Every eight minutes, the American Red Cross helps someone affected by a disaster. These disasters vary from a home fire to communities impacted by a hurricane or wildfire.
Home fires account for a majority of the more than 60,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to every year. In Michigan, the organization has responded to nearly 400 home fires so far this year.
During events like these, the Red Cross is always prepared to help those in need by providing things like food, shelter, emergency relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance.
According to the Red Cross, it is responding to nearly twice as many large disasters now as it did a decade ago, as the growing frequency and intensity of disasters to the climate crisis has steadily increased over the years. In 2023 alone, the U.S. experienced a record of more than $28 billion in disasters.
No matter the level of disaster, the Red Cross is ready to provide immediate care and comfort to those in need. Because the Red Cross is such a vital resource, there are many ways for people to get involved to support its mission.
Masco Corporation, a member of the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, not only makes annual contributions to the Red Cross, but encourages others to do so, as well.
“We understand that in times of disaster, help can’t wait,” said Sue Sabo, Masco’s director of corporate giving. “The Red Cross must have critical systems and supplies in place before the first emergency shelter is opened and before the first meal is served.”
Members of the program make an annual contribution to the Red Cross in advance of disasters, which helps to power the organization with strong infrastructure, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support.
These contributions help ensure the Red Cross is prepared to meet the urgent needs of people affected by disasters big and small across the U.S.
“The frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events are causing more humanitarian needs for families in Michigan and across the country,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “Please remember those who need support in the face of emergencies and join us to provide care and comfort by making a financial donation or by giving blood.”
Here are ways you can contribute:
- Donate. To make a financial gift on March 27 to support Red Cross Disaster Relief Efforts, click or tap here.
- Give blood. Donating blood helps to ensure people receive the critical care they need. To make an appointment, click or tap here.
- Take a class. You can learn a lifesaving skill like CPR and first aid to help when it matters most. To find a class, click or tap here.
- Volunteer. To review the most-needed volunteer positions and local opportunities, click or tap here.
To learn more about the Red Cross, click or tap here.
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/local/michigan or cruzrojaamericana.org.