Tumwater honors volunteers in American Red Cross Month

The Tumwater City Council paid tribute to community volunteers as it proclaimed March 2022 as American Red Cross (ARC) Month.

In her proclamation, Mayor Debbie Sullivan recognized the relevance of Red Cross volunteers in "strengthening the community's resilience."

"In Tumwater, the contributions of local Red Cross volunteers give hope to the most vulnerable in their darkest hour," the proclamation read.

American Red Cross South Puget Sound and Olympics Chapter Board Member Manny Martinez joined the Council's Tuesday meeting to discuss updates on the projects of ARC.

"The Red Cross cannot do its job without its network of volunteers," Martinez said.

Martinez also encouraged the public to join blood donation drives to address the ongoing "severe blood crisis."

Tumwater Administrative Services Director James Trujillo said the City's Fire Department training rooms continue to serve as venues for blood donation drives in the City.

"We're happy to collaborate with ARC as we work to improve safety and wellness," Trujillo said.

In his proclamation of ARC month, Pres. Joe Biden also encouraged the public to answer ARC's call to donate blood and serve communities in need.

Meanwhile, Councilmember Angela Jefferson brought up her concern about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, to which Martinez clarified that the ARC is currently not sending responders in Ukraine. Still, they support the efforts of other involved chapters and the international federation of the Red Cross.