Your Opinion: Red Cross Month observed

Dear Editor: March is Red Cross Month in recognition of the work done by the American Red Cross in communities across the country and around the globe - and of how we depend on public support to help people in need.

Thanks to support from individuals, organizations and businesses in the 21 counties served by the Heart of Missouri Chapter, the American Red Cross is able to respond to disasters both large and small; help members of the military, veterans and their families; provide blood for those in need and teach lifesaving skills.

Disaster action team volunteers are able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Cole, Callaway, Osage, Moniteau, Morgan, Miller, Camden, Maries, Pulaski, Phelps, Crawford, Dent, Audrain, Montgomery, Boone, Cooper, Howard, Saline, Carroll, Randolph and Chariton counties.

We want to thank those whose generosity enables us to continue our work, both here at home and around the world. You can help by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or giving blood.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. We provide 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families, collect and distribute more than 40 percent of the nation's blood supply and train more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.

Here in the Heart of Missouri Chapter, the American Red Cross responds to local emergencies caused by fire, flood or storm, assists military families and trains people in lifesaving skills. In addition, people from this area donated much-needed units of blood.

Red Cross Month is the perfect time for people to become a part of our mission and help people in need by making a donation, volunteering, giving blood or taking a class.

Please help us help those in need - please support the American Red Cross.