The Muskegon Chapter of the American Red Cross was founded in 1917. In 1917, during the uproar of World War I, Red Cross volunteers were busy rolling bandages, knitting socks and helmet liners, oganizing fund raising activities, and assisting with other humanitarian projects. During World War II, the Chapter developed First Aid and Nurse training programs and continued with their efforts of knitting comfort items for soldiers.
While dwelling in the Hackley House, the blood services program was developed (1948) and the on going commitment of weekly blood drives was a main goal. Some of the burden of fund raising was taken away from the Chapter in 1965, when the partnership with United Way began. In the heat of the Vietnam War (1966), Muskegon Chapter volunteers were involved in sending and receiving messages between soldiers and family members, tape recording messages, organizing comfort kits, arranging leaves of absence, and much more.
In 1967 the Chapter moved from the Hackley House to the current campus of 313 W. Webster, because of the continued growth of the organization. In 1973, the Oceana Chapter of the Red Cross joined forces with the Muskegon Chapter to provide better service to residents in the rural community. In 1976, Muskegon-Oceana Chapter Blood Services joined forces with Blood Services at the Lansing Red Cross and eventually became one of the Distribution Centers for the Great Lakes Regional Blood Services. This regionalized service makes blood collecting, processing, and distribution more cost effective. Expansion of services such as swimming, health, first aid, CPR, and youth classes were occuring during the 70's and 80's.
In 1983, collaboration with the Red Cross designed the Heat Bank program to provide families with financial assistance with winter heating costs. TheSenior Transportation Service program was developed in 1986. The 9-1-1 Sign program began in 1995.
Newaygo Annexation
Background
The Newaygo County Chapter of the American Red Cross was an all volunteer chapter since receiving its national charter in 1917. Traditional Red Cross services were provided by a dedicated core of volunteers. Management and administrative responsibilities were carried out by the volunteer Board of Directors.
In 1996 the Board of Directors of the Newaygo County Chapter requested that the Muskegon-Oceana Chapter consider a consolidation of the two chapters. The request was precipitated upon the determination by the Newaygo Board of Directors that the management, administrative, fund-raising and reporting requirements expected by the National Red Cross to maintain the Red Cross charter could not be met without assistance. The Newaygo board had developed a long and friendly relationship with the Muskegon-Oceana Chapter over the years and determined that aligning with them was the best thing to do for residents of Newaygo County.
The Muskegon-Oceana Board of Directors, feeling a close kinship to the Newaygo area, agreed to accept the request and immediately began working to continue to support those services already being provided and evaluating how to enhance service delivery.
Over the next few years, tremendous growth in service delivery was seen in Newaygo County. First, funding was requested and received from the Fremont Foundation. Other sophisticated fundraising techniques were implemented. A Service Center Manager was hired, and an office opened. Services were expanded to the entire county.
Current Status
The initial objective with the consolidation of the two chapters was to assure quality Red Cross services to all areas of Newaygo County on a fair and consistent basis while meeting all quality and performance standards required by the National Red Cross.
With the support of the local volunteers, coupled with leadership, administrative oversight, and service delivery support from the Muskegon-Oceana Chapter, the combined entity is well on its way to meeting our objective.
The Name
Beginning on July 1, 2000, the National Red Cross officially approved annexation of Newaygo County by the Muskegon Oceana Chapter. From now on we will all be responsible to meet the national requirements outlined in the National Indicators of Chapter Performance, and the Chapter's re-chartering requirements which are reviewed every five years.
The Chapter name we are using, the "American Red Cross Serving Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo Counties," is based on our research and successful experience in securing funding, raising money, getting media coverage, and recruiting volunteers and blood donors.
We will continue to integrate our new name into everything we do. However, you still may see either "Muskegon-Oceana Chapter" or "Serving Newaygo" letterhead as we deplete our current stock.
The Vision
The ultimate vision is that as a group of three counties, all acting as one, we can provide quality, effective, and efficient service to the people we serve regardless of where they live, work, or play. Together, we can ensure that we continue to save lives and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies and position the Red Cross as one of the leading human services organization that is prepared to meet any challenges the future may bring.
