By Suzanne Lawler, Regional Communications Manager
It may seem unlikely that a warehouse could become a beacon of hope, resiliency and unity, but that’s exactly what the American Red Cross facility in Savannah is poised to do.
The project marks a gateway to the future for the Southeast Georgia Chapter of the Red Cross, ushering in a bold new era in a history that stretches back to the early 1900s.
“I think this building, this facility, this location is going to take us into the next 108 years because this chapter was founded in 1917,” said Maria Center, Executive Director of the Southeast Georgia Chapter.
Now the Red Cross is reimagining its future by uniting the chapter office and warehouse into a state-of-the-art operations center, a hub designed to amplify impact, accelerate response and save more than $200,000 annually.
“There are so many good things about this move,” Center said. “Humanitarian services and biomedical operations will all be conducted out of this facility. We think this location will improve our disaster response capabilities. We have a dedicated room for meetings with clients. It’s just a perfect location and a great move for the Red Cross.”
Bathed in red and gray, the nearly 12,000-square-foot building at the intersection of East President Street and Woodcock Road features sustainable design elements and serves as a hub for community access, emergency response and lifesaving services. It will keep its warehouse component with shelves of critical supplies stretching up toward the sky, ready on a moment’s notice.
Maria Center, Executive Director of the Southeast Georgia Chapter, stands in front of the new Red Cross operations center.
A large community room is flanked by a row of beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the woods. Out back, plenty of green space will house Red Cross response vehicles and disaster trailers.
“I’m excited about it,” said Brenda Bergeron, a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer.
Bergeron and her husband, Jeff, respond to home fires at all hours, providing relief and hope to people after disasters. They routinely visit a Red Cross facility to stock their car with supplies such as blankets, toiletries and teddy bears to hand out after a tragedy. Bergeron, who views her volunteerism as a way to give back, believes the new space will make their work easier.
“It’s impactful because it gives all of us in the Red Cross a place to meet, pick up supplies and connect with the people we need,” she said. “It’s like a home base, not just for Savannah, but for the entire chapter.”
For generations, the red-and-white emblem of the Red Cross has signaled hope and help in southeast Georgia. Whether responding to floods, hurricanes, fires or public health emergencies, the chapter has remained a trusted partner in times of need. By mobilizing the power of over 300 volunteers, the chapter provides direct service to 18 counties.
“Our staff and volunteers can serve neighbors in need and deliver on the Red Cross mission like never before,” Center said. “Together, we are building hope for the future and strengthening our ability to respond.”
These four walls stand as more than a structure, they’re a foundation for hope, a lifeline for those in need and a beacon of strength for southeast Georgia.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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