This holiday season, the Red Cross is saying 'Thanks for Giving' by highlighting our volunteers. We hope you will visit our website each day until Thanksgiving, as we share inspirational stories about our volunteers, their contributions and reasons for helping our community through the Red Cross. To support their work, make a donation today.

In just a few years, American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin Board of Director Laura Bouslough has transitioned from a member of the general public to an ardent supporter of the Red Cross.

“In the past, I had no real idea about what the Red Cross did. Now, I think I have a greater understanding of what the Red Cross does for the community,” she says. “As a board member, I feel I have an obligation to not only support the events, but to participate and see what our chapter does.”

Laura’s glimpse into the Red Cross led her to a local Culver’s during the franchise’s Day of Giving. She ran food to the cars in drive-thru as a show of support. Culver’s donated 10% of their sales to the Red Cross.

She says her commitment and willingness comes from the Red Cross workers she has met, and has made her determined to ensure that their work is there for years to come.

“Everyone at the Red Cross is there because they are dedicated,” she comments. “Our chapter is a very sound organization with a vision and a plan. I believe it’s important to position our chapter as a premiere organization.”

She has taken those words to heart, as well as to her pocketbook. Laura backs up her words with her financial support and giving as much of her valuable time as she can.

“I can’t always allocate the volunteer hours,” she says. “At the Red Cross, I feel my dollars are being prudently used.”

Her actions speak louder than words. Laura has asked several of her friends and colleagues to support the Red Cross, just as her colleague Greg Oberland did a few years ago when he invited her to join the Board.

“If you are asked, I really feel strongly that you should feel compelled to give,” she explains. “There is much expected of those to whom so much has been given.”

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.