Monthly Archives: November 2023

Carmel-by-the-Sea Chapter: A Legacy of Community and Compassion

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Then and now: Red Cross programs and services evolve while ensuring a strong community presence. 

In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a chapter of Red Cross history has been penned over the last 107 years – a narrative of dedication, service and community support.

The roots of the former “Carmel Area Red Cross Chapter” began in 1916 with an inaugural meeting taking place at Carmel City Hall. Fifteen dedicated individuals were selected for the Board of Directors from a pool of 34 nominees, marking the beginning of a longstanding commitment to serving the community. 

The Carmel Pine Cone, a local community newspaper launched a year prior in 1915, has played a vital role in our history, with the second meeting of the Red Cross Chapter of Carmel announced in its pages on September 27, 1916. Founding officer Lilly Devendorf, whose name echoes throughout local Red Cross history, exemplifies the enduring relationship between the city, the newspaper, and our Chapter. 

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Six Lives Saved 

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Red Cross Free Smoke Alarms Alert Marin County Family During House Fire 

“I said, ‘A fire! A fire!  Let’s get out. Everybody get out!’” 

The Monthier family home the night of Sept. 3, 2023.

Marie Monthier will never forget what happened in the early morning hours of September 3, 2023. She and her extended family of two older adults, two adult children and two small grandchildren were asleep in their mobile home in Marin County, California. Marie got up to use the restroom and heard smoke alarms blaring. That’s when she saw a fire behind the kitchen stove and alerted her family to evacuate. 

Marie’s son, David Mardy, had just moved into his own apartment in Marin County. When his mother called him after everyone got out of the house safely, David rushed over and found the home in ruins and his family in shock. 

“The whole family was on the street, standing, looking at the house burning down. My mom said, ‘Look at my house!’ Tears started coming out of my eyes,” David said. 

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“This simple action”: A blood donor shares why she continues to donate

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Every now and then, a blood donor shares their donation journey with us, including their reasons or motivation for donating. Local donor Flannery Mays shared her donation journey with Red Cross volunteer Luca Giusti. We’re pleased to share her words here.

Blood drives are held every day throughout our area, and blood is always in demand. Photo by Eric Carmichael/American Red Cross

What motivated you to make your first donation?
“I was 16 years old when the first Red Cross Blood Drive came to my school. I learned that I was O-, the universal donor. I don’t remember if Red Cross folks or my health teacher taught us about blood types, but someone explained what it meant for me especially as an O- donor. I wanted to help people and it was pretty easy: You lie down for 15-20 minutes, squeeze a ball, eat some snacks then you’re done! At the time as well they had a “pint for a pint,” a pint of blood for a pint of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. While I was giving more for the greater good, I’d be lying if my 16-year old self really wanted some Oreo ice cream, too!

Now in my early 30s, I care less about any perks, though I still enjoy the snacks and apple juice afterwards. It’s more about a very concrete, real action I can take to help me. I tell my friends that I donate, let folks know on social media, and even got my partner to donate blood for the first time in 2022. I know a lot of folks don’t like needles, and while that’s an issue for me, I choose to focus on the ball I’m squeezing, the good I’m doing, and the little treats after, a small reminder of the bigger gift I am privileged to give to someone.

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