On Giving Day, March 23, Landmarks in Downtown Tampa and Orlando Will Be Illuminated RED in Recognition

TAMPA, Fla. – March 1, 2022 – Every March, the American Red Cross honors and celebrates the everyday heroes who help fulfill our humanitarian mission during Red Cross Month. As we approach year three of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re witnessed a remarkable spirit of humanity that has inspired compassionate people to step up to help when help can’t wait.

Since 1943, U.S. presidents have proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to recognize Americans participating in its lifesaving mission -- powered by a workforce that is more than 90% volunteers. The month-long recognition caps off with Red Cross Giving Day on Wednesday, March 23.

On Giving Day, landmarks and iconic buildings across the U.S. will be illuminated RED. Within our region, we are pleased to recognize the following municipalities and private entities that have committed to participation in this lighting activity to date: City of Tampa (lights on Tampa program), Hillsborough County (John Germany Public Library), Port Tampa Bay, the Virage Bayshore, the City of Orlando (public art program), The Waverly on Lake Eola, and Orange County LYNX Central Station.

“When emergencies strike, everyday heroes rally together to help families and individuals when it matters most,” said Eric Corliss, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Powered by a network of dedicated volunteers and generous donors and steadfast partners, our regional team provided help, when help couldn’t wait. Here is a snapshot of regional efforts:

-- 3,313 local volunteers contributed 118,234 hours of service

-- 107 workers supported 12 major disaster relief operations across the country (outside our area), both in-person and virtual since July 1, 2021

-- 1,607 households received emergency aid after local disasters like home fires and tornadoes

-- 1,085 home fire responses included 38 multi-family fires (apartments/condos) across 11 counties

-- 2,419 local military families received emergency support

*Figures represent services for calendar year 2021 unless otherwise noted.

Recipients of Red Cross emergency assistance, like Brevard resident Tom Bridgeman who suffered a home fire, will never forget the kindness of Red Cross volunteers. “It was really nice that the Red Cross showed up so quickly and provided a lot of telephone support -- and listened to us,” he said.

WAYS TO GIVE BACK There are a number of ways Americans can help during Red Cross Month:

-- DONATE Every eight minutes in the U.S., someone affected by a disaster is helped by the Red Cross. To donate, visit redcross.org/GivingDay.

-- VOLUNTEER When help can’t wait, volunteers provide families with the support they need. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to see our most-needed positions, including virtual opportunities.

-- GIVE BLOOD Although the Red Cross does not operate blood banks in our region, we understand the critical need to ensure lifesaving blood is available. Search by zip code for an accredited blood collection location at aabb.org/giveblood.

-- LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS Sign up to take a CPR and first aid class, so you can be prepared for an emergency, at redcross.org/take-a-class.

WITH APPRECIATION The generosity of community partners enables the Red Cross to prepare and respond when disasters strike. With tremendous gratitude, we acknowledge our 2022 Ready 365 Giving Circle members for their annual support: Circle K, Darden Restaurants, Publix, Raymond James, The Spurlino Family Foundation, Badcock Home Furniture & More, U.S. Family Foundation Inc., Hilton Grand Vacations, Jabil, Lockheed Martin, The NASCAR Foundation, William G. & Marie Selby Foundation, TECO Peoples Gas, TECO Tampa Electric, VRBO Citrus Bowl, Walmart, Yara International, Erik Abrahamson (Abrahamson & Uiterwyk), AssuredPartners, Bloomin’ Brands, Brown & Brown Insurance, Margaritaville, Oracle, OUC, Outback Bowl, Southeast Petro, TD SYNNEX, The Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation, TopBuild, Arbitration Forums, L3Harris Technologies, Paul B and Constance D Hunter Charitable Foundation, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Tampa Yankees, and Tijuana Flatts.

The American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 19 Florida counties through five chapters: Florida’s Space Coast (Daytona Beach), Greater Orlando, Mid-Florida (Winter Haven), Southwest Florida (Sarasota) and Tampa Bay; and the Virgin Islands territories of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, visit redcross.org. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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 or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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