Clara Barton, school teacher, first woman clerk in the U.S. Patent office, Civil War nurse, and founder of the American Red Cross, said, "An institution...that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering..."

Members of the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley identify and respond to those struggling in the wake of manmade and natural disasters. They bridge the gap from loss to reconstruction.

Readiness and Response Manager Nina Johnson directs the efforts of 30 to 40 local volunteers.

"We are a volunteer-led organization," that provides for the immediate needs of those in crisis, Johnson said.

Johnson, originally from Blue Bell, majored in biology at the former Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales 1974-78.

After graduation, she worked in the pharmaceutical industry and joined her husband, also an Allentown College alumni, as an Upper Saucon volunteer firefighter, a service she performed for 25 years.

Seeking a "less stressful" career, Johnson said, grinning wryly, she became a part-time Red Cross employee in October 1993.

By April 1994, she began working full time as the readiness and response manager for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter.

From a first responder to coordinator of services for victims, Johnson has come full circle.

The most common crises occurring in her jurisdiction involve damage from storms, floods and fires.

Johnson and her staff move quickly to assist those who have lost power and/or property. Most requests for aid come through the Lehigh Valley's Emergency Management Center.

After a call for aid is received, a Red Cross captain is paged.

This individual gathers information and contacts other team members. The group reports to the Red Cross facility and then moves to the disaster site.

The level and type of aid offered is determined on a case-by-case basis. Trained volunteers provide a certified damage assessment and interview victims.

Training includes a variety of free classes and equipment.

The Red Cross provides necessity-based supplies such as cots, blankets, food, water and comfort kits, containing soap, toothpaste, washcloths, etc.

Most aid is presented in the form of credit cards so the recipients may decide which of their needs is most critical.

When discussing assistance, Johnson emphasized renters should purchase insurance so, if necessary, they can replace all items lost in a calamity.

In addition to meeting the immediate needs of disaster victims, the Red Cross coordinates with other groups such as the Community Emergency Response Team and the County Animal Response Team.

Volunteers also work closely with the Lehigh Valley and St. Luke's University health networks to support those requiring hospitalization; many local counselors donate their services as needed.

Johnson fully appreciates the Red Cross' "volunteer core" and "really good support network."

Under her direction, the group provides invaluable service and anticipates no tangible return.

After the 1999 explosion at Concept Sciences Inc., Roble Road, Hanover Township, the Red Cross Center served as a safe haven for those affected.

One family lost a father and a son in the blast. Months later, several family members returned to the facility to express their gratitude.

Johnson was deeply touched.

"We don't expect that," she said.