Red Cross Month

Since 1943, every year the President has declared March “Red Cross Month’. The American Red Cross traditionally uses this month to promote it services to the American public and for fundraising.

Fundraising is important to the American Red Cross because it does not accept funds from the government. However, all its disaster services are given free of charge to victims. While many people know that the Red Cross responds to national disasters, did you know that they also respond to smaller ones, like single family house fires.  It is  through the generous support of the public and our volunteers that allows them to help meet the emergency needs of an individual who has experienced a disaster.

However, Emergency Services is not the only service delivery line of the Red Cross. They also provide Services to the Armed Forces. Who hasn’t heard of the CPR classes offered by their Health and Safety Services? Maybe you have even donated blood at a Red Cross blood drive. This is only three examples of the many things Red Cross does in addition to disaster response.

On Sundays in March, I hope to help us all celebrate Red Cross Month.  Maybe along the way, we can all learn something about this organization. For example, did you know that last radio speech President Roosevelt gave, just days before his death, was in support of the Red Cross?

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I want you to know that I am a volunteer with the American Red Cross. I am proud of this association which began decades ago in Huntsville, Al. It was there at the tender age of 13 that I first volunteered with them as a Teen Aide at the local hospital.