NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — The American Red Cross New Jersey Region held a flag raising ceremony at the Battleship New Jersey Sunday to honor Red Cross Month, which started in 1943.
“To honor the volunteers, the men and women who join our movement to alleviate human suffering,” said Red Cross New Jersey Regional CEO Rosie Taravella.
Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen raised the Red Cross flag around 11 a.m. After that, there was a fire boat display, followed by a ceremony and a side gun salute.
While the event honored the organization, volunteers and workers, it also served as a call to action, as Taravella said this is one of their lowest times of the year for blood donations.
“We ask for people to consider giving blood more than ever,” Taravella said.
She says the need for blood donations is constant, but more so in the winter months.
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“We see a dip in people making blood donations during the winter months because of weather problems or holidays that get people off track.”
“Especially since the pandemic, people are back on the roads,” Taravella said. “They’re rescheduling surgeries that they took off the calendar during the pandemic, so the need for blood is constant and we would love it, if people would consider donating.”
Taravella says, throughout the month, they will be hosting special programs geared around blood donations.
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“There are several events where we are recognizing our volunteers. We have annual awards that we give to those who step up and do more.”
And, if donating blood is not in the cards for you, the organization will be hosting their annual Giving Day on March 22 to help families who have been impacted by home fires or other disasters. According to their website, donations help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance.