LOS ANGELES, November 29, 2021 — Angelinos! Step up on November 30 for Giving Tuesday, an opportunity for the City of Angels to come together on the same day to support the urgent humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.
In 2021, Angelinos and people across California faced increased emergency needs from severe disasters, blood shortages, and the ongoing pandemic. For 140 years, the Red Cross mission has relied and thrived on the generosity of the American people who donate money, blood, and their time as volunteers to alleviate suffering brought on by disasters and other humanitarian challenges.
“In addition to the urgent demand for lifesaving blood, 2021 saw California hard hit again by larger and more destructive wildfires” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO for the Red Cross Los Angeles Region, “By making a gift to the Red Cross this Giving Tuesday, our local communities are advancing a vital mission to help when help can’t wait.”
On Giving Tuesday and throughout the holidays, visit redcross.org and to make a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets. Angelinos can also learn about wide ranging volunteer and humanitarian opportunities across the region.
Relentless Wildfires
2021 marked one of California’s most active years for devastating wildfires — which battered many communities still reeling from last year’s blazes. For thousands of people not just in California but across the country, the Red Cross launched a new major relief effort every 11 days to provide refuge, food, and care.
This year, a family displaced by a disaster in the U.S. spent an average of nearly 30 days in a Red Cross-supported emergency shelter. These extended stays were largely due to a lack of savings and community housing shortages — signs that climate-driven disasters are compounding the financial hardships of the pandemic.
COVID-19 Strains Blood Supply for Patients
To meet the increasing needs of hospital patients, the Red Cross distributed 250,000 more blood products in 2021 than last year, until the delta variant began to spread in August.
The pandemic also resulted in fewer blood drives at schools and colleges, contributing to a 34% drop in new blood donors from last year — one of the largest year-to-year decreases and one that could threaten essential medical care for patients.
As a result of low blood donor turnout in recent months, the Red Cross is heading into the holidays with its lowest blood supply in more than a decade at this time of year. Blood donations are desperately needed now to meet the needs of accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer, or sickle cell disease.
All those who come to give November 29th-December 16th will automatically be entered for the chance to win a private screening for the winner and 50 of their guests of the epic new film The Matrix Resurrections. Plus, those who come to give November 29th-December 16th will also get a $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.
Make an impact on Giving Tuesday
Donate between now and November 30 You don't have to wait until Giving Tuesday to help families, neighbors, communities, and organizations assisting those who need it most. You can donate now. You will receive a confirmation receipt at the email address you provide when you complete your donation. Your donation will be included in the total amount for Giving Tuesday.
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/la or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA or @CruzRojaLA.
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