The Northwest Georgia chapter of the American Red Cross is encouraging residents to give locally this holiday season to help support families across the region. The chapter serves 15 counties, including Chattooga and Floyd, and relies on community support to continue providing lifesaving services throughout the year.

Red Cross officials say local donations play a major role in helping volunteers respond to house fires, severe weather, and other emergencies that disrupt lives without warning. Whether it’s providing shelter after a home fire, offering emotional support after a disaster, or supplying comfort kits to families who have lost everything, the organization says every gift directly impacts neighbors in need.

In addition to disaster response, local Red Cross teams help install free smoke alarms, teach CPR and first aid classes, support military families during deployments, and respond to hundreds of emergency calls every year. With winter weather and holiday travel increasing the risk of crises, the organization says this is one of the most important times of the year for community giving.

The Red Cross is made up largely of volunteers, and donations stay within the region — meaning gifts made in Northwest Georgia help people in Northwest Georgia. The organization says contributions of any size help bring comfort, relief, and hope to families facing some of their hardest moments.

Residents can learn more about giving locally or volunteering by visiting the American Red Cross website or contacting the Northwest Georgia chapter.