March 26 marks Red Cross Giving Day to rally 30,000 people to help families affected by disasters

Visit redcross.org to make a financial or blood donation

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross is issuing a national call to help ensure no one faces a disaster alone by donating on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26.

This year's disasters have been relentless: During the first 50 days of 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to more big disasters in the U.S. than days. Now, they're on the ground helping after this month's massive cross-country storm outbreak. And that's on top of everyday crises like home fires — which are so prevalent that, in a typical week, the Red Cross distributes a total of $1 million in emergency financial assistance for affected families. To add to these needs, more Red Cross blood donations have gone uncollected so far this year due to weather than throughout all of 2024.

"In the face of crisis, we see humanity at its finest when people rally together to provide care and hope. Whether or not an emergency makes headlines, these supporters are community heroes to the families who rely on their generosity when help can't wait," said Anne McKeough, chief development officer of the Red Cross. "On March 26, join us during Red Cross Giving Day to reignite this compassionate spirit for those confronting crises large and small, seen and unseen."

Visit redcross.org today to make a financial donation on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26, which aims to rally 30,000 individuals to help people affected by future disasters big and small. You can also schedule an appointment to give blood to help overcome the significant weather impact on blood donations.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING LIGHTS RED TONIGHT To kick off Red Cross Giving Day, the iconic Empire State Building in New York will light up red tonight. This is among other landmarks that have also lit up from coast to coast in March to commemorate the national Red Cross Month celebration, which honors the donors, volunteers and other supporters who have made the nonprofit's lifesaving mission possible for more than 140 years.

HOW GIVING DAY DONATIONS HELP Financial donations help provide aid such as emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, emotional support and financial assistance. No gift is too small — for example, a donation of $3 can provide a comfort kit with supplies like a toothbrush, comb and shampoo, and a gift of $11 can provide a nutritious meal, snack and drink.

For those who are able, any donor who gives $140 or more in March will receive a choice of a Red Cross monopack or a pair of socks as a thank-you for supporting our mission. Donors can make their gift and claim their thank-you by visiting redcross.org any time during March.

ALL BLOOD TYPES NEEDED The Red Cross also urges the public to give blood by making an appointment today. The Red Cross is expanding its health offerings by performing free A1C testing — commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes — on successful blood, platelet and plasma donations in March. Additionally, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details on both offers.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

SOURCE American Red Cross