"I want to do what I can to ensure that help is always there."

When Katharine Kim adopts a mission, she devotes herself to it wholeheartedly. For nearly 20 years, Katharine has donated time, talents, financial support - even blood - to the American Red Cross.

Recently, Katharine expanded that commitment into the future by naming the organization in her will. By making a bequest to Red Cross disaster relief, Katharine joins the growing corps of supporters called the Legacy Society. "My mom volunteered as a Gray Lady for 40 years," Katharine said, "so I've known about the humanitarian work of the Red Cross for as long as I can remember. As a disaster volunteer, I've seen firsthand the huge impact this organization makes when people need help the most. I want to do what I can to ensure that help is always there."

Katharine joined the Red Cross as public support officer in the mid-1990s at the Arlington, Va., chapter. She deployed as a disaster relief worker, took first aid and CPR training, began giving blood and made an annual financial donation. By 2001, she had moved on to other work, but 9/11 drew her back; volunteering to distribute water, sunscreen and hugs to stricken military and emergency personnel at the Pentagon crash site.

Eventually, Katharine focused on the public affairs activity of Red Cross disaster relief; she has volunteered for relief operations from the Pacific Northwest to Florida and from Texas to New York as well as in Canada. With an engaging grin and boundless energy, she talks with disaster victims and relief workers alike to report on how the Red Cross is meeting people's needs in the wake of each disaster. She also helps at her local blood donor center in Salem, Oregon.

"I'm proud of the Red Cross, of how it brings the generosity of Americans right to where it's needed most," Katharine said. "I can't think of a better way to make a real impact."

If you would like more information about how you can support our mission and help those in need by making a Legacy gift like Katharine has done, please contact our Gift Planning Office.