By: Paige Randall, American Red Cross Volunteer
On June 13th, the rooms at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Red Cross office were bustling as baskets were being assembled. Local philanthropic women picked up a small laundry basket and took it around to various stations, filling the basket with dish soap, toilet paper, washcloths, cutlery, and more. The back table of completed baskets began to pile up until the supplies started to run low. Some of the women volunteering filled baskets next to each other and chatted as they made their way through the line; others spoke to the various Red Cross workers and volunteers who were helping with the project.
These women are all local members or prospective members of Tiffany’s Circle, a select group made up of women who donate $10,000 or more annually to the Red Cross. Founded in 2007, the organization was named for the Tiffany stained glass windows in the Washington D.C Red Cross Building that came together by women doing fundraising in the early 20th century.
Now, the members of the modern Tiffany's Circle carry on that legacy of coming together for greater causes by learning and involving themselves in the work of both local and national Red Cross initiatives. Their agenda this day also included lunch, presentations, and afterwards, a quick tour of the military installation.
While eating, everyone had the chance to hear from Will Willis, director of the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and International Services (IS) programs for the Red Cross Northwest Region. He introduced the crowd to the work that local Red Cross volunteers and staff on JBLM do, including how they help soldiers and their families both at home and abroad.
The group next had the opportunity to hear from Debbie and Doc, two Washington locals who run a work and housing program for veterans. The presentations closed out with Leeland and Kimberly from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, the recipient of the baskets made.
“These [baskets] will be going to veterans who have received their vouchers and have found housing,” Kimberly explained. “They will be their ‘welcome home’ and reentry into permanent living.”
Though the women came together for the same purpose, they had various passions and motivations behind their philanthropic work. For example, Keely Reinhard, who is a board member with the Northwest Washington chapter, had known about the Red Cross for years, but until getting involved with the board in 2012, she hadn’t always seen the full scope of their efforts. After joining the board, she became acquainted with Tiffany’s Circle and started working towards becoming a member. “It was a cool way to get involved,” she said.
Her favorite part of her Red Cross involvement is hearing mission moments and inspiring stories. “I think every time I come to an event, I learn something new,” Keely said. “And of course, I love the camaraderie with the women. I’ve made some really good friends.”
One prospective member of Tiffany’s Circle said that while she was actively involved in many other organizations, this was her first big Red Cross event. “I’m passionate about women helping women,” she said, and what stands out to her about Tiffany’s Circle is the fellowship that the members have with one another.
Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about—a chance to give back while meeting others who have those same goals. While this was just one opportunity, the women of Tiffany’s Circle consistently are making a difference by working together for a greater cause: the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering. And at this event, they did this one basket at a time.
Learn more about the Tiffany Circle's involvement within the Northwest Region by clicking here.
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