Since Clara Barton established the American Red Cross in 1881, serving members of the military community has been at the heart of the Red Cross mission. While Louisville is home to one of three Service to the Armed Forces Emergency Call Centers in the world, volunteers throughout Kentucky help support active military, veterans and their families. Trained volunteer caseworkers follow up on emergency messages to our military to ensure soldiers and their families receive the support and services needed during their emergency. Volunteers also assist at Welcome Home and Deployment Ceremonies. During these ceremonies the Red Cross provides snacks and beverages for soldiers and families.
In addition to these ongoing duties, the Fort Knox office has developed programs catered to the needs of the military community on Fort Knox.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about our programs or to make a donation to programs offered at Fort Knox, please contact the American Red Cross Fort Knox office at (502) 624-2163. We accept cash, checks, gift cards and the items listed below. Donation receipts are available upon request. You can mail or bring your donation to the Red Cross Fort Knox office, 1131 Fifth Avenue, P.O. Box 996, Fort Knox, KY 40121.
Run for the Red is a 5K and 10K Run conducted on Fort Knox and ran completely within the military installation. Run for the Red is open to the public and held annually on the 2nd Saturday in May. The run begins and ends at the Post Exchange at 127 Gold Vault Road and includes family friendly activities with multiple vendors and resources available for all participants.
The Helping Hands Warrior Warehouse is an opportunity for financially challenged, active duty, rank E6 and below to shop at no cost for needed items, clothing, miscellaneous household items, furniture, baby items, toys, and other necessities. Free Shops are held the last full weekend of each month except November and December.
The Fort Knox Helping Hands program is available to provide food, clothing and household good assistance to military families with a financial need. Anyone with a military ID is eligible to receive help. This includes all branches of service (active , reserve and national guard) assigned to a Fort Knox unit and retired military that live in the Fort Knox area (Hardin and Meade counties). A valid military ID card must be presented at the time of service.
Helping Hands is run by dedicated volunteers who sort donations and set up food in the pantry during business hours. During the Thanksgiving Holiday Food Program (November 1-30th), volunteers help prepare food bags for families in need.
Hours:
The mission of Santa’s Workshop is to provide toys for military families who are financially challenged during the holiday season. With a little assistance from workshop elves, soldiers and spouses shop our inventory to find the best toys for their children. Each child receives two brand new toys, a book and stocking stuffers. Each family receives a board game which they can enjoy together.
Santa’s Workshop serves Fort Knox military families with children, who are currently living with the soldier and under the soldier’s DEER enrollment. Parents begin shopping at Santa’s Workshop around the first two weeks of December. Volunteers assist parents in selecting toys for their children. Volunteers are needed year-round to help shop for toys, re-stock and organize the workshop.
Applications and information about Santa’s Workshop are available at the office.
Hours:
Puppy Tales: Children have the opportunity to read to their furry friends. Puppy Tales is held at Barr Library on Fort Knox Army Base on the first Saturday of each month and at Elizabethtown Library on the second Saturday of each month. Teams must attend an additional workshop and complete an evaluation with the program coordinator to be eligible for program.
Welcome Home and Deployment Ceremonies:
Teams (the handler and dog) participate in a ceremony to either welcome home our troops or say farewell as troops deploy. There are no set times for either of these ceremonies. Due to security reasons, requests for teams to participate in these ceremonies can be last minute and late at night or early in the morning.
Nursing Homes, Adult Day Care, & other facilities:
Teams (handler & dog) visit these facilities on specific days which you will have access to a calendar so that you can volunteer. Date and length of visits vary depending on the facility.