March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross wants to recognize their “Everyday Heroes” who help their community by giving of themselves.

Shelly Penner ,with the Mid-Plains Chapter of the American Red Cross, wants to thank the volunteers, blood donors, class attendees and financial supporters who help them assist those in need.

Penner also wants to remind people that March is a great time to become a part of the Red Cross by doing things such as developing a preparedness plan for your household, becoming a volunteer, giving blood or taking a class through the Red Cross.

She encourages people to register for a Red Cross Disaster Boot Camp class, download a Red Cross app or attend a Red Cross event.

Last year, the Nebraska/Southwest Iowa Region assisted 17,838 military families, trained 24,649 people in lifesaving skills, and helped 607 families live through devastating fires, floods and severe storms.  The Red Cross provides mental health counseling, shelter, food and clothing to families affected by disasters.

Additionally, Penner says the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year in the United States.  It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families.

The Red Cross is responsible for distributing about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life saving skills.

 Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881.

For more information, visit the organization’s website at www.redcross.org, or stop by at 1111 S. Cottonwood.