All across the nation, the American Red Cross is honoring its everyday heroes during Red Cross Month.

For over 70 years, March has been designated as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.  

“Hawaii has no shortage of everyday heroes,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, Hawaii Red Cross CEO.  “They are selfless Red Cross volunteers and supporters who embody the spirit of humanitarianism and bring hope to those in need. During Red Cross Month, we honor and applaud them for their invaluable contribution.”

The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. They are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and respond to home fires and other disasters in Hawaii every 4 days, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. The Hawaii Red Cross also educates local youth, organizations and businesses on how to prepare before disasters strike, provides 24/7 support to members of the military, veterans and their families, and trains thousands of people in first aid and other lifesaving skills. 

In fiscal year 2016, the Hawaii Red Cross responded to 124 local emergencies, installed 1,062 smoke alarms in 325 homes, taught 2,603 keiki disaster preparedness, assisted 1,520 military families with emergency communications and trained 12,667 people in lifesaving skills.

This year also marks the Centennial Anniversary of the Red Cross in Hawaii.  Please join the cause of humanity by getting involved - take a Red Cross class to learn lifesaving skills, get prepared for disasters, volunteer, or make a donation.  For 100 years, the Red Cross has played a vital role in helping the people of Hawaii recover from every major disaster, from hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis to volcanic eruptions and air crashes. Through the generosity and support of Hawaii’s people, the Hawaii Red Cross will be here for the next 100 years to provide comfort and hope to those in need.

In honor of its Centennial and Red Cross Month, the Hawaii Red Cross is asking the public to raise much needed funds not only for disaster relief, but for a new Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV).  Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles are instrumental in almost every phase of disaster response—from prepositioning people, cots and blankets before a hurricane strikes, to distributing food and water following a brushfire, to providing a safe place for a Red Cross worker to offer physical and emotional support to a family following a home fire. To help the Hawaii Red Cross continue to fulfil their humanitarian mission for next 100 years, go to crowdrise.com/redcrosshawaii100.

Papa John’s has also selected the Hawaii Red Cross as the “Charity of the Month” for March in honor of Red Cross month.  During the entire month of March, you can use the code ‘ALOHA’ when ordering pizza online at http://www.papajohnshawaii.com/ and a $1 from each order will go to the Hawaii Red Cross. Also, throughout the entire month of March, purchase an Aloha Carry-Out Card for $10 and $7 will go to the Hawaii Red Cross!  The Aloha Carry-Out Card is good for buy one get one free pizza, all year long.  Lastly, order a pizza on the last Thursday of March (March 30th) and 25% of sales will be donated to the Hawaii Red Cross!

Throughout March and April, residents can also be a Red Cross Hero at their local Zippy’s restaurants by purchasing a Kokua Pac (25 cents of each sold will be donated to the Hawaii Red Cross), purchasing a cut-out for $1 to have your support displayed at your favorite Zippy’s location, or by donating at designated boxes at all Zippy’s locations.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world.  To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii  96816 or make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call (808) 739-8109.