March is Red Cross Month!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by redcrossyouth

March is Red Cross Month, a time to remind everyone of the work of the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe – and how we depend on public support to help people in need.

The American Red Cross was created in 1881 by Clara Barton and officially chartered by Congress in 1900 to provide national and international relief during disasters, and to give relief to the military and serve as a means of communication between members of the Armed Forces and their families.

From the beginning, people in this country have volunteered and donated funds to support the Red Cross in its mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed the first Red Cross Month in support of Red Cross fundraising efforts to respond to needs brought on by World War II. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month.

Today, the American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. Through a worldwide network, the American Red Cross provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world. Red Cross Blood Services collects and distributes more than 40 percent of this country’s blood supply. And, more than 9 million people across the United States receive American Red Cross training in first aid, water safety and other skills every year.

Thanks to the generous support of people in this country, the American Red Cross is able to mobilize to help people in need. The Red Cross is not a government agency, but relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work.

Your generosity helps provide life-changing and often lifesaving services down the street, across the country and around the world. Show your support during Red Cross Month because moments of hope are made possible by people like you.

~Hanna Malak
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