AMERICUS — The American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes during Red Cross Month.

“Everyday heroes help those in need in the Americus area” said Lara Gill, executive sirector for the Southwest Georgia Chapter. “They are our volunteers, our blood donors, people who take our classes or those who make a financial contribution to help us help others. During Red Cross Month we thank them for their support.”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All of our presidents, including President Barack Obama have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters big and small in this country every year. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans, and their families at home and around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply and trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills.

Here in the Americus area, the Southwest Georgia Chapter responded to 16 local emergencies since April of last year, assisted military families and trained people in lifesaving skills. And the members of this community of donated hundreds of units of blood.

“This month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross” Gill said. “They can become a Red Cross volunteer, work on a preparedness plan for their household, give blood, or take a Red Cross class.”

The Red Cross is not a government agency, and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that saves lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross