The Mission Tree is proudly displayed in the lobby at the Red Cross building. The American Red Cross of Central South Carolina recently thanked the members of its 2008- 2009 Clara Barton Society. The event featured the unveiling of "The Mission Tree."

The Mission Tree was donated to the Red Cross by Monty and Juanita Felix, on behalf of the Felix family, in memory of Monty's mother, Phyllis Button Felix.

Phyllis served as an American Red Cross clubmobile volunteer during WWII. In September 1943, she deployed to Italy with the 34th Infantry Division during the Allied invasion of Salerno. She traveled throughout Italy with the 34th for 18 months. Along the way, she met Monty's father. She was there when Italy was liberated.

"We donated The Mission Tree in memory of our mother, who served as a Red Cross volunteer, and in honor of all the volunteers who served in WWII," said Monty Felix.

Additionally, Allstate agent Kevin Shealy presented the Red Cross with a $10,000 donation on behalf of the Allstate Foundation. The money will be used for disaster relief and disaster relief supplies. The Red Cross thanks the Allstate Foundation for its support.

Phyllis Button Felix in her Amer ican Red Cross uniform. She served as a Red Cross volunteer for 18 months during WWII. She was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award that a civilian could earn. To learn more about the volunteers who helped shape the history of the American Red Cross, stop by the South Carolina State Museum to view the exhibit "Our National Treasure: The American Red Cross." To schedule a private tour, contact Libby Anne Inabinet at 803- 540- 1220 or inabinetlib@ usa.redcross.org.

Juanita and Monty Felix and Scott Salemme, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Central South Carolina Allstate agent Kevin Shealy presents Charlotte Berry, Red Cross Philanthropy Committee chair, with a check for $10,000. The money will be used for disaster relief and disaster relief supplies.