Since 1943, every sitting U.S. president has declared March as American Red Cross Month to celebrate the achievements of Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and financial supporters. This year, Red Cross Month in South Carolina is extra special, with the announcement of a $1,000,000 financial gift from a Charleston woman.   

“I feel a commitment to the Red Cross and feel a level of ownership toward our lifesaving mission. It's part of my volunteer responsibility to engage and educate people about the work that we do,” the generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said. “It’s not about me. It’s about them, the people we serve.”   

During 2020, the Red Cross of South Carolina with the support of our volunteers:   

• Engaged local volunteers to responded to more than 1,800 home fires, helping more than 5,100 people have a safe place to stay, warm meals and emotional support.  
• Worked with partners to collect more than 77,000 units of blood at over 3,300 blood drives. 
• Supported over 4,000 U.S. services members, veterans, and their families.   

“We are thrilled to accept this gift and excited to save even more lives across the Lowcountry and beyond,” said Executive Director of Lowcountry South Carolina, Ashley Henyan. “On behalf of the communities, families and individuals we serve, I can only say ‘thank you.’”   

Red Cross Giving Day is March 24, 2021   

Red Cross services are only possible with the support of volunteers, community partners and financial supporters. As part of Red Cross Month 2021, Red Cross Giving Day, which is on March 24th, is a nationwide effort to raise the funds necessary to enable Red Cross volunteers to serve anyone in need, anytime and anywhere. To learn how you can get involved, you can visit RedCross.org/givingday.    

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.

###