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March is Red Cross Month
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About Red Cross Month
Each year, the president of the United States proclaims March "Red Cross Month"
How did this tradition come about?
Since Clara Barton created the American Red Cross in 1881, it was largely dependent for publicity and funds on the spontaneous support of people who learned of catastrophic events and the Red Cross response to them. News of an event broke. The American Red Cross rushed to the scene with help. People around the country came forth with outpourings of volunteer assistance and donations of funds and supplies.
A change occurred in 1917, when the United States entered World War I. After declaring war, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the American Red Cross to raise funds to support its aid to the military and civilians affected by war, as Congress had mandated. In response, the Red Cross held its first national War Fund drive in June 1917 and set as its goal $100 million, an astoundingly large sum at the time. The public response was immediate and overwhelming.
After the War, the Red Cross decided to make the Roll Call an annual membership and fundraising drive. In addition, it conducted special appeals from time to time in response to major disasters. In November 1941, with war in Europe, the Red Cross conducted a highly successful 25th Annual Roll Call. A few days later, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the United States entered World War II. The American Red Cross responded immediately by declaring a War Fund campaign. By June 1942, it had raised more than $66 million.
In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the month of March 1943 as “Red Cross Month.” The Red Cross set a goal of $125 million, the largest amount ever requested in one campaign by any American organization. Again, the response was overwhelming. It took less than six weeks to reach the target. By June 1943, donations totaled nearly $146 million. Roosevelt called it "the greatest single crusade of mercy in all of history."
As part of the tradition, the President customarily issues a proclamation each year declaring March as Red Cross Month.
This Red Cross Month, we are asking everyone to join us! Because of you, the Red Cross can respond to nearly 200 neighborhood emergencies every day. The Red Cross works tirelessly to provide 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.
Legacy
See how dedication to the mission of the American Red Cross has continued from one generation to the next.
Youth Contest
Learn how youth can create the next generation of youth marketing materials during Red Cross Month.
Presidential Quotes
From President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943 to President Obama in 2010, see what our presidents have had to say about the American Red Cross.
Corporate & Foundation Supporters
Find out how our partners join us all year round through gifts of time, blood and money. Today's featured supporter is:
