The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need, down the street, across the country and around the world. Every March, during Red Cross Month, we honor people who make the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross possible –individuals who want to turn compassion into action, helping others in times of crisis. We invite you to join the Red Cross mission by volunteering, giving blood, learning lifesaving skills or making a financial donation!
1. Become a Volunteer
Every day, volunteers with the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties are out in the community helping fellow San Diegans – neighbors helping neighbors.
“I was attracted to the Red Cross because of the purity of the mission. I am drawn to serving my community, and helping people in emergency situations seems to be the most important mission anyone could support,” says local volunteer Renée Sabol.
In San Diego, the Red Cross needs more volunteers. From volunteering as a disaster worker to helping at local blood drives, to providing services for military families and so much more, there are dozens of volunteer opportunities. Bilingual volunteers are also greatly needed. Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives.
“If you are looking for a way to give back, if you are looking for an organization that makes a difference on the spot, where you can see the effects of your work right away, then volunteer with the Red Cross!” says Teri Allinger, San Diegan and Red Cross volunteer. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.
2. Donate Blood
About every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. There’s no substitute for blood. When a patient receives blood, it was given in advance by a generous donor.
Make an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also make a difference by hosting a blood drive at your place of work or volunteering as a Blood Donor Ambassador or Blood Transportation Specialist.
3. Get Trained in Lifesaving Skills
When North Park resident Steve Cline went into sudden cardiac arrest, his life was saved thanks to CPR rendered by his wife, Annette, and first responders. After their experience, Annette took a Red Cross CPR and first aid class to be prepared in case of another emergency. Annette credits Red Cross training for giving her a greater sense of confidence should another emergency happen in the future. “If I was in the situation again, I absolutely feel more confident…I think we all have a hero in us. Somebody can take that action to save a life.”
Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to register for a class to learn first aid, CPR and other skills that can equip you to respond in an emergency.
4. Make a Financial Donation
Every 8 minutes, someone affected by disaster is helped by donations to the Red Cross. The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.
One of the leading watchdog organizations, Charity Navigator, gives the American Red Cross its highest rating — four stars — for accountability and transparency. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation.
For more information about the local Red Cross and how you can get involved during Red Cross Month and all year long, visit redcross.org/SoCal.
