Support relief efforts this holiday season—donate blood or make a gift to bring hope

Los Angeles, November 18, 2024 — In 2024, relentless extreme weather swept through Southern California and the U.S., leaving thousands dependent on the American Red Cross for urgent relief. This year also brought 24 major climate and weather disasters, each causing over $1 billion in damages—a toll second only to last year’s record-breaking 28. To help, 2,946 Red Cross volunteers from the LA Region have been on the frontlines, delivering shelter, food and critical aid to tens of thousands impacted by wildfires, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes—all while supporting families still struggling to rebuild after 2023’s devastating crisis.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of disasters that tear lives apart and leave families grasping for hope,” said Joanne Nowlin, Chief Executive Officer, Red Cross Los Angeles Region, reflecting on her recent deployment in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “With the climate crisis intensifying, our mission has never been more critical. In every community, from Los Angeles to the hardest-hit regions, people rely on us to provide not only relief but a path to recovery. We invite everyone to join us in this lifesaving work—whether through a monetary donation, a blood donation, or volunteering. Every act of compassion strengthens our ability to rebuild lives and offer hope.”

This GivingTuesday and holiday season, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood. Consider too, giving the gift of your time through volunteering. 

DISASTER RESPONSES IN 2024: Los Angeles volunteers helped over 2,130 Angelenos following home fires and other emergencies, including devastating blazes in Lomita, Chinatown, Koreatown and winter mudslides in Baldwin Hills. 

Read how Local Red Cross volunteers brought help and hope after a devastating house fire.

RESPONDING TO OTHER HUMANITARIAN NEEDS This year, the Red Cross addressed people’s urgent needs in other ways too:

· BLOOD DONATIONS: Millions of blood donors nationwide, including Angelenos, helped overcome a significant number of blood drive cancellations due to the country’s severe weather and heat, including 5,574 drives in the Los Angeles Region, which collected 150,516 units of blood in 2024. This support was critical because as the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross helped ensure patients continued accessing lifesaving treatment during major disasters by pre-positioning blood products near areas likely to be impacted — including in Georgia and Florida for Hurricane Helene and in Florida again just days later for Hurricane Milton.

· LIFESAVING TRAINING: This year, Red Cross instructors empowered millions of people with essential first aid, CPR and water safety skills—including 111,945 individuals in the Los Angeles Region. This vital training promotes safety, helps prevent emergencies and equips people with the knowledge to respond quickly and effectively in critical situations.

· MILITARY FAMILIES: In 2024, through our 24/7 global Hero Care Network, Red Cross teams in Los Angeles provided essential support to over 2,465 military members, veterans and their families. This assistance included connecting deployed service members with loved ones during family emergencies. Nationwide, we also answered thousands of calls from military families impacted by this year’s hurricanes—like Helene and Milton—linking them with military aid societies to facilitate recovery assistance.

Visit our YEAR IN REVIEW page to relive how Angelenos carried out our mission in 2024.

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, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.