The Hopewell-Prince George Chapter of the American Red Cross was chartered in 1917. This humanitarian organization is most commonly known for assisting in times of disaster, and providing emergency services for the armed forces and their families. In 2007, the local chapter assisted 20 families due to house fires, and 174 families for other various emergencies. Also during this time, 16 blood drives were held, collecting 484 units of blood

In addition to providing support during crisis situations, it is the behind-the-scene efforts of the Red Cross that make this organization so valuable to the community. We teach our neighbors lifesaving skills in First Aid, CPR, and water safety. We offer babysitter training as well as 20 disaster education classes for our community at no charge. Volunteers from the local chapter of the Red Cross offer many valuable hours at John Randolph Medical Center, the Nursing Home, on Fort Lee Military post and in our office. Opportunity to help with disaster response and with blood drives are always available.

Funding for the Hopewell-Prince George Chapter of the American Red Cross is through the generosity of our community, and the United Way of Hopewell-Prince George County campaign. The John Randolph Foundation, Cameron Foundation and Philip Morris Employee Community Fund, along with Verizon give support to the Hopewell-Prince George Chapter of the American Red Cross as well. Mary Atterholt, Executive Director of the local chapter acknowledges it is only with the generous support of all of our partners that we are able to continue the quality of services the City of Hopewell and Prince George County have come to expect.

The local chapter has three paid staff members and 95 active volunteers to provide their much-needed services to the community. As with most community service organizations, volunteers are always in demand. If you can spare time to help others, or would like additional information, call the local chapter of the American Red Cross at 458-6007.