Historical September 1993 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The American Red Cross certainly has been in the news this summer.
The Red Cross’ involvement in helping people during the great flood of ’93 has been well documented almost every night on the evening news. Volunteers from the Red Cross have helped to feed and shelter thousands during the long and trying flood.
But did you know that the Red Cross has a volunteer program active in our neighborhood?
For several years at Grace United Methodist Church and now at 5615 Pershing, volunteers help at ‘the Daily Care Center–one of three serving the city of St. Louis.
The Times recently visited the center “The morning pot of coffee is always ready from 7 a.m. – 11 a.m.! ” welcomed Lynne Cannon, Volunteer Coordinator. So over a cup of coffee we met some friendly people who are the participants in the American Red Cross Adult Day Care program. Ages range from 23 to 93 years. Participants attend because they need a safe and supervised place to be during the day: 7 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
But those who attend have found more than that!
They ‘ve found interaction with others, enjoyment, a day community of friendly people. Ms. Cannon acknowledges that the adults who attend want to share and give of themselves as well as receive.
They eagerly respond to opportunities to reach out to others. Every month some participants make and decorate 50 cards for Regional Hospital’s meal trays.
Some Skinker-DeBaliviere neighbors are already sharing their skills from friendly listening to gardening to discussion groups.
There is a definite need for more volunteers. Do you want to make a one-to-one connection, to share your interests, to enrich yourself? So, why don’t you. take up Lynne’s invitation for a cup of coffee and find out more about the Red Cross Daily Care Center? Whether you decide to volunteer or not you’ll enjoy the visit and see for yourself the good work done by both staff and volunteers of the American Red Cross.
Here is a Wish List – some things that you might be willing and able to do:
- Help set-up and serve meals
- Go on field trips and neighborhood walks
- Be an extra pair of hands to assist staff with activities
- Provide one-to-one companionship
- Play cards, checkers or table games
- Answer telephone
- Type
- Be a receptionist
- Share your hobby (cooking, singing, dancing)
- Be a tutor
- Read a current novel out loud to individuals or groups
- Help develop special programs
- Contribute marketing skills
- Share computer expertise
- Show slides, pictures, or videos of your favorite vacation travel
- Become an artist or musician-in-residence If you want to volunteer, once a week or for one hour, just stop by for a cup of coffee or call Lynne Cannon at 454-3941,
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1993.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1993_09.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
