Jersey Coast Chapter Marks Red Cross Month by Thanking Volunteers and Supporters

Red Cross is responding to disasters down the street, across the country and around the world.

TINTON FALLS, March 3, 2010 — With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month by President Barack Obama, The Jersey Coast Chapter recognizes and thanks the volunteers and supporters 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 Tara Kelly, CEO of the Jersey Coast Chapter. “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,” Kelly 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; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes, or getting involved as a volunteer.”

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 Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope,” Kelly said. “The Red Cross is there in Haiti now – and we are also here each day across the country for families who need us.”

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. In the past year, the Jersey Coast Chapter responded to 104 local emergencies, assisted 490 military families and trained 51,175 people in lifesaving skills. And, people from this area donated 9,147 units of blood.

The Jersey Coast Chapter has a number of activities planned for Red Cross Month in March, including our Hometown Heroes inaugural event to take place on March 26. The event will recognize Red Cross volunteers and members within the community with a celebratory luncheon for their unending support at Branches Catering in West Long Branch. Our chapter also is launching a brand new Wilderness and First Aid Course – adding to the plethora of opportunity the Health & Safety Department has to offer - and notion that the Red Cross has been saving lives for 100 years.

For more information on the Jersey Coast Chapter or March is Red Cross Month and how to become involved, please contact us at http://www.jerseycoast-redcross.org/ or call (732) 493-9100.