By: Jenna Schrader
2023 was a memorable year for the American Red Cross North Texas Region. Red Crossers worked tirelessly to turn compassion into action through blood collection and distribution, responding to disasters and other traumatic events, serving members of the military and their families and providing lifesaving training courses. The dedicated individuals who volunteer their time are the heart of the Red Cross's mission to help alleviate human suffering while bringing hope to communities.
Lifesaving Blood
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and every day the Red Cross needs to collect about 12,500 blood donations from donors like Phillip Robinson to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country.
Robinson has been donating blood with the Red Cross for 14 years and recently made a Power Red donation at a blood drive at Dallas City Hall. "I wanted to help, and it's a good idea. It only takes a little bit to help. I’m doing a Power Red donation because it’s extra help," he said.
To make an appointment to give, use the Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross is responsible for collecting approximately 40% of the nation’s blood supply. In addition to making a personal blood donation you can become a blood partner through your civic group, church or business helping to spread the word about the need for individual blood donations, you can become a blood partner through your civic group, church or business, hosting a recurring blood drive.
Disaster Relief: Home Fire Campaign
There were more than 1,600 disasters in North Texas in 2023. Most were home fires, which claim seven lives a day nationwide and are the nation’s most frequent disaster. That’s why the National Red Cross Home Fire Campaign launched in 2014 to rally volunteers and install free smoke alarms through Sound the Alarm events.
The region celebrated a milestone in October, installing its 50,000th smoke alarm! This milestone kicked off the annual Sound the Alarm events, which took place in every chapter of the region.
“A working smoke alarm can mean the difference between tragedy and survival when a home fire strikes,” said Karen Holt, executive director of the Red Cross East Texas Chapter. “That’s why the Red Cross teams up with local partners in the community, like the local fire departments, to help ensure residents have these lifesaving devices in their homes.”
The many Red Crossers who volunteer their time make every Sound the Alarm event possible and homes are made safer simply through their efforts. One of those devoted Red Crossers who participated in a spring Sound the Alarm event in Abilene was John Ruzicka, who is a Texas Big Country Board Member for the American Red Cross and also serves as the executive vice president and CIO of First Financial Bank. Ruzicka, along with two members of his team from First Financial, installed free smoke alarms, created escape plans and shared fire safety information with families.
We're there when people need us most.
The Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes. No one else does this: not the government, not other charities. From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the Red Cross goes wherever we’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.
Leaders throughout the North Texas community react quickly to shepherd support when disasters strike. A local leader in the Texas Panhandle Plains chapter stepped up following the devastating Perryton tornados in June. Travis Preas, a long-time Perryton resident, who by day is a training specialist with Phillips 66 reflected on the early days of the disaster: “I was sitting at my desk at work and realized there was just so much that needed to be done.” He took vacation and quickly assumed leadership of the Perryton volunteer organizations active in disaster (VOAD) group, working countless hours to coordinate the activities of the dozens of volunteer agencies offering support in Perryton, including the Red Cross.
Service to the Armed Forces
The mission of the Red Cross was born on the battlefield through Clara Barton’s care for Civil War soldiers. Today, the North Texas Region continues to serve the U.S. military community. Partners like Texas de Brazil make our North Texas Service to the Armed Forces programs and events possible.
Texas de Brazil, a North Texas-based Brazilian steakhouse, recently held a campaign that raised over $45,000 for the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces. Over the last few years, the family-owned restaurant has raised more than $390,000 to support the Service to the Armed Forces program, which serves the nation’s military personnel and their families, including active duty, National Guard, reservists and veterans.
“We proudly support the American Red Cross programs that serve our military heroes and their families. These men and women endure countless sacrifices, and it’s our honor to give back and provide an opportunity for others to help raise funds directly to those who protect our freedoms,” Salim Asrawi, president of Texas de Brazil, said in a press release.
Train For The Moments That Matter
Every second counts in an emergency. To empower people to act during a crisis, the Red Cross is continually training people in first aid, CPR and AED use. The knowledge these courses provide should give everyone the confidence to act in an emergency and help save lives.
Red Cross safety courses make a difference in the lives of North Texans like the Beddow family. While grocery shopping as a family, a candy cane became lodged in their 14-month-old son Wilder’s throat. Local hero Liz Clifton of Royse City acted quickly upon hearing the couple yelling for help. Liz held Wilder and gave him back blows until his airway cleared, allowing him to begin breathing again.
In March, the North Texas Region honored Clifton for her bravery and quick response by bestowing her with one of the Red Cross’ highest honors, the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.
“I’m blown away — overwhelmed,” Clifton said after receiving the award. “It's unnerving a little bit because I didn't want this level of recognition. I was trying to do the right thing, you know? But I'm grateful for it.”
Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to find a class today, or call 1-800 RED-CROSS.
The unwavering dedication and generous support from donors this past year were the driving forces behind the region’s ability to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Whether through financial contributions or the precious gift of time, donors continued to be the heartbeat of the Red Cross mission, bringing hope, relief and comfort to communities across North Texas.
We are honored to share a glimpse of the heroes who made the Red Cross mission possible in 2023. There are countless amazing Red Crossers and community partners who answered the call this year to positively impact our North Texas community. To read more moments of impact, visit our Local North Texas News Stories webpage.
To donate, volunteer and/or get involved with the American Red Cross North Texas Region, visit redcross.org/northtexas
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!