Media Contact: Taylor Poisall
Telephone: (559) 513-1656
taylor.poisall2@redcross.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Red Cross Month honors local heroes in March

Join the celebration by becoming a volunteer

to deliver relief and care in the face of intensifying disasters

 

BISHOP, MAR. 17, 2025 — The American Red Cross Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter’s March is Red Cross Month celebration is underway to honor local neighbors who deliver support when help can’t wait during emergencies.

 

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. Locally, the Counties of Inyo and Mono have declared March as Red Cross Month in the Eastern Sierra to recognize the impact of local volunteers who turn compassion into action.

 

“During Red Cross Month, we proudly recognize the individuals who represent the best of humanity by stepping up to care for our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Hector Vazquez, Executive Director, Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter. “As disasters become more intense across the country and families face everyday threats like home fires, the support of these local heroes is critical to the health of communities. You can join them to help ensure no one faces an emergency alone by signing up to become a Red Cross volunteer.”

 

DELIVERING CARE AMID INTENSIFYING DISASTERS As extreme weather intensifies across the country, the need for people to answer the call to help during disasters is as important as ever. Over the last several months, volunteers from the Eastern Sierra have responded to record-breaking wildfires in Southern California and massive hurricanes across the Southeast.

 

VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS AT HEART OF RED CROSS This work and more is made possible by volunteers — who comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce — and generous donors who provide them with the resources to help people in need. Some of our most needed volunteer roles include:

• Disaster Action Team: Most of the 65,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires and these are no less devastating to the families affected. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services.
• Disaster Recovery Care: Casework volunteers provide support to people after disasters to help them get back on their feet. This can include providing referrals to other organizations, serving as an advocate, and issuing financial assistance through a special online system. Volunteers are needed to help both virtually and onsite after disasters.
• Disaster Preparedness Presenter: Red Cross Disaster Preparedness Volunteers teach people of all ages how to reduce the risk of disaster, prepare to respond effectively and cope with disasters when they happen. Whether leading courses in person or online, your skills in teaching, motivating and communicating will help make your community stronger and more resilient in the face of the climate crisis.

Visit redcross.org/GivingDay to make a financial donation and be part of our annual Giving Day, March 26, during Red Cross Month. A gift of any size helps provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance for people affected by disasters big and small. You can also visit redcross.org to volunteer or learn lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR or how to use an AED.

 

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.

 

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