American Red Cross-Greenwich Chapter

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Our Principles

Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary Service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

Our History

The Greenwich Chapter was originally chartered on November 12, 1914. By national standards and requirements, the Chapter was re-chartered on October 30, 1994 and most recently on October 30, 1999. Our first Chair, Alfred G. Smith, and his Board presided over the communities of Greenwich, Old Greenwich, Byram, Cos Cob, Glenville, and Riverside from 1914 to 1922. 37 Board Chairs later, Gina Pate Pierce, current chair, and the Board of Directors oversee all chapter activities.

Approximately 800 volunteers and 10 paid staff members provide American Red Cross services and programs to over 60,000 in the town of Greenwich. For more than 50 years, our location on East Putnam Avenue provided a family atmosphere for the many clients and volunteers from the area. In June of 2003, we moved into our new headquarters at 99 Indian Field Road that includes a disaster staging area, a transportation lounge and a modern community training center for the many classes our chapter provides.

This year the Greenwich Chapter celebrates its 95th anniversary serving the community! The staff and volunteers at the Chapter look forward to serving the businesses, schools, organizations and families in the Greenwich area for the next 95 years!

Volunteer opportunities available in various areas of service.

Please see our website at:  www.greenwichredcross.org