Celebrating Red Cross Month

Since May of 1881, American Red Cross volunteers have been helping people prepare for the worst, assisting those affected by natural disasters and providing life-saving blood for patients in need. In honor of the heroes who perform these acts of selflessness each day, in 1943 President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the first March is Red Cross Month, a tradition that has been carried on by each President of the United States since.

The Red Cross Central California Region has hundreds of volunteers in multiple counties. However, no person’s contribution to their community should go overlooked. That’s why during Red Cross Month the Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes. Those heroes who help disaster victims get on the road to recovery, give blood to a patient in need, brighten the day of a service member who is far from home, and take lifesaving CPR/AED/First Aid classes in order to assist someone having a medical emergency.

This willingness by people to donate their time and efforts to help others in need is what makes Red Cross such a special organization. During Red Cross month there are several ways to get involved in helping your community, whether you are a first time volunteer or a long time servant for your community.

One way to get involved is through the Home Fire Campaign. In Fall 2014, the Red Cross set a goal to reduce fire deaths and injuries by 25% over the next five years. Since then, volunteers have spread out across neighborhoods to teach people about fire dangers and provide free smoke alarms to those in need, all in hopes of preventing tragedy. In March, volunteers will meet in Visalia (March 12th), Winton (March 19th), and Santa Barbara (March 19th) to install free smoke alarms and educate families on the importance of fire safety. You can sign up to volunteer for these one day events and help build stronger communities.

Another way to get involved is through the donation of life-saving blood. This includes blood drives at Thousands Oaks Inn (March 7th), Moorpark College (March 8th), Oxnard College (March 8th), Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center (March 11th), and Ventura City Hall (March 15th). Visit redcrossblood.org to find an upcoming drive near you.

In San Luis Obispo, join the Red Cross along with Pacific Gas and Electric Company and El Dorado Broadcasting for the annual Preparedness Expo on March 12. Bring the family out for a day of fun and learning, so you’ll be ready for earthquakes, fires, zombies, and more!

Friends of the Red Cross in the Santa Barbara area are invited to attend a Red Cross Month reception and happy hour at Benchmark Eatery on Wednesday, March 16 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. RSVP to kimberly.coley@redcross.org. Also keep an eye on State Street from March 11 through 18, as our traditional Red Cross banners will be waving proudly to mark the occasion.

So join us in honoring everyday heroes like our Red Cross volunteers by celebrating Red Cross Month. Whether it’s through a random act of kindness, making a donation, or participating in volunteer opportunities, take a moment with us this March to celebrate this important work.

For more information on upcoming Red Cross Central California events visit and how to get involved in American Red Cross month, visit redcross.org/centralcalifornia.

Zach Kramer
Red Cross Volunteer