MIAMI, FLA., MARCH 6, 2024 — This week, the American Red Cross South Florida Region is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone. 

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. Locally, the celebration kicks off South Florida lights up in Red on March 27th in honor of Giving Day.

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Krista Coletti, Regional Chief Executive Officer. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes. Please consider joining in their commitment by donating, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce and help to power our lifesaving mission, along with generous financial donors, people trained in skills like first aid and CPR and other supporters. Below are some of the ways that volunteers from South Florida have delivered relief with the Red Cross in times of crisis:

1. 173 volunteers deployed in 2023 to disasters locally and across the nation 
   
2. 3,291 South Florida residents helped after a home fire in 2023
3. Susy’s volunteer story:

Susy Rodriguez says she’s no angel, but she is blessed.

“I thrive in chaos,” says Rodriguez, an American Red Cross volunteer who, in the past year, has deployed to five disasters, from hurricanes to wildfires. “I am doing God’s work, and I feel blessed to be able to do it. The Red Cross has given my life purpose. Volunteering gives me 10-fold what I give back.” Read more here.

In honor or Red Cross Month, we encourage you to join in the celebration by visiting redcross.org/southflorida to become a volunteer, make a financial donation or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

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.