Submitted by Duhane Lindo, Regional Communications Manager
TAMPA, Fla. – March 14, 2025 – The American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands is celebrating Red Cross Month in March, a national tradition that began in 1943 by presidential proclamation and continues today. The month-long observance recognizes generation after generation of compassionate individuals driven by a humanitarian spirit to deliver relief and care in emergencies.
“During Red Cross Month, we proudly recognize the individuals who represent the best of humanity by stepping up to care for our neighbors in times of crisis,” said Christian Smith, Regional CEO of North and Central Florida.
“As disasters become more intense across the country and families face everyday threats like home fires, the support of these local heroes is critical to the health of communities. You can join them to help ensure no one faces an emergency alone by donating, volunteering or taking a class to learn lifesaving skills.”
The power of the Red Cross relies on generous donations and the tireless efforts of volunteers -- dedicated people who will continue to make a difference for thousands of lives in 2025 and beyond.
DELIVERING CARE AMID INTENSIFYING DISASTERS As extreme weather intensifies across the country, the need for people to answer the call to help during disasters is as important as ever.
In 2024, Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton all made landfall in Florida, taking a devastating toll on people turned to the Red Cross for help. Three hurricanes ties the record for the most to make landfall in Florida in a single season. Locally, we're still working with neighbors whose homes were destroyed or suffered severe damage, as well as community partners with specialized expertise to help meet long-term recovery needs. Outside our state in 2024, dozens of our local volunteers responded to spring storms and floods in the Midwest, and devastating wildfires across the Northwest.
VOLUNTEERS AND DONORS AT HEART OF RED CROSS Our work is made possible by volunteers — who comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce — and generous donors who provide them with the resources to help people in need. We invite Floridians to get involved by volunteering or learning lifesaving skills at redcross.org.
Visit redcross.org/GivingDay to make a financial donation and be part of our annual Giving Day, March 26, during Red Cross Month. A gift of any size helps provide emergency shelter, food, relief supplies, basic health care, emotional support and financial assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
SHINING A LIGHT ON HUMANITY In a visual show of support, landmarks and iconic buildings across the U.S. will be illuminated RED on Wednesday, March 26 for Red Cross Giving Day. Within Central Florida, we are pleased to be partnering once again for this annual lighting activity in downtown Tampa and Orlando. A detailed list of partners will be shared closer to Giving Day.
WITH APPRECIATION The generosity of community partners enables the Red Cross to prepare and respond when disasters strike. With tremendous gratitude, we acknowledge our Ready 365 Giving Circle members for their annual support: BayCare, Bloomin’ Brands, Brown & Brown Insurance, Circle K, Darden Restaurants, Mattamy Homes, The NASCAR Foundation, Publix, Raymond James, The Spurlino Foundation, Suncoast Credit Union, Amateur Athletic Union, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Erik Abrahamson (Abrahamson & Uiterwyk), Hilton Grand Vacations, Lockheed Martin, Walmart, L3Harris Technologies, Oracle, SouthState Bank, Space Coast Credit Union, Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, TD SYNNEX, The Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation, Arbitration Forums, Manatee Community Foundation, New York Yankees Tampa Foundation, Paul B and Constance D Hunter Charitable Foundation, and UMA Education Inc.
The American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 19 Florida counties through five chapters: Florida’s Space Coast (Daytona Beach), Greater Orlando, Mid-Florida (Winter Haven), Southwest Florida (Sarasota) and Tampa Bay; and the Virgin Islands territories of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, visit redcross.org. Also find us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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