LOS ANGELES, Feb. 26, 2021 — In a year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global crisis, thousands of Angelenos have stepped up to address the needs of those reeling from the pandemic as well as record-breaking disasters across the country. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region invites Angelenos to honor Red Cross Month by giving blood, signing up to volunteer or donating on Giving Day (March 24).

For nearly 80 years, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize Americans participating in its lifesaving mission — one that is powered by a workforce that is made up of 90% volunteers.

“The past year was overwhelming for so many in our community, and yet even in the face of a historic disaster season and a pandemic, people still stepped forward to care for one another,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “We saw how our Red Cross volunteers and donors heeded the Red Cross call to action: Sleeves Up. Hearts Open. All In.”

When the pandemic closed Los Angeles’ schools last March, hundreds of volunteers served meals to families in need. When California’s most destructive wildfire season on record forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate, hundreds of volunteers dedicated time to help provide shelter, food, emotional support and recovery help for their next steps. In addition, thousands of COVID-19 survivors, rolled up their sleeves to share their potentially lifesaving antibodies by giving plasma.

RED CROSS MONTH EVENTS:

Light Up Red is the five-year running tradition across Los Angeles, where iconic buildings, landmarks and companies, including the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel (March 1), the Paramount Studios water tower in Hollywood (March 8-12) and Beverly Hills City Hall (March 24) will light up red in honor of Red Cross Month. This beautiful display of lights is a reminder that we are all in this together. View map of city proclamations and building landmarks throughout the month.

Red Cross Stories on March 4, volunteers, donors and community partners will gather virtually for an evening of powerful Red Cross storytelling, narrated by luminaries in the entertainment industry. Pierce Brosnan, Chloe Coleman, Charles Malik Whitfield, Elisabeth Röhm and Rita Rudner will share stories of resiliency and hope, gathered from all aspects of the Red Cross mission including disaster relief and blood services. More information and tickets for the virtual event can be purchased at redcross.org/RCStories2021.

Giving Day on March 24, giving a gift donation of any size makes a difference and provides food, shelter and relief items to families in need across Los Angeles and the country. Giving Day is an opportunity to help people who urgently need Red Cross services to get back on their feet.

HOW YOU CAN TAKE ACTION:

Join the Red Cross spirit this March and support our mission to provide comfort and hope during the toughest of times:

• GIVE BLOOD: If you’re healthy and feeling well — especially those with type O blood — please make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.
• HOST A BLOOD DRIVE: Your organization or you alone can host a blood drive. Encourage employees, friends and organizational leaders to give blood. Visit redcross.org/BloodDriveHost for more information.
• VOLUNTEER: Many people feel isolated during the pandemic. Support your own mental health and give back to others by connecting with communities in need through volunteering. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to see our most-needed positions, including virtual opportunities.
• DONATE: Support our Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.