With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month by President Obama, the Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross, recognized and thanked the supporters and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters down the street, across the country and around the world.

“The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most — and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work — here at home and abroad,” said Lainie Jenkins, local Red Cross volunteer chairman. “Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in American to achieve its mission.”

“During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters whose generosity makes the work of the American Red Cross possible and we want to give other businesses and individuals an opportunity to give to the local fund here in Effingham,” Jenkins added. “In addition, Red Cross Month is a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; or getting involved as a volunteer. Giving a financial gift can really save the day when the next disaster strikes in Effingham.”

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.

The American Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year through its network of 34,000 employees and more than 600,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 locations across the U.S. and more than 30 countries around the world.

“The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope,” Jenkins said. “The Red Cross is there in Haiti now — and we are also here in Effingham for families who need us. Let’s bring hope to families right down the street.”

Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities when residents are at work or asleep. In the past eight weeks, the Savannah Chapter (which includes Effingham) responded to 105 local fires, assisted more than 170 military families with emergency communications and trained over 350 people in lifesaving skills.  

Red Cross has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month in March here in Effingham, including CPR Saturday on March 27. To register for the CPR class, call 651-5371. For more information on Red Cross Sunday, local celebrations or other events, call Lainie Jenkins (912) 772-4589 or Denese Register (912) 651-5309.