During Red Cross Month, help people in need by supporting the American Red Cross

During March, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to help people in need by supporting the lifesaving services it provides.

     “Please remember those who need our help and support the Red Cross by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or giving blood,” said Bill Tucker, Chapter Executive Officer of the Southwestern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross. “We want to thank everyone for their generosity, which has enabled us to help people here at home, across the United States, and around the world.”

    March is Red Cross Month, first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.

    The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It 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; collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

    Here in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties, the Southwestern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to nearly 100 local emergencies, assisted over 100 military families and people from this area donated close to 14,000 units of blood.

    “Red Cross Month is a great time for people to support our mission,” Tucker said. “Their kindness will enable us to continue our work, both here at home and across the globe.”

    The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping the people through Red Cross services.

    The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month, including the annual fundraising event Savor the Flavor taking place in each county. This is an exciting opportunity for our local restaurateurs to show off their culinary specialties to members of our community. The American Red Cross of Southwestern New York is a United Way Agency.