The Oakdale High School Red Cross Club is hosting a Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Drive until march 4th to collect men’s and women’s deodorant as well as new packages of white men’s crew neck undershirts (sizes S-XL). The donations are collected in both the main school entryway and outside Mrs. Cole’s office. Red Cross Club advisor Jennifer Cole expressed that their goal is to collect 300 items, but as of February 26, they have only collected 15. 

“These items will be distributed to veterans for their personal use which will save them from having to purchase items themselves,” Cole explained. “We hope to provide comfort in knowing that these items help with their personal care and the expenses won’t be a burden to them.”

The drive will help veterans directly in the community and in the US as a whole. The Red Cross hosts SAF drives with clubs across the nation to ensure veterans everywhere are taken care of.

“Veterans who reside in assisted living, memory care facilities, or nursing homes in the Greater Chesapeake Region of MD” will receive the items from the drive, Cole shared. 

In addition to the drive, the Red Cross Club makes holiday cards and hosts Service Flights, where members of the Red Cross and the community go to the airport to greet and support returning members of the armed forces. 

The SAF drive dates are determined by the Regional Red Cross Leadership, who collaborate with the advisors and leadership of the clubs at each school. Participating clubs are responsible for collecting two different items which will be dropped off at the regional Red Cross office and delivered to the veterans from there. 

Club members help out with the drive by creating posters and videos to advertise the drive, as well as driving items to the regional office once the drive is done. Community members who want to get involved are strongly encouraged to bring in donations, as that is what is most needed at the moment. Beyond that, they can support veterans by creating cards and going to service flights. 

“The American Red Cross’ mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors,” according to Redcross.org

By running the SAF Drive, the Oakdale Red Cross Club is giving back to the community by helping out veterans in need while fulfilling the American Red Cross’ mission.