Hopefully this is not a sign of the times - McGruff gets punched by a bus driver.

According to the article, "McGruff the Crime Dog, the stern but beloved police mascot who teaches kids how to stop crime before it happens, became a victim himself this weekend when a Metro bus driver punched him in the face as a stunned group of children watched, authorities said."

The complete article, which goes into further detail and potential charges/history, can be found at:

http://www.dcexaminer.com/local/Metro-bus-driver-takes-bite-out-of-McGruff-the-Crime-Dog-40558982.html

Did you know March is Red Cross Month?

"On February 27, 2009, President Barack Obama, Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, signed a Presidential Proclamation marking March 2009 as "Red Cross Month" encouraging all Americans to support this humanitarian organization."

The proclamation can be found at the following White House website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/American-Red-Cross-Month-2009/

To get more information on how you can get involved, including training, volunteering, donations (money or blood), read the complete story at:

http://www.redcrossnca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=201:march-is-red-cross-month&catid=56:community-services&Itemid=72

Besides Donating Equipment, Facilities, and Other Resources - There are Other Things

How about partnering with a non-profit, such as the American Red Cross?

The following is an example of Starbucks partnering with a local American Red Cross chapter to offer "Disaster Response Volunteer Boot Camp"

http://www.v2v.net/actions/disasterbootcamp

Similiar "Disaster Action Team (DAT)" boot camps are offered across the United States. While not grab a few of your co-workers and take the classes together?

Are you afraid to approach your company about this? No corporate involvement is really needed to get a group of people together to be active in your community.

Companies Partnering Together

Cisco is also a major playing in the disaster response space.

In 2008, their disaster relief efforts included snowstorms and earthquak in China, the cyclone in Myanmar, and others.

Some of the details can be found at:

http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac227/csr2008/cisco-and-society/human-needs/disaster-relief.html

Also, companies like Cisco have been partnering with companies like IBM to help provide an even better "on-demand" technology solution.

IT and Consulting Companies Such As IBM Playing a Role In Disaster Response

But response goes beyond companies like Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes. It is essential for communications and technology systems to be restored. And others put in place to help with the response and recovery.

"IBM's Global Disaster Reponse: Helping people, leveraging technology, skills".

Some technology examples can be found at:

http://www.donorsforumsf.org/documents/disaster_response_hires.pdf

An article about Home Depot would not be fair without also showing some examples of what Lowe's has done to help the community as well.

For example, "Lowe's and Partners Aid Isabel Victims; Company Provides Community, Monetary Support"

Included in the article, available at http://lowes.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=386 includes FEMA representatives in local stores helping them file for federal relief.

Home Depot Front and Center

Our last article discussed Walmart's role in the community during a disaster. Companies like Home Depot are also first on the ground.



"The Home Depot and its more than 300,000 associates are passionate about helping their neighbors during times of need. When disaster strikes, The Home Depot is among the first organizations on the scene to ensure its customers have the supplies, resources and support they need to rebuild their homes and communities."



Additional information on their program can be found at:



http://corporate.homedepot.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/c0/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDdwNHH0sfE3M3AzMPJ8MAHxcDKNAvyHZUBAA3rcQa/