Make A Difference Today: You Can! The Red Cross

The American Red Cross takes the month of March to celebrate its history and volunteer heroes. With this in mind we wanted to remind our readers of the many ways YOU CAN make a difference in your community, or in the larger world by getting involved with the Red Cross.

Whether you have a special talent or skill, want to donate goods, a monotary gift or your time, fundraise or raise awareness, there is a way, big or small for you to make a difference.

Read what President Obama has to say:

President Obama Proclaims March Red Cross Month

This month, we honor men and women who deliver relief to communities around the world, and we renew the compassionate spirit that continues to keep our country strong and our people safe.

Posted March 01, 2013

President Barack Obama has proclaimed “March is American Red Cross Month,” upholding a tradition that began 70 years ago. Started in 1943, each March, the U.S. President issues a proclamation calling upon the American public to support the Red Cross by giving blood, volunteering time or donating funds.

“This month, we honor men and women who deliver relief to communities around the world, and we renew the compassionate spirit that continues to keep our country strong and our people safe,” states the 2013 Presidential Proclamation.

The proclamation also noted the largest Red Cross disaster response in the past five years, Hurricane Sandy.

“We saw the depth of their dedication just four months ago, when the sweeping devastation of Hurricane Sandy put millions of Americans in harm's way. In darkness and danger, thousands of professionals and volunteers stepped up to serve. They secured supplies and shelter when our people needed them most. And when times were tough, they proved that America is tougher because we all pull together.”

More than four months after landfall, donations to the American Red Cross are helping people with food, emotional support and long-term assistance. So far, the Red Cross has:

Served more than 13 million meals and snacks

Handed out more than 7 million relief items

Provided more than 112,000 health services and emotional support contacts

Mobilized more than 17,000 trained workers

Provided more than 81,000 shelter stays

To learn more about the continued Red Cross response to Hurricane Sandy, visit www.redcross.org/sandy-response.

In addition, this past year, the Red Cross prepared and responded to large scale disasters including severe spring storms, widespread wildfires and Hurricane Isaac in the Gulf. The Red Cross was also there in the aftermath of the tragic shootings in Aurora, Colo., Oak Creek, Wis., and Newtown, Conn., providing community support and mental health assistance. Learn more about the 2012 Red Cross response to 113 large disasters in 42 states.

To help people prepare for large scale disasters and every day emergencies, over the past year, the Red Cross developed and released a series of free smart phone applications including a First Aid app, hurricane app and wildfire app. These apps are available for download on both iPhone and Android platforms. The Red Cross will release more in the year ahead, including a tornado app early this spring.

While the Red Cross is most visible during large disasters, the work continues year-round. Every year, the Red Cross:

Responds to nearly 70,000 disasters

Teaches more than 4 million people how to prepare for disaster

Engages more than half a million people as Red Cross volunteers

Trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other skills to help save lives such as CPR and use of AEDs

Collects 6.3 million units of blood from roughly 3.7 million volunteer donors

Provides services to more than 400,000 military members, veterans and civilians

Helps nearly 150 million people through disaster management and disease prevention activities

Reconnects more than 1,000 families separated by war and disaster around the world

Today, the Red Cross continues to provide lifesaving services thanks to the generosity of the American public, the everyday heroes who put our mission into action in communities across the country and around the world.

To volunteer or read more.. go to :  http://www.redcross.org/