Every year, March is recognized as Red Cross Month in order to honor the individuals who donate time, funds or blood to help the charitable organization make a difference in communities all across the country.
The first presidential proclamation of Red Cross Month was made by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1943. Roosevelt encouraged citizens to use the month to recognize the “splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.”
Through nation-wide disaster relief efforts made last year Red Cross volunteers and donors helped provide approximately 8.2 million meals and snacks and over 290,000 overnight stays in shelters. They also distributed more than 2.2 million relief items such as diapers, cleaning supplies, coolers and comfort kits.
In addition to providing those necessary items and services when disaster strikes, Red Cross helps supply blood to those in need thanks to the generous community members who host and attend local blood drives.
If you’re interested in making a difference today, a blood drive is being held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in North Judson from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. CT
Additionally, one is being held on Tuesday, March 12th from 12:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. CT at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox. Culver Academies is also expected to host a drive in the McMillen Athletic Center later this month. It will take place on St. Patrick’s Day from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. ET
To register for the drives ahead of time and to find more ways to contribute to the organization, visit RedCross.org.
