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March is Red Cross Month, a tradition begun by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, and every president since has had the privilege of making that proclamation.
The American Red Cross is a vital part of every community in the United States and around the world. Every eight minutes the American Red Cross brings help and hope to people in need. Whether you donate funds, donate blood or volunteer, the Red Cross depends on your support to make a difference in communities across the country.
This past year has been overwhelming for many in the United States, and yet through it all, people are caring for one another. Many were impacted by disasters — the coronavirus pandemic, western wildfires, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast. This year, several states already have had to deal with massive cold temperatures, snow, loss of power and water.
The American Red Cross continues to help people affected by these disasters. Over the past several months, the Red Cross has provided more than 1.2 million overnight stays in emergency lodgings across multiple states all over the country. With partners, the organization has served more than 2.9 million meals and snacks; distributed 343,900 relief items with the help of people like you; provided 117,800 individual care contacts to help people with medical or disability needs or provided emotional and spiritual support during these challenging times.
The American Red Cross knows no borders. ARC volunteers stand ready day and night to provide relief supplies — including ready-to-eat meals, cots, blankets, cleanup kits, hygiene items and personal protective equipment such as masks and hand sanitizer if a community needs them.
They also help people impacted by smaller disasters like home fires every day.
When help can’t wait, the American Red Cross provides families with the support they need during emergencies. During Red Cross Month in March we honor and recognize the humanitarian spirit and ask you to join the organization by donating, giving blood, volunteering, or taking a class to learn life-saving skills.
In 2021 the blood donor program continues adapting and meeting current needs by testing convalescent plasma from eligible donors for COVID-19 antibodies.
With the recent severe weather in 2021, which is expected to continue into the spring, Red Cross volunteers have provided food and shelter to those in need, but have alao had to cancel blood drives in more than 30 states across the country.
To recognize the importance of giving blood and platelets and honoring those who roll up a sleeve, Dunkin’ of Tennessee is teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 13,000 vouchers valid for a free donut for Red Cross donors throughout Tennessee.
As COVID-19 continues to affect everyday life, people may not be thinking about blood donation. However, blood and platelets are needed each day to help patients battling disease and facing the unexpected. Donating blood is an easy way to care for each other and ensure hospitals have the blood products patients rely on.
Your gift of blood can help a patient fighting COVID-19. It can help a child battling cancer. Simply put, your blood donation saves lives here in Tennessee and across this nation.
We urge you this month to give and support the American Red Cross. They do for us, and now it is time to do for them.