David Yohn in Greensburg, although he doesn't have exact numbers, said that he knows that dozens of cookies came in from Red Nose from all across the country!! Yea!! We are so blessed to have so many friends to the cookie drive!!

Gerry Bender, who is a native Greensburg woman, wrote thank you notes to each person who donated in whatever way! So everyone should hear from her soon if they haven't already.

The South Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Organization officially closed March 31st. The volunteer effort is now being directed by the Greensburg Volunteer Services. They are on www.greensburgks.org which is G-burg official website.

Greensburg and that area had a blizzard last week. There were people who relocated to nearby communities who had up to 28 inches and damage to roofs from so much snow. Comments were, "Here we go again." It's a good thing they are strong people.

Thanks to the many people across the country who sent cookies. They were well received! Your efforts were eaten up quickly and well digested.

The most recent responders to sign up are 3 from Florida and that makes 100 for that state. What an accomplishment! We are so proud of our supporters in the Sunshine State and the leadership that has encouraged them to join in. We thank all of you for your enthusiasm and support of Red Nose Response.

You too can be seen wearing one or more of these articles of clothing with the RNR logo on them.

All you need to do is go to our store at Cafe Press, find you favorite, place an order and it will come to your home in the mail.

So you want to use your expertise and help the American Red Cross? As the professional that you are, each of you has special skills that can be translated into Red Cross support. When you present yourself to your local Red Cross office, make sure that you have converted your skills to something that the Chapter can use. Sometimes the art of clowning is not what is needed, but your professionalism can be used.

Here is one for this month. Provide CDE Presentations in Your Chapter

Community Disaster Education: Make presentations to local groups, ranging from Kindergarten to Senior Citizens and everything in between to assist them in becoming Disaster Aware, and Disaster Prepared. This is something that chapters are always looking for; people trained in disaster that have the time to go out on the spur of the moment, as well as pre-planned sessions, and make community presentations.

Specific training requirements: You must attend the two-day CDE Presenter's workshop to be certified as a Presenter. Chapters may allow you to give talks even if you have not taken the course, but if you are very familiar with all of the ARC Disaster Preparedness materials.

How much time do I have to give? Presentations generally last from 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the group's request and the subject matter. Plan on additional time to plan with the chapter and collect all materials needed for the presentation.

ARC documentation: CDE Presenter's Workbook A30-3020 Preparedness for Disaster Familiarity with all disaster preparedness brochures and materials such as Family Disaster Supply Kit Family Disaster Plan Are You Prepared for a Disaster? Masters of Disaster

For more information, contact Mike Z at MikeZ@SOMDRedCross.org

In March the Red Cross organized an event in Milledgeville, GA for family members of D Company, 1st Battalion, Light Infantry. The National Guard unit is headed for Afghanistan for a year and is part of the 48th Light Infantry Brigade of Georgia. Approximately 4000 troops are being called up for duty. Inspite of the rain, and the need to move the event inside, many people participated, including RNR responder Jim "Dune Buggy" Russell. He tells us he made balloons and generally clowned around with kids and adults. The day's event finished with a parade.

We appreciate hearing stories like this from our responders. There are so many ways to offer comic relief and Dune Buggy was there for one of them. He says "it was a good day and made you feel proud of our young men."

L'AQUILA, Italy (Reuters) - A clown with a red rubber nose may be an unexpected sight in an otherwise somber camp for Italian earthquake survivors, but Francis Calsolaro says his monkeying around for newly homeless kids is serious.

Waving around a fluffy pink duster and falling over in mock dismay while playing with giggling children, "Francis the clown" says coaxing laughter out of kids left homeless by Monday's quake is more effective than any traditional therapy.

"This is not funny business, it's actually very serious," said Calsolaro, dressed in a baggy pin-striped suit, a colorful jacket and a hat with a daisy stuck in it.

"People don't need someone sitting high up there telling them how to deal with sadness. I genuinely want the children to think I am dumb and stupid."

Another 10 to 50 similar clown therapists from his group are expected to arrive soon to cheer up the homeless living in large blue tents in open air camps in around L'Aquila, says Calsolaro, who traveled down from Milan soon after hearing of the quake.

The quake, Italy's worst in 30 years, has so far killed some 250 people and destroyed large parts of 26 towns and villages in a rugged mountainous region east of Rome.

"When we came here, the camp was very silent, kids just quietly playing with each other," said Federica Marinacci, who goes by the clown name of "Nocciolina" (peanut). "But when they saw us, they all gathered around us and began laughing."

Fearful mothers also broke into a smile once they saw their children were laughing again after the terror of the quake, Marinacci said.

More traditional psychologists had also pitched up a tent in the camp as they set about helping grief-stricken survivors and the homeless with post-traumatic stress, but for now the clown therapists appeared to have stolen the show.

"We're just trying to bring the children back to the life that they've always had," said Marinacci, as she played with a child holding a orange balloon twisted into the shape of a dog as amused adults looked on.

With the fires in South Carolina and other disasters across the U.S. we know there have to be wonderful stories out there about the super things clowns have done for others. Please share your story with us so we can share with others.

Your efforts help to promote others to respond to disasters as well. Don't be shy. Send us a story and if you have a picture, send that as well. Send your information to our editor, Arla Albers at gogoclown@cox.net.

Thanks to the many people who "pay it forward" daily. I know you are out there!

And even if you have NOT been able to do something for others, maybe you have a really great idea that someone could pick up on and do for someone in need. Send that idea to us as well. Have you done a fund raiser? Did you deliver something to someone? How have you helped in the community to better it?

Have a GREAT day!

Arla Albers, RNR Editor