Celebrate the work of the American Red Cross

In recognition of the work done by the American Red Cross in communities across Vermont, New Hampshire's Upper Valley, the country, and around the globe, March has been designated Red Cross Month.

Thanks to support from individuals, organizations and businesses across Vermont and the Upper Valley, the American Red Cross in our region is able to respond to disasters both large and small; help members of the military, veterans, and their families; provide blood for those in need; and teach lifesaving skills.

We thank those whose generosity enables us to continue our work, both here at home and around the world. You can help by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or giving blood.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support, and other necessities to those affected. We provide 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans, and their families; we collect and distribute more than 40 percent of the nation's blood supply; and we train more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety, and other lifesaving skills every year.

On average, the Vermont and the New Hampshire Valley American Red Cross responds to more than 100 local disasters each year. Through these responses, the Red Cross reaches out with a helping hand each year to hundreds of families in our region who are victims of fire.

Of course, we can't look back at the past year without also recognizing the tremendous work of Red Cross volunteers and considering the thousands of people they helped in response to the devastation of Tropical Storm Irene and the record spring flooding.

In addition to fulfilling our disaster-services mission, over the course of a typical year, in our area we assist more than 300 military families, offer training in Red Cross lifesaving skills to 14,000 people; and in Vermont receive donations of more than 45,000 units of blood.

Red Cross Month is the perfect time for people to become a part of our mission and help people in need by making a donation, volunteering, giving blood, or taking a class.

Please help us help those in need. Please support the American Red Cross.