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.