 
provided by the Red Cross. As it has done countless times in the past, 
the Red Cross responded immediately to provide critical resources and 
assistance to our friends, families, and neighbors who were affected by 
the damaging floods. With the help of the Red Cross, these communities 
were able to pull together to support each other and overcome the 
challenges caused by the flooding.
  Since its founding in 1881, the Red Cross has consistently provided 
excellent care and relief to those who need it most. Throughout wars, 
famines, and natural disasters, the staff and volunteers from the Red 
Cross put themselves on the front lines to help the victims of these 
tragedies through their times of need. Each year, the American Red 
Cross responds to over 70,000 catastrophes all over the world, 
providing emergency relief to those impacted. In addition to providing 
temporary housing, warm meals, medical assistance, and emergency blood 
supplies, the Red Cross deploys mobile response units to help ease 
suffering during disasters.
  I thank the staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross for 
serving as ``real heroes'' in our community, our country, and 
throughout the world. I commend their dedication to ensuring the safety 
and well-being of each person in need, especially in New York's 23rd 
Congressional District.

                          ____________________