In central Indiana and all across the country, Red Cross Month is being celebrated this March as it has been since President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated it as an annual tradition in 1943.

The Greater Indianapolis Red Cross would like to encourage central Indiana residents to learn about, and get involved in, the work of the Red Cross during Red Cross Month. Information on how the Red Cross fulfills it humanitarian mission in central Indiana, as well as how you can volunteer, take lifesaving training or make a financial contribution can be found at www.indyredcross.org. Being a part of the Red Cross is a great way to reach out to someone in need and strengthen the bonds of community.

Here are just some of the sights and sounds of Red Cross Month 2010…Greater Indy style:

• Red Cross preparedness information featured on Citizens Gas and IPL bills
• Red Cross billboards, with the Help Starts with You call to action, posted within Indianapolis city limits and commuter routes in and out of surrounding counties
• A representation of the Red Cross displayed on the IPL building on Monument Circle
• Public service announcements airing on greater Indianapolis area TV and radio stations
• Be Red Cross Ready banners welcoming travelers at the Indianapolis International Airport
• National Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 14-20 promotion with the National Weather Service, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Police, Indiana Public Safety Commission, Indiana Department of Education, the Indiana Broadcasters Association and the amateur radio community
• The Indiana Pacers will honor a Clinton County boy who was nominated by the Red Cross for saving his mother's life as part of their Indiana Heroes program during the Oklahoma City Thunder game on March 21
• Proclamations from President Obama, Governor Daniels and Indianapolis Mayor Ballard

American Red Cross Mission
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

About your American Red Cross Chapter
Thanks to the generosity of its volunteers, financial supporters and community partners, the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis reaches one in three households each year by responding to disasters 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year; reducing the impact of disasters through planning and preparedness education; empowering people with lifesaving training in the workplace, in the classroom and online; supporting military families with emergency communications and other services; giving first aid care at community events; providing free medical transportation to people in need and developing the leadership skills of youth.