Our Mission

“The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, 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 History

In 1896, at the time of the Spanish American War, several people in Woodbury formed the Woodbury Auxiliary of the Philadelphia Branch of the American National Red Cross. During this period, many articles were made and shipped to Philadelphia for distribution to the military.

Following the war, this organization was continued. In 1905, Mabel Boardman of the National Red Cross, working out of Washington, interested a New Jersey Senator in organizing a New Jersey State Red Cross Group and the Gloucester County Auxiliary was included in this organization until World War I. In 1917, several women became interested in this work and through their interest the American National Red Cross gave a charter to the Gloucester County Chapter. The Gloucester County Chapter has continued as an active organization since that time. It was the first organized Red Cross Group in the State of New Jersey.

Since World War II, the Chapter has increased programs and offerings in carrying out the Mission of the American Red Cross. Volunteers do the work in local communities and also help during national disasters as needed, in a variety of fields such as...

Our Services

Blood Program: Blood drives are conducted throughout the area to ensure blood will be available for those who need it whenever they become ill or injured. Blood is collected from donors and is then tested, processed and distributed to area hospitals by the PennJersey Region Blood Services.

Disaster Services: All Red Cross assistance is offered free of charge. The Red Cross provides immediate emergency aid in the form of food, shelter, and clothing to victims of disasters. The Red Cross also provides special assistance to victims of local disasters including mental health counseling and responding to inquiries made about the welfare of families located in disaster- affected areas. Additional services are available.

Armed Forces Emergency Services: The Red Cross is the emergency link between active duty military and their families, keeping them in touch following the death or illness of a family member, the birth of a child or in response to other family emergencies. Financial assistance may be provided to active duty members. Veterans may receive assistance in obtaining government benefits and referral for counseling services. The International Red Cross helps locate missing family members or friends separated by war and civil disturbances. We also help seek information about victims of the Holocaust. The Red Cross also delivers and transmits written messages to and from persons in refugee camps.

Transportation: In conjunction with the Gloucester County Special Transportation Service (STS) department, we transport patients to and from dialysis centers in the Gloucester County area.

Health and Safety Education: Our goal is to teach people how to respond to and prevent emergencies. We work to make our communities safer and healthier places in which to live and work. We offer a variety of safety programs for various age groups and also community and professional groups.

Youth Services: The Gloucester County Chapter of the American Red Cross has an active Youth Council. The activities include fund raising, community service, Health & Safety Training and Disaster Training. Meetings are held at the Gloucester County Library in Mullica Hill on the second Wednesday of each month. The Youth Council is open to students in eighth through 12th grades.