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The Monterey Bay Area Chapter is a chartered unit of the American Red Cross. It is made up of two former chapters: the Carmel Area Chapter, which was first chartered on October 23, 1916 (one week older than the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea) and the Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter, originally chartered as the Monterey-Pacific Grove Chapter in 1906. The Red Cross has had a long and proud presence on the Monterey Peninsula and beyond.
Roots of the former Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter
Over a hundred years ago, two months after the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the Monterey-San Benito Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross's beginnings were formed. The Chapter, called the Monterey-Pacific Grove Chapter then, was headed by Miss Margaret Jacks and a future First Lady of the United States--Miss Lou Henry, who later became Mrs. Herbert Hoover. Read more about the former Monterey-San Benito County Chapter's History (PDF).
Roots of the former Carmel Area Chapter
The first meeting of the Carmel Chapter took place at Carmel City Hall, and fifteen people were chosen for the Board of Directors from 34 nominated.
During World War I, the Chapter was involved in the war effort; rolling bandages and shipping boxes of supplies directly to hospitals. In the 1920's the Chapter meetings were held at the Forest Theater and programs in knitting production, first aid, swimming instruction and disaster relief became the backbone of the chapter. Fundraising for disasters around the world also became a high priority. Prior to World War II the Chapter purchased a building in downtown Carmel and in 1955 the Chapter moved to its new home, a Comstock designed and built, post adobe on the corner of 8th and Dolores Street.
One of the most unique services offered by the Chapter began in 1937. With no ambulance service and only 2 doctors in Carmel, the need for an ambulance "on this side of the hill" became critical. For the next 45 years the Chapter sponsored, free of charge, ambulance service to the residents and visitors within Chapter's service area. Staffing of the ambulance was provided by the City of Carmel Fire Department, the Carmel Valley Fire District, and the Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade. In 1991 the ambulance service was turned over to Carmel Regional Ambulance Service.
National History
The founding of the American Red Cross in 1881 was due to the devotion and dedication of Clara Barton. Today, the organization's actions, guided by its dedication to humanity and a desire to promote mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation, and lasting peace amongst all peoples, follow these fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. Learn more about the national organization of the American Red Cross, by visiting the American Red Cross Museum.
Current Jurisdiction
The Monterey Bay Area Chapter is proud to serve Monterey and San Benito counties, and all unincorporated areas that fall within these boundaries.
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