In 1942, the North Wood County Chapter was chartered. Mrs. Charles Pors was the first chapter chair and board meetings were held in Marshfield. In 1953 the Grey Ladies program began. This program was run by volunteers who went to veterans homes and hospitals to read to the residents, help with letters, and play cards. As the years went by, the chapter grew and provided additional services to the area. The mandated services are to help in disaster situations and service the military personnel and their families in time of emergency. The chapter office has been at it's present location since 1989.

In 1932, the South Wood County Chapter was chartered. In 1956 a temporary headquarters was opened upstairs in the old First National Bank. In 1958, a room was provided in the Wood County Courthouse and the first salaried Executive Director was hired. Due to continued demand for services and the need to have growing room, the chapter moved to its present location in 1992.

After a year of planning and paperwork, the North and South came together to form the Wood County Chapter in July of 1998. The purpose for bringing the two chapters together was to form a stronger chapter, share resources and specialize staff to better meet the needs of our county and all communities in it.

We have had a long history in Wood County with hundreds of volunteers guiding the chapter to what it is today. Thank you to the residents of Wood County for their support in getting started and continued contributions through the United Way to help the Red Cross help others.