March is Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey is joining the national commemoration by holding several local events throughout the month. (See The History of Red Cross Month)

March 2008 Calendar of Events

Disaster can strike at any time and often without warning. Use Red Cross Month as your opportunity to
Be Red Cross Ready.
Follow these three simple steps to get prepared:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

The History of Red Cross Month

During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the American Red Cross to raise funds to support aid to the military and civilians affected by war as mandated by Congress. A goal of $125 million was set and in less than six weeks donations totaled nearly $146 million. This success caused the Red Cross to repeat the March drive during the remaining years of the war and to make it the occasion for annual membership and fund-raising efforts every year since.

As the honorary chairman of the Red Cross, in 1943 President Roosevelt was the first president to declare March as Red Cross Month.

Each year since 1943, the president of the United States proclaims March as Red Cross Month.