Contact: Sherry Nicholson
Phone: 404-323-3923
Email: Sherry.Nicholson@redcross.org

Atlanta, GA – March 2, 2020—Today, at the Georgia State Capitol, Governor Brian Kemp presented a proclamation declaring March as American Red Cross Month to CEO Jennifer Pipa and joined her in recognizing the extraordinary support of “everyday heroes” in Georgia who make the work of the Red Cross possible. In celebration, Atlantans are “seeing red,” this week with the crowns of the iconic “King and Queen” buildings (Hwy 285 and 400 exchange) lighting up red nightly to honor Red Cross supporters.

“Every day, families rely on Red Cross volunteers for urgent relief and hope during crises,” said Pipa. “We honor their service during Red Cross Month and ask others to join them in being heroes for families in need by becoming volunteers, learning lifesaving skills, giving blood or donating to support our humanitarian mission on Red Cross Giving Day, March 25^th.”

It’s been 75 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt first proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission. All U.S. presidents since Roosevelt have continued the tradition, recognizing how the Red Cross, powered by a workforce that’s 90 percent volunteers, helps people across the country and around the world.

EVERY DAY, VOLUNTEERS HELP  
Every eight minutes in the U.S., the Red Cross connects with a family who has lost everything to a home fire or other disaster—the roof over their heads, their clothes, their most cherished possessions. Last year in Georgia, volunteers statewide provided shelter, hot meals, new clothing, health services and emotional support for 4,600 families following nearly 3,000 local disasters –ranging from daily home fires to large-scale emergencies like the devastating tornadoes that hit Southwest Georgia last March.

HOW YOU CAN BE A HERO

On March 25, Red Cross Giving Day, donate at redcross.org/givingday to #help1family who loses nearly everything to a disaster. Your gift can provide hope and urgent relief like food, shelter and other essentials. Donations are key to saving lives because they fund nearly 100 percent of Red Cross disaster relief activities. You can also:

• Become a volunteer: Help families affected by disasters and install lifesaving smoke alarms to keep neighbors safe from home fires. In some areas, you can also provide emergency assistance for military members and veterans or help reconnect families separated by international conflict.
• Give blood: Make an appointment to donate lifesaving blood or platelets.
• Learn lifesaving skills: Register for a class to learn first aid, CPR and other skills.
• Connect: Visit our website at www.redcross.org/georgia. Like, Share, and Retweet posts on Georgia Red Cross channels:  Facebook (@redcrossgeorgia), Instagram (@georgiaredcross), and Twitter (@GARedCross).

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.