The American Red Cross of Georgia is kicking off its annual Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone.

Red Cross Month is a national tradition that began in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. Here in Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp will sign a proclamation declaring March as Red Cross Month. In Sandy Springs, the ‘King and Queen’ towers at I-285 and GA 400 will be lit red March 1-7 (except for March 5). In downtown Atlanta, Georgia’s Own Credit Union building with feature a 450 ft. mural in honor of Giving Day on March 26 and 27.

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive, Red Cross of Georgia. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers, community partners, financial donors and our team. Please consider joining in their commitment by volunteering, giving blood or platelets, making a financial donation or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org/georgia to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

As we approach the final weeks of winter, the public is urged to book a time to donate blood or platelets now as we continue to strengthen the blood supply heading into spring. Much like pets provide comfort and support, so does the Red Cross in local communities. As a thank-you for providing comfort during Red Cross Month, all who come to give blood or platelets March 1-24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus automatically be entered for a chance to win a $3,000 gift card. There will be five winners. See rcblood.org/Pets for details.