March is Red Cross Month. According to their website, the Red Cross recognizes this month as “a chance to honor and celebrate the everyday heroes who help us fulfill our mission. This March, we encourage you to uncover your inner hero.”

Thousands of people across the country celebrate Red Cross Month, ever since President Franklin D. Roosevelt made an official proclamation in 1943, during World War II. Roosevelt wanted people to acknowledge those who had helped during the worst problems around the world. Serenity Brown said, “I never heard of Red Cross before, but I’ve heard that the Red Cross helps out people that are in need and it’s a good program.”

Since this is a time of giving aid to others, some people celebrate by coming together within their local community and helping others who are in need. Those offers of help might come in the form of food and clothing donations or money to help out with their struggling fund.

One of the things that people often associate The Red Cross with is blood donations. Red Cross Month is an opportunity for people to start making it a tradition to donate blood to others in need. While the nearest Red Cross office that will accept blood donations is on Market Street in San Francisco, people who are 17 and older can go to Blood Centers of the Pacific at 1325 Gateway Blvd in honor of Red Cross month.

The Red Cross is also known for helping countries around the world following disasters. People generally wait for announcements of a country in need and bring donations of food, blankets, emergency supplies and money to help others, using the Red Cross as a distribution point.

“I love Red Cross Month because I love giving back to people who are in need and this is a great way to give back to people,” said Edith Franco.