This March 24 is Red Cross Giving Day. Help your neighbors in need | Opinion

By Laura Burke

In times of crisis, the American Red Cross is fortunate to witness the best of humanity.

Emergencies haven’t stopped during COVID-19, and people in our community have stepped up in all kinds of ways to help our neighbors. They’ve volunteered to assist those displaced by emergencies, educated youth and adults to better prepare for emergencies, supported our military and veteran community, and rolled up their sleeves to donate blood for patients in urgent need.

In addition, people in Central Pennsylvania were among the thousands of COVID-19 survivors nationwide who have shared their potentially lifesaving antibodies by giving plasma.

This month— which U.S. presidents have declared Red Cross Month for nearly 80 years — we honor the people in our community who deliver relief when help can’t wait. On behalf of those we serve, thank you. Our mission wouldn’t be possible without you.

As the pandemic wears on, this continues to be a time to care for one another. Join us to help ensure families don’t face emergencies alone.

Any support you can provide makes a difference — whether it’s uniting with thousands of compassionate people like you to donate on Red Cross Giving Day, March 24; donating blood; volunteering; or learning lifesaving skills.

Visit redcross.org to learn how you can get involved. 

Laura Burke is the executive director of the American Red Cross of Central Pennsylvania. She writes from Harrisburg.