It wasn't until a few weeks ago that Eagles lineman Jon Runyan realized the magnitude of the work done by the American Red Cross. Armed with that knowledge, Runyan assumed the duties as chairman for the charity's 2008 Red Ball gala, which was held Saturday evening at the National Constitution Center.

During a recent press conference kicking off awareness for the event, Runyan discovered that half of the volunteers slated to be on hand were busy tending to six families in the Delaware Valley who had lost their homes. It was at that moment Runyan understood the scope of the organization's outreach and its impact in the community.

"You don't realize what they go through on a day-to-day basis, just taking care of people that are in situations like that," Runyan said. "They're out there all the time. You would never know it unless you're in that situation."

When a natural disaster strikes, the American Red Cross is there at a moment's notice. But the group's work does not stop there. The American Red Cross is known for holding blood drives and providing assistance to families displaced by fire and so much more.

OT Jon Runyan

This year the organization's goal is to raise $250,000 to help the hundreds served by The Red Cross House and Red Cross Disaster Relief.

"The American Red Cross is about helping people in need," Runyan said. "You're not necessarily fighting one battle."

Runyan's involvement with the American Red Cross is the latest example of his work with charities in the Delaware Valley. Runyan is active with The Variety Club (he earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the group in 2006), the New Jersey National Guard and the Alzheimer's Association. In fact, he serves on the board of directors for the local branch of the Alzheimer's Association.

"That one really touches home for me," said Runyan, who, along with his wife, lost a grandmother and grandfather to that debilitating disease.

"I think I'm in a situation most people are in, that they don't realize what these charities do until you actually get involved in them," he said.

For Runyan, life on the football field pales in comparison to the feeling he gets from volunteering and helping with these charities.

"It's two totally different things," Runyan said. "On the football field you're entertaining people. With the charity stuff you're actually touching peoples' lives. It's kind of addictive in that manner. That's why I do as much as I do."

For more information on Saturday's Red Ball gala, visit TheRedBall.org.