March was declared to be Red Cross Month when a proclomation was signed on Friday, February 27. . March has been known as Red Cross Month since 1943, when President Roosevelt first issued the declaration in support of The American Red Cross efforts to raise funds for World War II services. Our nation has come a long way since then and seen many changes but one thing that remains constant is the support provided by The American Red Cross to people in need both here and internationally.
We need no reminder that charities need our support throughout the year but in March perhaps we ought to consider making a special effort to volunteer our time or our money to help The American Red Cross make life easier for those people who need some extra assistance; whether that be in the form of money, food, clothing, or even somewhere to stay if they need emergency shelter. In this same spirit of giving, The Wachlovia Foundation recently made a $100,000 donation to the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of The American Red Cross to support the Chapter’s Disaster Preparedness Program. The goal of this program is to provide food and shelter for 250,000 in the event that a major disaster happens .
Obviously, few of us can afford to make such large contributions but there are many practical ways in which we can help. Many Chapters of The American Red Cross accept donations of cars or other vehicles. When you think about selling a used car , donate it to charity instead. And who knows, this month the President might consider doing the same if he wants to trade in Air Force One for a newer model. If that did happen, it would be a wonderful thing!