March is Red Cross Month
How We Started. Where We’re Going.
The tradition of March being declared Red Cross Month began in 1943 with a proclamation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt and for more than 75 years, all U.S. presidents have designated this month.
For generations, Americans have answered the call to help—standing together through war, disaster, and uncertainty. Red Cross Month honors this shared history of service and hope.
That same spirit lives on today, right here in Central California. Every day, people in our community roll up their sleeves to help neighbors recover, prepare, and thrive.
Together, we’ve made an impact—and together, we will continue to make a difference.
Our Impact, Right Here in Your Community
Responded to more than 530 local disasters and provided 730 families with immediate disaster assistance
Installed more than 2,700 free smoke alarms
Delivered 3,300 services for military members, veterans and their families
Trained more than 50,400 people in lifesaving skills like CPR, First Aid and AED
Stories from Your Local Red Cross
No matter how long someone has been a Red Cross volunteer, chances are they’ve heard of Robert “Bob” Strojek. With nearly a decade of service to the American Red Cross, Bob’s journey began when then-Disaster Program Manager Kurt Russell attended a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class Bob was teaching. Their introduction launched what would become years of tireless involvement with the Red Cross.
One word comes to mind when speaking with Bob: involved. It’s no wonder volunteers affectionately refer to him as the “Mayor of Goleta,” the city he calls home. But Bob’s dedication extends far beyond his Red Cross duties.
For Mari Montelongo, joining the American Red Cross wasn’t just a career move, it was a calling.
Since stepping into her first role as a Disaster Program Specialist in 2023, Mari has quickly become a vital part of the Central California Region’s disaster response efforts. Now serving as the Regional Disaster Action Team (DAT) Manager, she leads with heart, purpose and a deep commitment to helping others.
“I was drawn to the humanitarian aspect of the Red Cross,” Mari shared. “We go out to assist anyone in need — being the shoulder they can cry on or lean on in a devastating circumstance.”
Aide Hernandez is a Missing Piece of the Recovery Puzzle
Living the Mission: Supporting Service Members From the Heart of Poland and Romania
Jennie Griggs’ Mission to Support Blood Donors and the Gift of Life
Somos el Puente: Alexis Gonzalez’s Passion for Empowering Hispanic Communities
Inspired to Help?
Your donation brings hope to our community—shelter, food, and support for families in need.
Donate today.
Volunteering brings purpose, connection, and hope—to others and to you.
Take the first step today.
Every two seconds, a life depends on blood. Your donation can bring hope to a child, a mom, a family.
From First Aid to CPR, Red Cross training prepares you to protect your loved ones and your community.
Local Events
What Your Gift Can Provide
In a disaster, children and families often lose their home and are left exposed to the elements. $25 can provide 5 warm blankets to protect them from the cold and help them sleep comfortably in emergency shelters.
Give a gift to make sure no family goes hungry after a disaster strikes by supporting our shelter kitchens and mobile feeding. $55 can provide a hot meal and snacks to 5 people after a disaster.
Give a gift to show our heroes and veterans you care. Help volunteers warmly welcome service members and veterans at medical facilities. Your gift of $145 can provide 20 kits filled with toiletries and other essentials to make them feel at home.
When disaster strikes, parents can lose everything — including essentials they need to keep their babies healthy while staying at an emergency shelter. $150 can provide a crib for a family in need.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood — a mother giving birth, a child with cancer, a neighbor in an accident and countless others. $200 can help ensure that the life-saving gift of blood will be available whenever and wherever it is needed.
Emergencies can force families to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. $200 can provide a full day of emergency shelter for a family of 4 impacted by disaster, including 3 meals, 2 blankets, 1 cot, snacks and personal hygiene supplies.
Help families affected by disasters around the world. A gift of $625 can provide four families of five with a complete emergency kit, including hygiene supplies, blankets, tarps, water containers, a kitchen set and a crank-powered lamp, radio and charger.
