Celebrate Red Cross Month with 'March Mission Madness'

Join celebration by registering for online regional auction (March 3-10), giving blood, volunteering or taking lifesaving skills course

Submitted by the American Red Cross of Western New York

The American Red Cross of Western New York is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor contributions made by its volunteer workforce to ensure that neighbors never face crises alone. This year, the public is invited to turn their compassion into action by participating in the “March Mission Madness” online regional auction (March 3-10) to support the essential services and programs provided by the American Red Cross of Western New York.

Help Can’t Wait When Emergencies Strike

Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous blood, platelet and financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters. Last year, local volunteers donated more than 145,500 hours in the service of others, including:

√ Responded to 846 disaster events; the majority of which were home fires;

√ Assisted 1,459 families in the aftermath of those disasters;

√ Provided 2,832 Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) case services to active and retired military and their families;

√ Taught more than 54,000 enrollees preparedness, health and safety courses;

√ Collected more than 108,000 units of lifesaving blood products; and

√ Installed 3,418 free smoke alarms to make communities safer and save lives.

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Nick Bond, regional CEO, American Red Cross of Western New York. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes. Please consider joining in their commitment by registering for the ‘March Mission Madness’ regional auction, volunteering your time and talents, making an appointment to give blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Items featured in this year’s auction include getaways, sports memorabilia, recreational activities and much more. All proceeds from the “March Mission Madness” online regional auction support local Red Cross programming and services in the region. Bidding starts Sunday, March 3, and ends Sunday, March 10. Participants can register now at e.givesmart.com/events/ys3/ to browse items, receive text updates and bid.

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation – and each U.S. president has followed ever since.

As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities.

As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.

Join Rewarding Day of Giving Back

Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which is also working to help families stay safe by installing free smoke alarms during its “Sound the Alarm” home fire safety events in at-risk communities. Volunteers are needed for an event Saturday, March 23, in Jamestown. Register and learn more at SoundtheAlarm.org/WNY.

More About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow on social media.