Pikes Peak Chapter of the American Red Cross celebrates 100th anniversary

The Pikes Peak chapter of the American Red Cross celebrated its 100th anniversary Tuesday.

The chapter was the first in Colorado to be chartered by the American Red Cross. In its early years, its focus was to make bandages for servicemen in World War I. It has since expanded its services to include preparedness, CPR, babysitting and water safety classes, as well as recovery efforts and services to the armed forces.

Edward Flannery has been volunteering with the chapter for 15 years. He now works with logistics and is responsible for identifying shelters in more than a dozen counties.

“That’s been very rewarding for me and my wife Charlene,” he said.

Flannery has helped in disasters in and outside southern Colorado. What inspired him to begin volunteering after his retirement was the experience he had with the Red Cross in the 1960s, when his brother was getting ready to join the army.

“My father was ill, quite ill, and so we contacted the Red Cross and within three days, Danny, my youngest brother, was actually moved from boot camp to Des Moines, where my father passed away,” he said.

Now, he hopes to offer that same help and hope to those he serves.

“There are many stories that come out of working with a shelter,” he said. “And people really just want a chance to sit down and simply talk about their experiences.”

Flannery said the Red Cross is about people helping people, and he encourages others to sign up for the classes if they’re interested in volunteering. You can find more information here.