As the United States entered the First World War, the number of Red Cross chapters suddenly grew as the public sought ways to become personally involved in the war effort. In Blount County, a group of individuals organized the local chapter in 1917. Fred L. Proffitt, the first Chairman, staged a cattle sale to raise money to launch the chapter. Services in those early years included rolling bandages, collecting blood, sewing clothing for war victims, anti-tuberculosis efforts, nutrition programs as well as first aid and water safety programs and work with servicemen and veterans.

As the Second World War began, the doors of the Red Cross chapters were thrown open to thousands of new volunteers who wanted an outlet for their frustration over Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Here at home, Fred Proffitt's brother, D. W. Proffitt, served as Chairman of the Blount County Chapter. Mr. Proffitt personally wrote every Blount County serviceman - twice - sending rulers and calendar/address books, as well as leading an effort to plant mimosa trees in their honor. In his letters to the men, he asked about the services provided to them by the Red Cross. Here is an excerpt from one of the more than 354 servicemen and women who responded:

The Red Cross is one of the few places not "off limits" in every city or town within visiting distance of our bivouac area. It's a Soldier's haven, a place to rest . . . see a movie, have a lost button replaced, parcels wrapped for mailing, and so on up to help for the families we left behind. The Red Cross workers welcomed us back to North Africa from Italy, toured our areas, passing out hot coffee and fresh doughnuts. As chairman of a Red Cross chapter, my hat is off to you, Mr. Proffitt. It is through your work there that the Field Directors here are able to work such wonders under the conditions of a war-torn country, in wrecked cities, sometimes with the wreckage of Soldiers, men, human beings in which war has reduced to a mindless shell but who still worry about families above themselves. The Red Cross steps in to diminish or to banish those worries completely. Yes, Sir, the Red Cross does help.

Corporal J. B. Flynn
In a letter to Mr. D. W. Proffitt, c. 1944

The Blount County Chapter of the American Red Cross has spent the last 85 years keeping our community safe and helping families in times of crisis. As the need for Red Cross services continues to grow, we are committed to upholding the tradition of service to this community.

In 2001, the Red Cross in Blount County alone:

We actively encourage and develop the volunteer spirit. These efforts have contributed to an improved quality of life in our community. The example set by Red Cross volunteers is a mode of volunteerism that motivates us all.

In the twenty-first century, the Blount County Chapter of the American Red Cross remains dedicated to its traditional roles of helping to make our families and our community safer. We are determined to addresses new challenges as they arise. Please feel free to peruse our website for information about our current services and opportunities for volunteering, training, and supporting our chapter.
 

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Copyright © 2007 Blount County Chapter of the American Red Cross
Last modified: 04/27/09