Washington
District of Columbia
American Red Cross CrossNotes News: January 2025
Clubs and Organizations
January 10, 2025
Our hearts are with those whose lives have been upended by devastating wildfires across southern California. The combination of dry fuels, hurricane-force winds and low humidity have fed the fires, challenging efforts to contain the blazes as they consume tens of thousands of acres. The threat isn’t over and communities remain at risk. It’s critical that people remain vigilant, be prepared to evacuate and follow directives from local authorities as the situation evolves.
Hundreds of American Red Cross workers are on the ground helping residents fleeing from the massive and fast-moving wildfires that have destroyed homes and neighborhoods of all kinds. We’re focused on making sure everyone has a safe place to stay and no one faces this heartbreaking crisis alone. If you or a loved one needs help, emergency shelters are open and locations can be found on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
James, while wildfires cause devastation in California, many of us in other parts of the country find ourselves in the thick of winter.
If this includes you, here are a few steps you can take to keep your loved ones safe if you anticipate a winter storm:
- Plan to stay warm by ensuring your home is well-heated and insulated and that you have appropriate winter clothes in case you need to go outside.
- Learn emergency skills like first aid and CPR, and learn how to spot and treat frostbite and hypothermia.
- Plan to stay connected by signing up for emergency alerts from your local government and have back-up charging options for your phone. You can also download the FREE Red Cross Emergency App to stay safe during emergencies with expert tips and useful tools.
- Gather emergency supplies like food, water and medication in case you can’t leave your home.
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Walk 100 Miles in February Challenge
New year, new goals! This February challenge yourself to Walk 100 Miles for the Red Cross! Lace up your sneakers, join a community of walkers on Facebook and help the Red Cross support families affected by disasters. Join the Facebook group for community and motivation, start a fundraiser and we’ll send you a cozy Red Cross winter hat when you receive your first donation. Register today!
Join Us in Saving Lives. Your Impact Starts Now!
Are you ready to be a part of our lifesaving mission?
As a volunteer driver, you don’t just deliver blood — you deliver hope and life itself. Our user-friendly mobile app makes it easy to schedule your shifts and ensure that critical supplies like blood and platelets reach hospitals swiftly. Every trip you make is a chance to save a life. Or, become a Blood Donor Ambassador and make every donor’s experience positive and memorable from start to finish. Join us today as a volunteer Transportation Specialist or Blood Donor Ambassador and make a real impact, one delivery and blood drive at a time.
Join our lifesaving team: Win BIG!
Calling all donors: YOU could win a trip to the big game! Come to give blood Jan. 1–26 to automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX!^^ You and a guest could enjoy Super Bowl LIX, access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 7–10, 2025), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.
With just one hour of your time, you can be entered for a chance to experience the trip of a lifetime to cheer on your favorite team! Schedule now!
A Special Invitation: Become a Red Cross Champion
Our Red Cross Champion drive is just around the corner and we’re inviting you to join this special group of supporters. Every day, we depend on our Red Cross Champions’ monthly donations to keep our shelves stocked and our teams ready to leap into action. To be ready for the uncertain year ahead, we’re setting a goal to recruit 150 new Red Cross Champions — and to thank those who join us, we’ll send you an exclusive Red Cross tote bag free of charge.
Why I Give…
Meet Carmen, Dedicated SAF Volunteer
First helping those impacted by the disaster, and later supporting Puerto Rico’s military community through the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program, volunteerism has been an especially meaningful journey for Carmen Hernandez, who was once helped by the Red Cross.
“I was in the Army and my dad died in Puerto Rico,” Carmen shares. “I was in Germany and so was my mom. We returned to Puerto Rico through the Red Cross.”
As a Red Cross Hero Care caseworker, Carmen now helps families just like hers, by relaying emergency communication messages through the 24/7, global Hero Care Network and connecting service members, veterans and their families to free and confidential assistance any day, anytime. Read more about Carmen’s story and why she continues to volunteer here.
Chevrolet and General Motors Support the Red Cross
Thank you to Chevrolet and General Motors for supporting American Red Cross with the auction of the first retail production 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, VIN 001. The auction will take place on January 25 at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. 100% of the sale price to benefit Red Cross Disaster Relief.
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Get more of the latest Red Cross news
- Respiratory Illnesses, Norovirus Spreading Across U.S.
- How My Brother’s Battle with Cancer Inspired Me to Donate Blood
- Blood Drive Cancellations Grow as New Winter Storm Threatens
As we move forward in the new year, I hope you’ll take some time to ensure that you, your family and your home are prepared for winter weather.
Facing a severe winter storm can be stressful. But when families are snowed in or left without power, they can find comfort in knowing the American Red Cross is available with lifesaving relief and much-needed compassion.
If you’re able, please consider supporting the American Red Cross to help us respond to emergencies through the winter and beyond. The generosity of friends like you truly makes our work possible.
On behalf of those we serve, thank you for being a part of our Red Cross community. I’m wishing you and your loved ones a safe and healthy winter season.
-- Cliff Holtz
President and CEO
American Red Cross