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As Chair of the Red Cross Board, Beth Anderson understands one essential part of every community -- you don't have to look very far to find someone in need.

Beth learned this lesson at an early age, when her student council organized a food drive and delivered to a girl in her class.

"I grew up in the suburbs, and I didn't think there was anybody near me who didn't have enough to eat," Beth said. "That was the first time I understood that it could be the people next door. There are people who struggle all around you, and you don't have to go very far to find someone in need."

Life experiences like these inspired Beth to continue helping others in the community, including her work as Executive Vice President of the Laureate Group, a senior housing provider in Waukesha.

"I learned as a child that I had opportunities that not everyone else had, and that part of my responsibility was to help others who are less fortunate," Beth says. "Bad things happen to good people, and good people help others in times of need."

For Beth, that's how the Red Cross helps the community, and it helps one person and one problem at a time.

"The world gets better one person at a time," Beth said. "I think if you're really going to make a difference, it's one family, one neighbor at a time. When you solve one problem near you, everyone gets stronger, and you can tackle something else."

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.You can also support the Red Cross online by becoming a fan on our facebook page and following us on Twitter.