March is Red Cross Month

Did you know that March is Red Cross Month?

The tradition dates back to 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the honorary chairman of the Red Cross, declared the whole month of March "Red Cross Month" to promote Red Cross services to the American public and for fund raising. Every year since, each American president has issued a similar proclamation, stating the contributions of the American Red Cross to the United States.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which serves Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties, will make its presence known in a number of ways in March.

"From Northampton County's Government Center in Easton to the mayor's office in Lehighton, Red Cross flags will be flying at government buildings across the three counties," said John Hughes, executive director of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter in Bethlehem. "We are particularly delighted that the Lehigh Valley Mall in Whitehall has selected to showcase our organization throughout the month, and host a special family event on Saturday, March 18. Also, our youth volunteers are holding a friendly fund-raising drive among several schools to benefit the local chapter."

At the mall, period Red Cross uniforms, banners, photos and other items will be on display at the Customer Service Center, lower level, during the month. Visitors can put their name in a drawing to win a Red Cross disaster backpack.

On Saturday, March 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., adults and children can take part in a number of activities in the mall's main court, lower level. Red Cross representatives will be available to speak with adults and young adults about health and safety classes, volunteer opportunities, and how to keep safe during any type of emergency. In addition, Red Cross nurse volunteers will conduct blood pressure screenings.

Children's activities include: a visit by Scrubby Bear, who will demonstrate proper hand washing; a chance to dress in Red Cross apparel and have a souvenir photo taken (compliments of Dan's Camera City, Allentown); and a coloring activity. Red Cross activities booklets, mini flashlights and rub-on tattoos will be given out.

Outside, near the main mall entrance, people can tour the Red Cross emergency response vehicle and speak with local disaster response volunteers.

"When people hear the words 'Red Cross,' disaster relief most frequently comes to mind," Hughes said. "But Red Cross is much more than that. We teach thousands of people the lifesaving skills of CPR and first aid. We provide emergency messages between families and armed forces personnel who are serving around the world.

"Through Lifeline, our 24-hour personal emergency response service, we enable seniors to live independently and safely at home. Our Valley Wide Help program brings people and social services agencies together. And, in Carbon County, we collect blood to help save lives.

"What is truly inspiring in that nearly all of this work is done by volunteers," added Hughes. "Red Cross is all about neighbors helping neighbors. We hope our more visible presence in the community this month sparks an interest in others to volunteer, take a class, donate blood or make a donation to help our local chapter."

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.