Mission

The Catawba Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people, within the counties of Catawba and Alexander, prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The chapter also provides volunteer support to the National American Red Cross efforts within North Carolina and the United States.

The Catawba Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross serves all residents in Catawba and Alexander Counties and is proudly a United Way Agency.

History:

It was April 5, 1917 at the Hub Theater in Hickory, North Carolina when approximately 60 citizens gathered together to form the Hickory Auxiliary of the American Red Cross. Every member pledged on that day to consider themselves as committee of one and solicit a new member. Thus was the beginning of what is now known as the Catawba Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Mrs. W.B. Council, is attributed as the person responsible for starting the organization. That evening, Mrs. Council was elected Chairman, by unanimous vote. K.C. Menzies, President of First National Bank, was elected Treasurer and Miss Julia Wheeler, Secretary. Mayor-elect Marshall H. Yount presided over the meeting. Short addresses were delivered by Mayer-elect Yount, Reverend E. DeF. Heald, Reverend J.L Murphy, Dr. J. G Garth, Dr. J.H. Shuford and W.A. Self. Reverend Murphy also read a paper by Mr. J. M. Whitfield.

Scoutmaster D.T. Applegate and his Boy Scouts decorated the stage with American Flags. Mrs. J.H. Hatcher and Mrs. J.H Shuford furnished patriotic music.

It was decided that evening that the Auxiliary should meet on the second Thursday night of each month at the Chamber of Commerce which J.D. Elliot, the President, offered in the name of the Chamber of Commerce. K.C. Menzies offered the First National Bank in Hickor for Committee meetings.

The minutes of the Catawba Valley Chapter red like a history book of Catawba County. Names of Catawba County citizens appear frequently and their families are still major supporters today. Although, the names have changed, the mission of the American Red Cross has not.

As we continue to strive to meet the needs of the citizens of Catawba and Alexander County, we thank you for your support over the past 89 years.