SWNY Red Cross News from the Executive Director

Bill Tucker, Executive Director

March is Red Cross Month!  This is the time each year when we give special thanks to all of those who help our community by giving of themselves - the volunteers, blood donors, class takers and financial supporters who help us assist those in need.  It is also a great time to become part of the Red Cross by doing such things as developing a preparedness plan for the household, becoming a volunteer, giving blood, or taking a Red Cross class.  To all of you who have supported or will support the Red Cross this year- THANK YOU!

March is also the month when you can support your local Chapter while enjoying some of the finest food and drink our area has to offer.  For just $25, you can sample the wonderful offerings of our local restaurants and caterers by purchasing a ticket to attend one of our three “Savor the Flavor” Events; March 3^rd in Cuba, March 10^th in Olean, and March 17^th in Jamestown.  

Special events like this are not only fun, but they also provide essential financial support for the services we deliver to local disaster victims, members of our armed forces and their families, and residents who want to make themselves and their communities more resilient.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country.  It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.  Here in the southwestern New York area last year the American Red Cross of Southwestern New York, your local Chapter, responded to 83 local emergencies, assisted dozens of military families, trained 6704 people in lifesaving skills, and collected 13,443 units of blood from generous donors.

We thank those whose generosity enables us to continue our work, and encourage everyone to become an Everyday Hero during Red Cross Month by helping their neighbors.  Please continue to follow us on one of our many sites (Web, Blog, Facebook, or Twitter), and don’t forget to attend one of our “Savor” events; we’ll see you there!