Media Contact: Jenna Schrader
(469) 632-4865 | Jenna.Schrader@redcross.org

TYLER, TEXAS - MARCH 17, 2025 — The American Red Cross East Texas Chapter urges the community to help ensure no one faces a disaster alone by donating on the 11th annual Red Cross Giving Day on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

In the first 50 days of 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to more large-scale disasters in the U.S. than there were days—on top of everyday crises like recent storms and home fires that have upended lives in East Texas.

“This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands from their homes across the country and disrupting the nation’s blood supply,” said Karen Holt, executive director of the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter. “As we enter spring disaster season, families are relying on us to come together as a community and support them when help can’t wait.”

HOW TO HELP

Visit redcross.org to make a financial gift or schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets in March.

• MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION: Red Cross Giving Day aims to rally 30,000 supporters to aid those affected by disasters big and small. A donation of $3 can provide a comfort kit with essentials like a toothbrush and shampoo, while $55 can supply five people with a meal, snack and drink.
  
  Those who give $140 or more in March can choose a Red Cross monopack or a pair of socks as a thank-you.
  
  
• GIVE BLOOD OR PLATELETS: The Red Cross urges donors to give blood this month to help replenish the blood supply. Blood donors in March will receive a free A1C test, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes, while also helping patients in need.
  
  Those who donate between March 1 and 31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. Learn more at RedCrossBlood.org/March and schedule your appointment today on the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. People of all blood types are needed now to help avoid further strain on the blood supply.
   

UPCOMING BLOOD DRIVES

• 3/20/2025: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Jarvis Christian University, 80 PR 7631, Hawkins, TX 75765
• 3/21/2025: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Red Cross Chapter Blood Drive, 320 East Rieck Road, Tyler, TX 75703
  • Karen Holt will be available for interviews from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 3/22/2025: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Empowerment Group, 309 W Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tyler, TX 75702
  
  

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.