- Conversation with the Red Cross - Friday, September 23, 2005 Red Cross: Hello, how can we help you? Me: Hi, this is Kelly from the ____ ____ Sheriff's Office. I'm calling in reference to a family who lost their home and all possesions as the result of a house fire. They have no insurance. RC: Ok, tell me where it's at. Me: It's at _____ _____ address. RC: Ok, let me transfer you to our coordinator. Me: Ok. On hold. Me: (Thinking to myself) Geeze, did they put me on hold or on ignore? RC: Hello, this is so & so, can I help you. Me: Uhh, yes...I'm calling about the house fire (re-explain what I told the first lady) RC: Ok, do they have a place to stay for the night? Me: Yes, they have a place for the night but are unsure as far as after tomorrow. RC: Ok, so what do you want us to do? Me: (IN SHOCK) Umm, what do you mean? I am calling the Red Cross, right? RC: Yes, but I have to call in some volunteers if they need help. Me: (Getting adgitated) Ok, start calling, they're going to need some assistance. RC: Can I talk to the victims? Me: (handing the phone over) "Hello" he says. Hi, this is the RC, what can we help you with? "Well, I'm not really sure, I'm standing here watching my house burn...(it's literally still in flames), I guess with whatever help you provide. I'm still in shock. RC: Ok Mr. so & so (they say the wrong last name) we'll try to find some help for you... Well, the victim hands the phone back to me in complete confusion. Now, I'm pissed, to say the least. WTF is the Red Cross for, if they're not willing to help? I've dealt with the Red Cross many times when they respond within 24 hours with food, clothing, gift cards, etc...I mean, this family did not have insurance...they needed help! I understand that the Red Cross itself is pretty taxed right now, but they must remember their community roots and without this community, they may not have the volunteers and finances they have to help others.

posted by VRA @ 7:31 PM 1 Comments: At 2:37 PM,  Anonymous said... Are they really that bad? My friend from church works for them. I started playfully ripping on them but she didn't laugh. Not that she got mad or anything. I don't know. Insane...   Post a Comment << Home