Thank You, American Red Cross

March is not only National Women’s History Month, but Red Cross Month, which dates back to 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt named the first Red Cross Month in support of fundraising efforts led by the humanitarian organization in response to World War II.

The American Red Cross provides disaster relief, education and emergency assistance, as well as outreach for the needy, 24/7 support services for military members and their families, safety training, international relief programs and so much more. The organization relies on time, money and blood donations in order to do its work – not the government.

This March, we celebrate the Red Cross in recognition of the support and services it provides to so many people. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, for example, the Red Cross provided 1.6 million meals and snacks, and 23,900 emotional support and health contacts. The American Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year. And in 2007, more than 10,000 people had enrolled in the 9/11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program, which was funded by the American Red Cross and helped people directly affected by 9/11 get treatment for little-to-no cost.

The American Red Cross says, “Your generosity helps provide life-changing and often lifesaving services down the street, across the country and around the world. Show your support during Red Cross Month because moments of hope are made possible by people like you.”

Visit redcross.org to learn how you can join in the cause.