Local Red Cross Volunteers Upset With Sudden Changes

Joe, I'm a longtime disaster volunteer with the local Red Cross chapter in Salisbury, MD the Lower Shore Chapter.  I know you have been a big supporter of the chapter and have seen you many times at the Christmas Fundraiser the chapter holds each year.  From what I know a man from either Wilmington or Baltimore came to the chapter yesterday and fired 2 of the 4 full time staff members.  The person said it's part of a restructuring plan from American Red Cross National Headquarters.  The person by passed the local chapter board of directors and told the chair of the board not to come to the chapter. The reason the person said is that the local board of directors no longer has any say on local Red Cross issues or community needs.  They are only to raise money to send to Washington, DC.  I understand from another volunteer an emergency board of directors meeting has been called for Monday night at the chapter to see how they can fight this.  I also have learned that many long time volunteers and donors have already planned to quit the Red Cross due to this which will cripple the local emergency response we provide to the community.  Joe we are going to need you and your dedicated readers to support our/your local community Red Cross and keep it under local control!