This spring, families across the country and here in the Western New York region may suddenly find themselves needing a safe place to sleep, a warm meal and help replacing essentials lost in minutes. Severe and volatile weather is common this time of year, with heightened flood risks from coast to coast and wildfire threats in drought-stricken communities from the Southwest to the Southeast. You can help ensure families don’t face disasters alone on Red Cross Giving Day this Wednesday by supporting Disaster Relief at redcross.org/givingday.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond when help can’t wait.
Over the past year, the 27 counties of the Western New York region experienced disasters including floods, high winds, and extreme cold and snow. And local volunteers have provided comfort and hope to more than 860 people after 235 home fires here in the Western New York region since January 1.
In January, severe winter storms forced families across multiple states to turn to the Red Cross for support, as dozens of local Red Crossers deployed to support relief efforts. With their help, in that month alone, the organization provided more meals and snacks than during the previous January’s record-breaking wildfires in Los Angeles. In February, more than 100 shelters were opened across the country for families displaced by winter storms stretching from California to the Northeast, alongside extensive flooding on the West Coast and wildfires across the Plains.
By donating now, before an emergency strikes, your donation helps ensure the Red Cross can:
• Stock warehouses with urgently needed relief supplies
• Train volunteers in advance so they can respond immediately
• Maintain ready vehicles, logistics systems and equipment
• Set up shelters quickly in pre‑identified, safe locations
• Make sure families aren’t facing their first difficult hours alone
A gift of any size makes a difference. For example, a donation of $20 can provide a day of meals for someone devastated by a disaster.
“I’ve been there alongside our volunteers, helping families standing outside in pajamas, watching everything change in minutes. I’ve handed blankets to shivering children and sat with parents in shock. In those moments, a warm place to stay and someone saying, ‘We’re here for you,’ means everything” said Nick Bond, Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Western New York.
Donate to Disaster Relief at redcross.org/givingday. If you’re unable to give financially, you can support the Red Cross mission by volunteering or donating blood.