Join the annual celebration by donating on Red Cross Giving Day (March 27),
giving blood, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills course
MORGANTOWN, WV, Feb. 29, 2024— The American Red Cross, Central Appalachia Region’s Allegheny Highlands Chapter is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone.
Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. “During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Erica Mani, Regional Chief Executive of the Red Cross Central Appalachia Region. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes.”
The Red Cross, Allegheny Chapter thanks Upshur County, which has declared March as Red Cross Month. A special proclamation presentation is happening this morning at 9a.m. before the Upshur County Commission, 91 West Main Street, Ste. 101 Buckhannon, WV 26201.
Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org/car to make a financial donation, give blood, become a volunteer, or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all who come to give blood March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.
HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. Below are some of the ways that local Red Crossers have delivered relief with the Red Cross in times of crisis:
- Assisted more than 160 families who experienced a disaster
- Installed close to 100 free smoke alarms in local homes
- Collected almost 11,000 units of lifesaving blood
- Trained nearly 6,000 people in first air, CPR and AED skills
JOIN A REWARDING DAY OF GIVING BACK Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which is also working to help families stay safe by installing free smoke alarms during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety events in at-risk communities. Volunteers are needed — register and learn more at redcross.org/car-sound-the-alarm.
