Red Cross was offering a master training class for instructors in the home nursing course. Instructors were continuously offering the Home Nursing classes to anyone interested in learning to care for sick people at home. Red Cross also had their yearly fund drive going on during this time. View of home nursing class student acting as a patient for segment in class, other home nursing students and instructor are gathered around her.

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sick persons--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. By February of 1944 there were over four million Red Cross volunteers throughout the United States. Although many worked as typists, clerks, and ambulance drivers, there were also volunteers that supported the war with needle and thread. These Tacoma women, seated at tables fitted with sewing machines, standing at an ironing board and seated with hand sewing, are sewing garments for hospitals and refugees. Several finished garments are hanging at the back of the room. (T.Times, 2/29/1944, p.1)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines;

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. Many women wearing red cross uniforms are seated at tables with small pieces of fabric and templates folding bandages. This is the surgical dressing room. Two other women are seen through a doorway working with ledgers. Red Cross workers make surgical dressings, drive ambulances, work as typists, clerks, and visit the sick in their efforts to help people in need. (T.Times, 2/29/1944, p.1), (TNT, 2/27/1944, p.1)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Medical equipment & supplies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Red Cross Board Members. The American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter assisted the nation with the War Fund Drive by setting their quota at twice the amount as last years, in order to help support the war effort. View of American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter Board Members.

War bonds & funds; Patriotic societies--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Home Service Department of Red Cross. The Red Cross War Fund Drive opened the first week of March 1944 with a goal double the amount from last year. $398500 is the quota Pierce County intends to meet. All donations are intended to help support the war efforts. View of Red Cross Ward Fund Drive committee meeting with quota and other War Fund Drive information on blackboard.

War bonds & funds; Patriotic Societies--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

From left to right, Mrs. Frank Thornburg, Mrs. James E. Stockton, Mrs. Arthur Goldsborough, Mrs. Charles Mojean, and Mrs. Charles Bowers of the Pierce County Red Cross production department worked at wrapping some of the over 4,000 Christmas packages that were given to soldier patients and military personnel at Madigan General Hospital and the McChord Field Station Hospital in December, 1944. The gift program was coordinated through the Pierce and Thurston County chapters of the Red Cross. Over 44,000 items were donated by various clubs and organizations throughout the two county region. The hospital's commanding officers conducted a survey to determine what the men wanted most. Along with others presents, each package contained a book and a pack of cigarettes. (TNT 12/24/1944 p.1-alt. photograph) TPL-10381

Christmas presents; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Packaging; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Motor Corps Drivers at American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. A group of nine women and three men who are volunteer drivers for the American Red Cross.

Group portraits; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Automobile driving--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Volunteer Red Cross leaders from the Pierce County Chapter would be attending a regional conference in Portland, Oregon. The conference was organized by the Pacific Regional Chapter staff, located in San Francisco, California. The goal was to get the Oregon and Washington chapters to meet and collaborate in order to determine how to better serve their local communities. View of appointed delegates from the Pierce County Chapter office. The woman in veil is also shown in #D18,085-4. (T. Times, 10/21/47, p. 5)

Committees--Tacoma; Delegations--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

American Red Cross had many different types of community service programs. The Motor Service department in many ways helped make all the other programs possible or more efficient. Motor Service drivers covered more than 25,720 miles per year, making sure the Gray Ladies were available in all the locations they were needed and transporting patients. Exterior view of Red Cross taken on October 14, 1947, with three Motor Corps vehicles parked in front of facilities.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

View of Pierce County Red Cross Chapter's Incorporation documents, signed on June 20, 1898. This document identified the "Red Cross Society of Tacoma" as an officially incorporated organization, which would provide disaster relief as needed. Washington State's Secretary of State, Will D. Jenkins officially signed the document on June 28, 1898. (See also C33888-1, C33888-2, C33888-3 and C33888-4).

Documents; Recording & registration--Tacoma; Archives--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Three men scrutinize planning for the United Way, formerly known as the United Good Neighbors Fund, on April 12, 1972 at United Way headquarters, 702 Broadway. Pointing to the blackboard is Joseph P. Lassoie, president of United Way. Looking on is United Way director Howard Boyle (r). The campaign for funds for the Pierce County organization would once again be headed by Robert P. Mallon who had been chairman in 1971. Photograph ordered by United Way.

United Way (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fund raising--Tacoma--1970-1980; Community service--Tacoma--1970-1980; Lassoie, Joseph P.; Boyle, Howard;

American Red Cross women are at work in the sewing room of the Red Cross building. One woman is crocheting at the very front. One woman in the back is ironing. The tables are built to run several sewing machines at each table.

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Sewing--Tacoma; Sewing machines; Crocheting;

Entire nursing class in action at Chapter House, American Red Cross, Mrs. Thomson. Ten women sit and stand around a table learning to fold newspapers into a specific shape. Two Red Cross nurses are leading this project. The volunteers all wear name tags and have glasses filled with cotton balls in front of them.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; Nurses--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Junior Red Cross volunteers can be seen working in the Production Program of the Red Cross. The Production Program made hospital garments and children's clothing for disaster and overseas needs. Junior Red Cross volunteers were receiving guidance and training from Edith Ackerman and Irma Hagen. View of group sewing for Red Cross, young children are being fitted for pajamas.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sleepwear; Children dressing--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Two Red Cross volunteers are transporting materials using their "Woody" truck. One woman holds several baskets and the other is wheeling a large beverage container on a dolly.

American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950;

View of Pierce County Red Cross Chapter's "Articles of Incorporation of Red Cross Society of Tacoma, Washington", the document was signed on June 20, 1898. The organization was formed to provide relief to those in need, due to war, flood, fire, famine, or any other calamity. This chapter was affiliated to the American National Red Cross. The document also mentions the officers which should be involved in the organization. The original document was signed by fifteen people. (See also C33888-2, C33888-3, C33888-4 and C33888-5).

Documents; Recording & registration--Tacoma; Archives--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

The American Red Cross was moving towards expanding the Junior Red Cross programs. Red Cross workers felt school age children could help determine the needs of children throughout the world. The Pierce County chapter was working diligently at getting children of all ages involved in local Red Cross programs. View of Red Cross volunteers and group of children who appear to be learning how to knit.

Knitting--Tacoma; Crocheting; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Red Cross had a Motor Service program with volunteer drivers that transported Red Cross volunteers to hospitals and they assisted patients with medical appointments and hospital visits. Patients were taken on sightseeing trips and other fun activities in these two Red Cross station wagons as well. View of Red Cross Motor Corps volunteers and two of their vehicles.

Mobile health units--Tacoma; Ambulances--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross had a Motor Service program with volunteer drivers that transported Red Cross volunteers to hospitals and they assisted patients with medical appointments and hospital visits. Patients were taken on sightseeing trips and other fun activities in these two Red Cross station wagons as well. View of Red Cross Motor Corps volunteers and two of their vehicles.

Mobile health units--Tacoma; Ambulances--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross pictures. In August 1944 Red Cross celebrated its 80th anniversary. The first recorded notice of Red Cross activities in Tacoma date back to October 1898. In July 1916 Tacoma became an official chapter and in 1931 it was renamed the Pierce County Chapter. View of Red Cross volunteers by Red Cross vehicle, outside of new building.

Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Organizations' facilities--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Two workers from Red Cross. The American Red Cross functioned primarily with women volunteers. Red Cross provides the community with food, shelter, clothing, medical care and training to protect the home front. View of unidentifed volunteer at American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter in August of 1944. This woman is also shown in #D30,050-2.

World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

When we think of the Red Cross, we most often think of first aid and disaster assistance. During both World Wars, coffee and doughnuts were traditional items served by the Red Cross as part of their morale-building services, especially to troops overseas. In this picture from August, 1944 a smiling Red Cross volunteer, Pearl L. Sohlberg (Mrs. Joseph "Jack" E. Sohlberg) is serving coffee and doughnuts. In 1944 the headquarters for the Tacoma Pierce County Chapter of the Red Cross was at 702 Broadway. (T.Times 9/26/1944 p.6)

World War, 1939-1945--War work--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Doughnuts;

The daffodil jars were collected by Junior Red Cross members. The daffodil program was organized by the camp and hospital services of the Red Cross. The Easter morning deliveries are expected to bring cheer and sunshine into wards, recreation halls, mess halls and chapels of military hospitals in Pierce County. View of two Red Cross Volunteers arranging daffodils (TNT, 3/25/45, p. 1).

Daffodils--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Flower pots; American Red cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. Registered nurses donate their time as instructors in home nursing. Red Cross classes are provided to train over three million people in home nursing to ease the doctor and nurse shortage due to the war. (T.Times, 2/16/1944, p.6), (TNT, 2/27/1944, p.1).

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Health education; Nursing; Medical equipment & supplies--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Red Cross activities, Mrs. Strong. Seven women are knitting and two other women are working at a typewriter and desk. A roll of paper is on a stand at the end of one of the tables ready to assist in wrapping packages. Money alone would never complete the tremendous task the Red Cross has in helping people in need. Over four million Red Cross workers sew garments for hospitals and refugees and knit sweaters. (T.Times, 2/29/1944, p.1)

Women--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); World War, 1939-1945--Social aspects--Tacoma; Knitting; Charitable organizations--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Red Cross had various Christmas activities planned for the 1948 Holiday Season. View of Annabel Wall Meyers, holding an African American doll, she is handing out Christmas presents to servicemen's children. The Christmas tree in background was just decorated by the servicemen's children and Junior Red Cross volunteers. The first Christmas gift celebration was held at the Pierce County Red Cross Chapter house (T.N.T., 12/23/48, p. 2). TPL-8106

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas--Tacoma; Toys; Christmas presents; Christmas trees--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Children playing with toys--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Red Cross volunteers would be attending a two day regional conference at the Portland Multnomah County Chapter House. Ten chapters from Washington and Oregon would come together and meet. The conference would include lectures and panel discussions, the focus of the conference was getting the best possible services for each chapter. View of appointed delegates from the Pierce County Chapter office (T. Times, 10/21/47, p. 5).

Committees--Tacoma; Delegations--Tacoma; Meetings--Tacoma; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

In 1947, the Junior Red Cross in Pierce County had more than 31,000 members. They not only regularly helped raise money for the existing programs, they also held special events to get community members, especially school age children and teens, involved in their activities. Here a group of Junior Red Cross members is wrapping Christmas gifts. Christmas decorations line the shelves behind them. The gifts will be shared with both local families and families in other parts of the world.

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas presents; Toys; Christmas decorations; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Junior Red Cross had been collecting holiday donations which would be delivered to many families and individuals in need. The Junior Red Cross was helping the world take a closer step toward peace and happiness during the holiday season. View of dedicated Junior Red Cross members wrapping Christmas gifts, making Christmas decorations, and packaging holiday goodies.

Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Christmas presents; Toys; Christmas decorations; Charitable organizations--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);

Junior Red Cross volunteers were busy working on making bedside gardens to distribute to elderly shut ins for Easter. Left to right: Edna Mae Strobel, Maxine McKenney, Judy Tucker, Pat Kelly, Jon Willingham and Billy Marshall (kneeling). The children are working with Irma Hagen and Edith Ackerman in the Junior Red Cross community service program (T. Times, 3/20/47, p. 24).

Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Community service--Tacoma--1940-1950; Gardening--Tacoma; Children--Arts & crafts; Children drawing & painting--Tacoma; American Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma);