A local, nonprofit organization, the American Red Cross Bay Area helps people recover from disasters and prepare for them before they strike. Last year the American Red Cross responded to over 500 disasters in the Bay Area. That means that, almost twice a day, people like you and your neighbors went to someone's damaged home to help a family in need. But we don't just wait for disasters to strike. Red Cross volunteers work to prevent and prepare for emergencies by providing education and training for their neighbors and friends, by teaching youth to lead and teach safety skills, and by donating life-saving blood. For over 130 years Red Cross volunteers have been guided by a single principle: to help people in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, or national origin. The Red Cross has been there, and will continue to be there first, best and always - for disaster victims in need of food, clothing, and shelter.