March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross will be recognizing New Jersey’s every day heroes who bring help and hope to people in need. Events honoring outstanding volunteers, as well as those celebrating milestone years of service, will be held throughout the month.

“Every day I’m inspired by the many New Jersey heroes who help their neighbors when they need it most,” said Ana Montero, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “They include our compassionate Red Cross volunteers, selfless blood donors and generous supporters who are there to help people facing life’s emergencies. We are grateful for their tremendous support.”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. Beginning with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943, every U.S. President has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. Last year, the Red Cross New Jersey Region responded to more than 760 local disasters, such as home fires, and helped more than 1,800 New Jersey families with emergency assistance for temporary lodging, food and clothing needs; provided 3,500 military family case services, trained more than 116,100 people with lifesaving skills, installed 7,900 free smoke alarms and collected 89,100 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers.

“Become a Red Cross community hero,” said Montero. “Be ready for an emergency by creating a preparedness plan for your home. Test your smoke alarms and tell your neighbors to do the same. You can sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer or make a financial donation.” 

People can find information about volunteer opportunities, blood donation and other ways to support the work of the Red Cross by visiting redcross.org/NJ.

“Join us as we celebrate our New Jersey volunteers this March and share appreciation for their work helping others on social media using #RedCrossMonthNJ,” added Montero.

New Jersey residents can help support the Red Cross while filing their 2016 NJ State Tax Returns. Donations can be made by checking box 64 on the NJ-1040 Form and entering Code 14 for the American Red Cross-NJ Fund.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER  Every single day, the American Red Cross helps people in emergencies. It is through the time and care of ordinary people that we can do extraordinary things. The Red Cross is always looking for people with various backgrounds, talents and skill levels. For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/NJ.

DONATE BLOOD  Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given every seven days – up to 24 times a year. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in New Jersey), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. For more information or to schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org. 

SUPPORT DISASTER RELIEF  You can help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/NJ, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.