1917 First Athens Red Cross. A small group of volunteers, led by Mrs. George D. Thomas, applied for a charter to form the Athens Chapter. They worked to provide hospital supplies to be used in Europe during World War I. Mr. John White Morton, Mrs. George D. Thomas and Madame Joseph Lustrate were officers of the original board of directors.
1920s-1930s
Housed in the County Courthouse, the Red Cross work during the 20s and 30s was centered on public welfare administration. Over a thousand families were given financial assistance, thousands of lunches were provided for school children. Welfare programs of this type were carried out until July, 1937 when the State of Georgia supervised welfare departments in each county. All public health programs were coordinated by the Red Cross until the local public department was established.
1940s
World War II brought activity to the Athens Chapter. Five military installations were located in Athens. Service to the Military was high priority as volunteers prepared kits containing bandages, glove, socks, hats, etc. for their servicemen. In response to the communities increased interest in safety during wartime, First Aid courses began to be offered in the Athens area. In 1949, the Athens Chapter jointed the Blood Program coordinated by the Atlanta Red Cross office. The quota for the year was 600 units.
1950s
Many programs became fundamental in serving the community including first aid, water safety, and other health programs. Also, the chapter activity in the area of Home Service (now Armed Forces Emergency Services) was increasing tremendously. Toward the end of the 1950s the Gray Lady program Athens General Hospital (now Athens Regional Medical Center) was activated.
In 1958, the Red Cross became a part of the Community Chest (now United Way). Two counties were added to the Athens chapter in 1959, Oglethorpe and Madison counties.
1960s
The Red Cross began a Gray Lady program at St. Mary's Hospital. Both hospitals in Athens used Red Cross volunteers. Each volunteer was required to complete the Red Cross nurse's aide course. The volunteer was capped and allowed to work in the hospital.
In 1967, a flash flood struck Athens. Due to the damage incurred by the rising water levels of Trail Creek, the Red Cross made assistance grants totaling over $9,500.00. As the Vietnam War became a reality to the United States, the Athens Chapter handled many military cases in emergency communications. Hundreds of person, both adults and youth, prepared "ditty bags" four our servicemen. The bags were filled with various comfort articles and other items like writing paper and pens.
1970s
The Service to Military Families activities remained intense until the withdrawal of the U. S. Troops from Vietnam. There was an increase in the First Aid programs when Congress enacted the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Disaster Assistance continued when tornados struck twice in three months. As recreational programs became popular in the U.S., the water safety and small craft activities grew in Athens.
1980s
In 1981, the Athens Chapter merged with seven other chapters in the Northeast Georgia area. This is when the chapter was renamed the East Georgia Chapter. Then, Jackson and Banks counties were added to our jurisdiction in 1985.
The AIDS epidemic began to increase dramatically. The Red Cross responded with an education programs to relieve the fear of AIDS.
The East Georgia Chapter expanded its collection of bloods. The yearly goal was 11,600 units.
