[MIAMI, FLA., FEBRUARY 25, 2025] —The American Red Cross South Florida Region is kicking off its annual March is Red Cross Month celebration to honor South Florida neighbors who deliver support when help can’t wait during emergencies. Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.

“During Red Cross Month, we proudly recognize the individuals who represent the best of humanity by stepping up to care for our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Krista Coletti, Regional Executive for the South Florida Region. “As disasters become more intense across the country and families face everyday threats like home fires, the support of these local heroes is critical to the health of communities. You can join them to help ensure no one faces an emergency alone by donating, volunteering or taking a class to learn lifesaving skills.”

Visit redcross.org/GivingDay to make a financial donation and be part of our annual Giving Day, March 26, during Red Cross Month. A gift of any size helps provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance for people affected by disasters big and small. You can also visit redcross.org to volunteer or learn lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR or how to use an AED.

You can also join the Red Cross and community partners for a rewarding day of giving back by installing free smoke alarms and sharing home fire safety information with families during a Sound the Alarm event on Friday, February 28 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. No experience necessary; training will be provided. Register and learn more at redcross.org/southflorida.

DELIVERING CARE AMID INTENSIFYING DISASTERS As extreme weather intensifies across the country, the need for people to answer the call to help during disasters is as important as ever.

In just the past six months, more than 100 volunteers from the American Red Cross South Florida Region have responded to record-breaking wildfires in California, massive floods and hurricanes across the Southeast, and home fires in South Florida.

VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS AT HEART OF RED CROSS This work and more is made possible by volunteers — who comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce — and generous donors who provide them with the resources to help people in need. With this support, each year, the American Red Cross South Florida Region:

• As they were busy responding to disasters in 2024, our local Disaster Cycle Services team had over 1,200 active volunteers that worked a total of over 47,000 hours.
• Within the past year, our local Service to Armed Forces team had over 240 active volunteers that worked a total of over 5,400 hours.
• To help with local recruiting efforts, our Volunteer Services team was hard at work last year with over 380 volunteers that worked a total of 1,600 hours.
• Among our vast volunteer base, over 270 volunteers belong to our youth and young adult sector, and they’ve worked a total of over 5,400 hours.

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.