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In March, the Greater Carolinas Region is honoring the people who make its mission possible every day during its annual Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition started nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation ever since.

“When emergencies strike, our community rallies together to help families and individuals when it matters most,” said Allison Taylor, regional executive, Greater Carolinas Region. “We honor this dedication during our Red Cross Month celebration, and we invite everyone to turn their compassion into action by donating, volunteering, giving blood or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Join Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid and CPR. On March 23, individuals can join the annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

Last year, the Greater Carolinas Region of the Red Cross responded to nearly 1,300 home fires – assisting nearly 1,900 families by distributing nearly $2 million in direct financial assistance. Additionally, the Greater Carolinas Region made more than 800 homes safer, installed nearly 1,300 free smoke alarms with community partners and served more than 4,400 active duty military, veterans and their families through emergency communications and critical needs.

In honor of Red Cross volunteers, donors and supporters, several Uptown Charlotte buildings will be lit “red” to declare March as American Red Cross Month. Other activities planned in cities across the region include the annual 49ers4Life Blood Drive and a ceremonial first pitch at Gardner Webb University’s March 5 baseball game.

The Red Cross blood supply remains incredibly vulnerable — especially as doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by omicron. It’s critical that individuals schedule a blood or platelet donation immediately to help ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

As a thank-you, all those who come to give through March 31 will receive a $10 e-gift card, thanks to Fanatics. Plus, those who come to donate in March will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the 2022 MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles, California. (Visit rcblood.org/team for details.)

A blood drive is scheduled for 1:30-6 p.m. Tuesday at the American Red Cross office, 243 W. Main St., Albemarle.