Darke County Red Cross...
During Red Cross Month, Help People in Need
By Supporting the American Red Cross  
March 3, 2019 

March 1, 2012 Darke County, OH— During March, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to help people in need by supporting the lifesaving services it provides. 

“Please remember those who need our help and support the Red Cross by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or advocating for such a great organization,” said Lynne Gump, Executive Director of the Darke County Chapter.  “We want to thank everyone for their generosity, which has enabled us help people here at home, across the United States, and around the world.” 

March is Red Cross Month, first proclaimed in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since that time, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years. Here in Darke County, the Red Cross is “just” ninety-five years old, helping literally families throughout the generations. 

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. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year. Here in Darke County area, the Red Cross responded to twenty-six local emergencies, assisted over two-hundred military families and trained 1,400 people in lifesaving skills.  Not to mention the hundreds of people who were helped by community programs such as information referral or the hundreds of families who received information on how their family can prepare for disasters. 

“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to support our mission,” Gump said. “Their kindness will enable us to continue our work, both here at home and across the globe.” 

The Darke County Chapter has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month, including an Open House on March 1st, Save A Life Saturday on March 10th and their marquee fundraiser on March 31st, “A Night of Comedy and Caring”.  Additionally, they are working with area schools on “Raising the Red Cross Flag”, through-out the month.  Keep watching local media outlets for updates and details on events. 

 About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or follow the Darke County Red Cross on facebook and twitter!