The American Red Cross in Nassau County will hold an Open House at our new headquarters, The Davison Building, located at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola. On Oct. 13, 14 and 15 from noon until 8 p.m. the new chapter site will hold a celebration of 81 years of service to the community.

The Red Cross Open House will give the public a chance to join us at our new home and take a historical look back at the Red Cross. An exhibit hall will be set up at the chapter during the Open House. On display will be vintage photos, pins, badges, books and garments. A special Persian Gulf War section will be set up for visitors to view. Tours will be given by volunteers dressed in uniforms dating back to 1917, when the Nassau Chapter was founded.

The Davison family has served the American Red Cross for over 80 years. During World War I, Henry Pomeroy Davison served as chairman of the Red Cross War Council and helped found the League of Red Cross Societies. The Nassau Chapter of the Red Cross was chartered in 1917 under the chairmanship of "Kate" Davison - Mrs. Henry P. Davison. Their daughter-in-law, Dorothy Davison, was a long-term board member and honorary chairman of the Nassau Chapter until her death in 1992.

Visitors joining us at the Red Cross Open House will have a chance to view CPR and first aid classes. They will also meet "Choking Charlotte," she helps the Red Cross demonstrate the skills necessary to help someone who is choking. There will be balloons and pins for the kids, blood pressure screenings, the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle will be serving refreshments, and Volunteer Resources will be holding a volunteer orientation program. Long Island Blood Services will be joining the open house all three days with displays and a Bloodmobile.

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 American Red Cross is not a government funded organization. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.

For more information on the Red Cross Open House, please contact Devera Lynn at 747-3500, ext. 215.