Thanking Heroes: Greenwich Commemorates American Red Cross Month

GREENWICH, CT — With the calendar flipped to March, officials and members of the community gathered in front of Greenwich Town Hall on Friday to commemorate American Red Cross Month and thank the heroes who volunteer their time and effort to benefit others.

First Selectman Fred Camillo issued a proclamation in honor of the month, and urged all residents to join him in acknowledging the Red Cross and what they do.

"The American Red Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help and hope during a disaster. We applaud our heroes here in Greenwich who have given themselves to assist their neighbors when they need a helping hand," Camillo said in his proclamation. "Our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission."

There was also a Red Cross flag raising on Friday featuring members from the American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter.

The chapter serves Westchester County, Rockland County, Greenwich, and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The first Greenwich Red Cross chapter was founded in 1914.

In September 2021, the chapter unveiled its new Greenwich headquarters at 99 Indian Field Road, which underwent a $3 million renovation. The Red Cross moved into the building in 2002, months after the Sept. 11, 2011, terror attacks.

Camillo noted that the chapter responded to nearly 100 local disasters in the past year alone, and they installed 976 free smoke alarms and educated roughly 1,100 adults and children in emergency preparedness.

Last year, the Red Cross collected on average over 8,000 units of blood from generous donors in the area, Camillo said.

Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO of the American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter, spoke briefly during Friday's ceremony, and noted that this is the 80th year the Red Cross has been celebrating National Red Cross Month.

March 22 is Red Cross Giving Day, and Dunn Ashley encouraged residents to recognize the day by volunteering.

“You can volunteer, you can give the gift of life, you can give a donation and you can give of yourself and give back to somebody," she said. "Give back to the military, give back to your colleagues, friends and family, by learning CPR, learn to use an AED and take first aid courses.”

State Rep. Steve Meskers (D-150) also spoke briefly Friday.

"I want to let you know how much you mean to me, and what you do for us. I want to acknowledge your human sacrifice and your contribution to make us all safer and healthier," he said to the many Red Cross volunteers in attendance.

There are several blood donation opportunities available in Greenwich throughout March, most of which are at the Greenwich Blood Donation Center at 99 Indian Field Road

• March 6: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 7: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 13: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 14: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 20: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 21: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 27: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Road
• March 27: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
• March 28: 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

For more on the American Red Cross and how to get involved, go to their website.