of course, in times of war the red cross is very busy helping the soldiers, but do you think that it is idle in times of peace?

no, indeed. the red cross is always listening for a call of distress, and is ready to aid any people who are suffering.

one day in 1912 the red cross heard the people who lived along the banks of the mississippi[212] river calling for help, for the river had been so swollen by rains that it had risen high and overflowed its banks in a dangerous flood.

people on overflowing raft full of bundles; house roof just sticking up out of water

picture from a photograph

do you know what happens during a flood?

name all the different things you see on the little island in this picture.

why do you suppose the people are all staying there instead of rowing off in the boats?

because they are expecting the relief launch of the red[213] cross to come and take them to a safe place. the water is flowing too swiftly for the little boats to cross in safety. they would probably be carried against a tree and upset.

many houses have been carried down the river during this flood, so you can understand how glad the people will be to see help coming. in this next picture you will see how the red cross answered the people’s cry for help.

photo of tent village around a large buildin; tree drawn as decoritve border

picture from a photograph

this picture shows a carnegie library which was used by the red cross as a relief station during the mississippi flood.

the red cross spent thousands of dollars during this flood, saving many lives and helping hundreds of flood victims.

can you name some of the things the people needed?

what do you suppose they think of the red cross?

imagine that a great wind storm or cyclone should come very suddenly whirling through your city, tearing down houses, uprooting trees, and leaving thousands of people homeless—who would be the first to help the people who were hurt?

[214]

this is just an example of the way the red cross is standing ready to help in time of need.

if you read the red cross magazine you will learn about hundreds of golden deeds which the red cross is doing, for the work of the red cross in times of peace and at all times is to help people in distress and need.