The accomplishments of the American Red Cross in 2020 and so far in 2021constitute a herculean effort.

            To date, Red Cross volunteers have provided emergency shelter, food and other assistance following disasters like tornadoes and February's record onslaught of winter storms, which blanketed some 70% of the continental U.S. with snow, ice and historically low temperatures. The severe winter weather forced the cancellation of Red Cross blood drives in more than 30 states, impacting more than 20,000 blood, platelet and convalescent plasma donations in February. 

            A 2020 study on a rise in volunteer experiences added to LinkedIn profiles shows that more people want to help others during this unprecedented time. Last year, more than 70,000 people across the country became new Red Cross volunteers largely to support urgent disaster and essential blood donation needs. In addition thousands of COVID-19 survivors, many new to blood donation, rolled up a sleeve to give convalescent plasma and help patients battling COVID-19.

            You can help ensure that families don't face emergencies alone - especially during a pandemic: Donate - Support their Disaster Relief efforts at redcross.org/GivingDay. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance. Your donation will be part of the annual Giving Day on March 24 to aid families in need across the country; Volunteer - Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday for most-needed positions and local opportunities; Give blood - If you're healthy and feeling well, make an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org. Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. As a thank you, those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma on March 15-26 will receive a Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last; and Learn lifesaving skills - Take a class in skills like CPR and first aid to help in an emergency at redcross.org/TakeAClass. Online options include their Psychological First Aid for COVID-19 course, which covers how to manage stress and support yourself and others.

            In his recent declaration for American Red Cross Month, President Biden wrote, in part:  Throughout our country's history, the humanitarian spirit of the American people has shined as a beacon of hope in times of crisis.  It is written in our DNA that when hardship strikes, we come together to ensure that no one faces it alone.  It is in that spirit that we celebrate American Red Cross Month, a chance to honor all those selfless Americans who step up and lend a hand whenever and wherever people are in need.

            For 140 years, the American Red Cross has been synonymous with the prevention and alleviation of human suffering across the globe.  Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the organization's mission lives on in the dedication of Red Cross workers — more than 90 percent of whom are volunteers — and the generosity of the American people in moments of crisis.

            This month, we renew our commitment to Clara Barton's remarkable vision and join together, as one Nation, to recommit ourselves to a foundational American principle:  the duty of care we owe to one another when times get tough.  I urge all Americans to take part in that tradition through our own everyday acts of compassion — helping a neighbor, a stranger, or a community in need.

            Support the American Red Cross.