Colonial Crossroads Volunteers Sew for Veterans

This week the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross salutes all veterans who, throughout our nation's history, have so valiantly and selflessly served our country.

The Red Cross has a long history of service to our military and our local Chapter also has a unique history of service through the production of medical supplies and comfort items. During World War I, Mrs. Wharton Green, a distant relative of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, formed a committee to produce hospital garments and supplies, surgical dressings, knitted garments, and comfort kits for Overlook Hospital and the war relief effort. From 1917-1919, Mrs. Green and seven friends produced over 20,000 knitted garments.

Throughout the war, these local Red Cross volunteers also created over 300,000 surgical dressings and over 22,000 hospital garments, receiving notoriety by designing a special splint bandage that was adopted as a standard by the national headquarters of the American Red Cross.

Today, the Colonial Crossroads Chapter continues its tradition in service of the many men and women from our area currently at Lyons Veterans Hospital by sewing comfort items for the patients and by hosting social events such as picnics, birthday parties, and barbeques. Last year, volunteers made over 170 bibs from donated towels, providing a sense of comfort and home.

Across the globe and right here in our community, Red Cross workers provide an essential communication link between family members and those in active military service. Our Chapter assisted more than 20 local military service personnel and their families last year channeling critical information during urgent family emergencies, such as birth, death and medical crisis.

The Colonial Crossroad Chapter, which serves the residents of Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit, remains steadfastly committed to supporting the dedicated men and women who have served, and continue be of service to, our nation. On behalf of every veteran touched our services, I would also like to thank our many volunteers for all that they do to bring comfort, respect and support to our veterans and active military personnel.

For more information about the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross and our veteran support services or for assistance with an emergency communication to someone in active duty, please contact our Summit office at (908) 273-2076, our Madison office at (973) 377-0455 or visit www.ccnjredcross.org.