The Leavenworth County Chapter of the American Red Cross is the resource chapter in Kansas for Red Cross International Services. In this role the chapter provides advice on casework that is related to international services to other Red Cross jurisdiction in the state.

     The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Red Crescent Movement is a phrase that symbolizes the unity of all Red Cross work carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, more than 160 national Red Cross societies around the world, and the Magen David Adom in Israel.

     The mission of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is to relieve human suffering, wherever it may be found, to protect life and health, to ensure respect for the human being – particularly in times of armed conflict and natural disaster, to help prevent disease, to promote health and social welfare, and to encourage voluntary service.

     The fundamental principles of the Movement are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

Tracing relatives lost during disasters or wars to locate, reunite, and exchange messages between people separated from their loved ones.

Educating the public about international humanitarian law.

Responding with personnel, financial aid, and donations of products in response to appeals for relief assistance in armed conflicts and international disasters.

Helping to strengthen Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in other nations by sharing the expertise and resources of the American Red Cross.

     The Leavenworth County Chapter and chapters across the country carry out a variety of American Red Cross international services. Examples of such activities include youth programs, the creation of friendship boxes, and local fundraising efforts.

     One local fundraising effort that took place at Lansing High School will touch the lives of people recovering from devastating earthquakes thousands of miles away. In January 2001 a 7.6 magnitude earthquake hit El Salvador. As this small Latin nation went through the recovery process, incredibly it was hit by a second 6.6 quake on the one-month anniversary of the first quake, Feb. 13th. Seizing the opportunity to help those in need, thirty-one students in Spanish teacher Marla Spellman’s various Spanish classes began to fundraise for the residents of El Salvador immediately after the first quake hit in January.

     Many local businesses supported the students’ efforts by donating items for a silent auction they held at the school. In addition, the students also raised money through a raffle of other donated items.

   On March 16, Jo Burkett, Executive Director of the Leavenworth County Chapter of the American Red Cross met with five of the students on who participated in the fundraiser, and received a check earmarked for the victims of the El Salvador earthquake in the amount of $321.85. The Chapter is extremely grateful and tremendously proud of the efforts of these caring young people.