Helping when neighbors need it most, Giving Day and the American Red Cross

June 2nd is going to be a good day. It’s the day the American Red Cross turns compassion into action.

The American Red Cross is launching its first Giving day on June 2, asking everyone in Massachusetts to consider making a donation to ensure help is available wherever and whenever the residents of the state need it.

Every day, American Red Cross volunteers respond to house fires all across the state and provide urgently needed blood supplies to local hospitals. From Boylston Street in Boston to the Berkshires, the iconic red cross brings caring and comfort to those in need.

“Every day, a Massachusetts family loses their home to a fire. Our disaster assistance teams work with local fire departments to respond to families in need, and provide services to those that have lost their home and their belongings,” said Ralf Boyd, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Massachusetts. “In that life-changing moment, the American Red Cross of Massachusetts is there to help. That help comes from donors.”

Most notably known for blood and disaster services, the American Red Cross turns donation dollars into services that keep communities safe. Red Cross courses in CPR, first aid and the use of automated external defibrillators teach members of the community basic skills to help friends and neighbors respond to emergencies. Lifeguard and water competency courses teach those five to 95 how to save their own life or the life of another. Whether it is a basic life support class, lifeguard training or courses for babysitting and young child care, the American Red Cross provides instruction to the public through its network of chapters in Massachusetts.

The American Red Cross of Massachusetts serves the community through its regional headquarters in Cambridge and its four chapters in the state. Dividing the state into regions of Western Massachusetts, Central Massachusetts, Northeast Massachusetts, and Southeast, Cape and the Islands, personnel and volunteers establish relationships with local emergency organizations. Fire departments, emergency operation centers and local officials work directly with their local American Red Cross chapters to ensure critical support is sent to the those in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These relationships allow the American Red Cross of Massachusetts to use donations effectively, focusing support services at local levels.

The support of the Armed Forces of the United States has been a focus for the American Red Cross since its charter in 1881. Today, the American Red Cross supports military personnel and their families by providing training that promotes resiliency and preparedness to help them cope with the challenges of military life and by relaying emergency messages from families to service members stationed anywhere in the world. Through partnerships with the Departments of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs, the Red Cross also provides transition and reintegration support to wounded warriors, to veterans and to their families. Local American Red Cross volunteers help connect military families, often new to the area, with local services and community support networks.

Internationally the American Red Cross partners with the Red Cross and Red Crescent groups to bring assistance to foreign nations affected by disasters and sickness. Programs like the Family Linking Service allows family members from around the world to register loved ones and check their status after disasters. Another program sponsored by the American Red Cross has seen partner organizations vaccinate more than a billion children against measles and rubella in developing countries around the world. As international disaster relief efforts in Nepal garner world attention, the American Red Cross continues to support our international partners to ensure donations go directly where they are most need and effective.

This June 2nd is Giving Day. By coming together #allinoneday, the American Red Cross can keep providing support to those in need every day.

Donate so the American Red Cross can continue to bring more good days to those in need. Visit https://givingday.redcross.org/