Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (March 22, 2023) — American Red Cross Giving Day is today, and the Red Cross of Utah wants to encourage participation by highlighting three important ways residents can contribute to their communities: lifesaving blood, financial donations, and invaluable time.
“Red Cross Giving Day is a chance for us to give back in whatever way we can, large or small,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “It’s a nationwide and community effort to encourage everyone to come together and contribute to those in need.”
Created in 2015, Red Cross Giving Day was designed to shine a light on the need for public support of humanitarian efforts. “Today and throughout the year, we hope Utahns will chose to make an impact,” Ruster said. “We’re encouraging residents to consider making a financial donation, giving blood or platelets, or signing up to become a Red Cross volunteer.”
This year, more than 1,200 Red Cross of Utah volunteers have provided support for disaster relief, blood drives, and free safety and preparedness education programs in the area. Utah volunteers and staff responded to more than 200 home fires and helped nearly 800 people in our communities in 2022.
“The American Red Cross is known for bringing help and hope to those in need, but we can’t do our work without the contributions of others,” Ruster said. “From showing up to support families devastated by a home fire to providing lifesaving blood to hospital patients, we’re there because so many people are willing to find a way to donate to our efforts. Red Cross Giving Day is a special opportunity to remind everyone we need and appreciate your generosity.”
Three ways you can support your community through the Red Cross
Volunteer
Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn how you can make a difference, especially when disasters strike.
Give blood
In the U.S., approximately 62% of the population is eligible to give blood, but only about 3% does. Make an appointment to donate at redcrossblood.org today and help prevent blood supply shortages.
Donate
Make a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief to help people affected by floods, fires, and countless other crises. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.