By Karla Sullivan
It was in 1943 that President Franklin Roosevelt declared the month of March as Red Cross month after the initiation of the American Red Cross founded by Clara Barton in 1881.
The organization has been recognized for helping individuals in need across the world; uniting communities in the face of personal emergencies as well as national disasters. And it has made this passionate commitment for over 133 years.
Always mentioned in media at the heart of most catastrophes, the American Red Cross provides disaster relief, support to members of the military, veterans and their family as well as offering health and safety education. The Red Cross also collects and distributes more than 40 percent of blood donation.
In many ways, the American Red Cross is a household word when we talk of volunteerism and for many growing up, our first goal to give was to be a member of the Red Cross and wear that symbol on our sweater or jacket.
I was one that would get the experience I needed to add to my volunteer work on my resume regardless of the profession I chose. Not only children dreamed of becoming a part of this massive network, but the Red Cross has always been in the back of many retiree minds who become trained to use skills that save lives.
The American Red Cross is a diverse teacher that offers training courses in learning how to respond to emergencies which include first aid, CPR training, nurse assistant training as well as becoming a life guard. Additional programs offered to schools are learning to swim and digitally available are programs in personal hygiene.
And what is happening at the Red Cross during this celebratory month? Partners such as US Bank, Wawa, are reminding those to make a financial donation at various bank centers. Other partners, to name just a few, include Nationwide Insurance and Northwestern Mutual who can offer assistance on life insurance, long term care and more.
Other ways to donate is online, texting a gift and dedicating a gift to a friend or loved one. This can include donating airline miles, or credit card rewards and hotel points. You can also sponsor an event at your club, church or company.
Planned giving is also available at the Red Cross through a charitable contribution which is to make a specific gift from your estate after your death allowing an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction. Donating stock is another option as well as a life insurance policy that may not be needed; purchased years ago to provide for family.
Though the month of March is set aside for Red Cross awareness, any time is ideal to arrange a lifetime gift. Contact you local Red Cross for more information
