'Clara Barton,' Local World War II Red Cross Nurse to Highlight American Red Cross Volunteer Luncheon
News Release: April 25, 2001
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
An intense devotion of serving others led Clara Barton to form the American Red Cross in 1881. One hundred and twenty years later, "Clara Barton" -- portrayed by Judy Schwambach
-- will tell her story of heroic efforts at a lunch to honor volunteers at the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.
About 100 volunteers and staff of the local Red Cross will attend the Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon to be held April 26 at Carrabba's Italian Grill in Allentown. For the second year, the staff at Carrabba's will volunteer their time to host the complimentary lunch from noon to 2:30 p.m.
"The Carrabba family of restaurants nationwide has a deep respect for the American Red Cross," said John Ross, proprietor of the restaurant. "It's our pleasure to recognize the dedication of the Red Cross volunteers. And, I'm proud of our chefs and wait staff who have volunteered their time to prepare and serve lunch. It's a wonderful tribute."
"The Red Cross is fortunate to have such an outstanding group of volunteers who serve this community day in and day out," said Bob Duld, director of Volunteer Services for the Red Cross. "Many hold full-time jobs. Some are retirees or students. Yet every one of them finds the time in their hearts to help a child, adult or family in some shape or form through Red Cross programs and services. We are grateful for their unwavering support and are pleased to recognize their efforts during National Volunteer Week."
The luncheon will begin with a one-half hour historical presentation about Clara Barton, portrayed by Judy Schwambach, a 30-year Red Cross volunteer at the Berks County Chapter.
Six volunteers will receive service anniversary pins: 20 years' service (one volunteer); 10 years (one volunteer); five years (four volunteers). Also, 16 registered nurses, one licensed practical nurse and one student nurse will receive the Red Cross Nursing Pin for their service to the organization.
"Nurses have always been a cornerstone for the provision of services by the American Red Cross," said Duld. "It's an honor to recognize those nurses in the Lehigh Valley who have given of themselves to this organization. Many of these nurses have been supporting our chapter for years through their help in the area of Disaster Relief Services, as instructors for Health & Safety programs and in various leadership roles."
Special recognition will be given to Emmaus resident LaRue Daniel who was a volunteer for the American Red Cross Home Nursing program that served the Wescosville, Vera Cruz and Emmaus areas after the Second World War.
Daniel graduated from Sacred Heart Hospital's School of Nursing in 1938. She was the third nurse to graduate from the school. From 1942 to 1948, Daniel worked for the Visiting Nurses for the Emmaus Community Nursing Association, which eventually became a part of today's Visiting Nurse Association of Eastern Pennsylvania. Her duties were to instruct women how to care for their families while husbands and brothers were fighting the war.
"We taught women how to take temperatures, apply first aid and care for loved ones after surgery or long-term illness," explained Daniel. "At that time, there were only two doctors in the area. We delivered 28 babies during the war."
Daniel continued her nursing duties as a volunteer for the American Red Cross Home Nursing Program after the war. Today, Daniel volunteers five days a week as a helper in the dining hall at Ridge Manor in Emmaus.
The Lehigh Valley Chapter boasts more than 350 volunteers. "You couldn't ask for a finer group of people," said Duld. "Volunteer opportunities vary and we're continually looking for people to help carry on our humanitarian work."
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
The Lehigh Valley Red Cross serves more than 620,000 residents in Lehigh and Northampton counties. For more information, visit www.redcrosslv.org or call (610) 865-4400.
