A record number of donors came out to give blood at the fourth annual 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive in Philadelphia and South Jersey. Photo by Konrad Jones/American Red Cross
The American Red Cross and 6abc held their fourth annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 27 in Philadelphia and South Jersey, collecting 238 units of blood to help patients in the Delaware Valley and beyond.
A steady stream of people – including 67 first-time donors – came out to give blood throughout the day at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and at the Collingswood Grant Ballroom and Scottish Rite Auditorium in New Jersey.
“To make sure we have a safe and stable blood supply is really critical,” said Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Jennifer Graham, who was on hand to thank donors in Philadelphia throughout the day. “The blood on the shelves today helps those who need it tomorrow.”
Watch reporter Caroline Goggin’s live afternoon coverage from the 6abc blood drive on March 27.
President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc employees who made time to donate.
“It’s a privilege to be able to donate and maybe help someone else who is in need,” said Prazenica. “We have a big metropolitan area with a lot of folks who have health issues. And I just think it’s important that we all do our part to try to help our neighbor.”
Since 2021, the annual drive has collected 734 units of blood.
“Donors look forward to this drive every year,” said Graham regarding the drive’s popularity. “They mark it on the calendars and come back year after year specifically for this event.”
6abc covered several stories leading up March 27 to help promote blood drive appointments.
One of those followed meteorologist Adam Joseph as he donated blood at Villanova University on March 12. It was the second time Joseph donated since the FDA updated its blood donor eligibility guidelines in 2023. 6abc covered Joseph’s first donation back on Aug. 7, 2023.
Watch 6abc meteorologist Adam Joseph’s blood donation at Villanova University.
For another story, Bucks County couple Sue Lowenstein and John “Fish” Fisher shared how blood donations saved Fish’s life after he suffered a medical emergency while on vacation in Colorado in 2016.
Watch as Sue Lowenstein and John “Fish” Fisher share their story with 6abc.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.
Kennet Library and Red Cross partnered for a blood drive and day of preparedness presentations on March 4, 2024. Photo by Konrad Jones/American Red Cross
For the first time, the American Red Cross has teamed up with the Kennett Library in Kennett Square to host a blood drive and day of free classes on how to prepare for a disaster.
Rana Sakr, the Director of Health Literacy at Kennett Library, described it as a safe, social and comfortable place where the Library’s health literacy initiative “Live Better” inspired the decision to help the Red Cross save lives.
“We wanted to bring attention to the need to volunteer, and all the help – through crisis management and preparedness – that the Red Cross provides to our community.”
Before coming to work at Kennett Library, Rana worked as a medical doctor in France and Lebanon. She also volunteered for the Red Cross.
“I come from a medical background so I know where that blood goes and how needed it is,” she said.
Rana Sakr, Director of Health Literacy for Kennett Library. Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross
Donors who arrived for their appointments at Kennett Library went to a large room on the second floor, past rows and rows of books.
Akin Davulcu waited patiently for his turn to donate. He’s a scientist who works in pharmaceutical research and development and has donated blood since college. He has been married for 32 years.
“A few years back, my wife got sick and required some blood transfusions, so it solidified in my mind the need to have blood available for patients that need it,” he said.
Akin Davulcu gives blood at Kennett Library. He encourages others donate as well. He said, “It’s the right thing to do. Help your fellow person.” Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross
Red Cross phlebotomists, like Krysten Brown, collected 33 units of blood during the drive. Krysten is completing several weeks of training to be a Red Cross blood collector. She described what she does to put donors, who might be nervous about giving, at ease.
“Just kind of talk to them. Tell them about the whole entire process. You just want to make sure that they are comfortable, that they are ready, that they know what’s happening.”
Krysten Brown, Phlebotomist in Training. Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross
While the blood drive was going on upstairs, a team of volunteers and Red Cross instructors worked downstairs to help recruit new volunteers to the Red Cross and teach disaster preparedness.
Along with volunteer instructor Amy Juarez, Ryan Gaul led classes in hands-only CPR and Red Cross Ready workshops, where flood and fire safety were top topics. Ryan is the Disaster Preparedness Manager for the Red Cross SEPA region.
“The part that I enjoy about the program, the Red Cross Ready program, is that while we are providing some specific information, really the goal is to motivate people to start taking actions to prepare.”
Red Cross volunteer Amy Juarez Disaster Preparedness Manager Ryan Gaul co-taught classes at the Kennett Library on March 4, 2024. Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross
During the classes, Ryan reminded eager participants that now is the time to make an emergency plan with their family. He also stressed how important it is to have working smoke alarms in their home and if they don’t, to call the Red Cross to come out and help install them.
Ryan and Amy used small toy stress-ball ambulances to get down on the floor and show how chest compressions are performed during hands-only CPR. That training meant a lot to Chase Fallon, who came to the library specifically to take the Red Cross hands-only CPR class.
“I thought it was really nice, very informative, very interactive, and I really appreciate the help that the instructors gave,” he said.
Chase Fallon, a recent college graduate and former lifeguard pictured on the left, took the Red Cross hands-only CPR class at the Kennett Library along with Pierce Ruoff, shown on the right. Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross
Red Cross volunteer Tracy Bell worked at a table near the front of the library, handing out brochures and information about Red Cross programs.
Tracy has volunteered for the Red Cross for 16 years and in her day job works for a local health system in Delaware.
“I love remembering that 1 in 7 patients walking through our doors needs blood. So, I feel like I’m contributing to our mission as a health system, as well as the Red Cross mission to providing those necessary services in the community.”
Tracy Bell has volunteered for the Red Cross for 16 years and loves encouraging others to donate blood. Photo by Konrad Jones/American Red Cross
Amy Juarez, who taught classes with Ryan, is a social worker who volunteers for the Red Cross in several community preparedness roles. She is getting her master’s degree in emergency management.
After the classes ended, Amy helped Ryan pack up supplies. She said she felt good about the day’s events.
“We ended up having a good number of people that we were able to communicate with and it’s great to be able to spread the information,” she said.
Amy Juarez, a Red Cross volunteer, co-taught classes on disaster preparedness at the Kennett Library. Photo by Jenny Farley/American Red Cross
The collaboration between the Red Cross and Kennett Library went well and there are tentative plans for another preparedness day and blood drive there again in the fall.
Current “Boy with Raised Arm” mural at the Red Cross House in University City. Photo by Konrad Jones / American Red Cross
Everything about the Red Cross House – the center for disaster recovery – has been built for the welcoming and comfort of clients who have suffered a disaster which resulted in the loss of their homes. Although their stays are only temporary, it is important that those we’re helping feel uplifted when they arrive at the Red Cross House to begin rebuilding their lives. Sidney Goodman’s mural “Boy with Raised Arm,” located at 40th Street and Powelton Avenue was designed with the intention to inspire and lift up the viewer – whether disaster client, Red Crosser, or member of the neighborhood.
Renowned artist Sidney Goodman painted the original mural in 1990 under the auspices of Mural Arts Philadelphia. Goodman was notable for featuring the human figure in his work to explore various themes. He was an instructor at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Several his paintings can be found in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others. The native Philadelphian also painted other murals in his signature realistic style within the city.
Goodman’s original mural was later lost to a construction project at the Red Cross House. In 2002, a replacement mural was recreated by artist Brian Senft on the side of the newly renovated building. Overall, Senft has produced about a dozen or more murals in Philadelphia as a lead artist plus additional work as a contributor to mural team projects.
Original “Boy with Raised Arm” mural by Sidney Goodman. Photo courtesy of Mural Arts Phialdelphia
When facing the mural, the viewer sees a young boy, dressed in a brightly colored shirt emerging from a darkened background with his arm raised. The pose is reminiscent of the Statue of Liberty holding her torch. Both poses of the mural and the statue raise the eyes upward to take in the vertical figures and engender a sense of hope for the future.
The mural also includes the famous quote by Walt Whitman, “I am large, I contain multitudes,” from his poem “Song of Myself,” which was published in the first edition of his 1855 collection of poetry Leaves of Grass. This quote expresses the notion that each person contains a multitude of identities, experiences, and potentialities. Human beings contain intersectionalities, which produce an intricate tapestry worthy of celebration and compassion. It’s fitting that the mural with Whitman’s quote now lives on the Red Cross House. It truly embodies themes of compassion and universality, two fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In “Boy with Raised Arm,” the Red Cross’ mission “to turn compassion into action” dovetails with Mural Arts Philadelphia’s mission to use the transformative power of public art to ignite positive social change. By translating empathy into tangible assistance and relief, the Red Cross strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people in need, no matter where they are or their individual identities. Each year, hundreds of visitors take mural trolley tours of West Philly and see this inspirational mural on the side of the Red Cross House. “Boy With Raised Arm” is a tangible example of the power of community partnerships and the healing power of Art.
Thank you to Chad Eric Smith, senior director of communications and brand management of Mural Arts Philadelphia, for providing the content that make this article possible. Visit Mural Arts Philadelphia online to learn more.
Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano with 6abc reporter Beccah Hendrickson during the third annual 6abc Red Cross Month blood drive on March 29. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross and 6abc held their third annual Red Cross Month blood drive on March 29, adding a second South Jersey location and collecting the most blood to date.
Two hundred eighteen people came out to donate at the drives, which were held at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and at the Collingswood Grant Ballroom and Scottish Rite Auditorium in Collingswood, New Jersey. Together, the drives collected 214 units – 72 more than last year.
President and General Manager Bernie Prezenika was among the many 6abc staff who made time to donate.
“We have a big megaphone at 6abc and Action News, and we try to use it to do some good. I think it’s wonderful to partner with the Red Cross and the community to do something that we know will save lives,” said Prazenica.
Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano was also on hand throughout the day in Philadelphia to greet and thank donors.
“We’re really trying to get as many units of blood on our shelves as we approach the spring and the summertime, where we know the shelves get a little bit bare,” he shared.
Action News Reporter Beccah Hendrickson and Photographer Ian Dorety spoke with many donors who generously rolled up their sleeves. They even took a break and donated themselves, proudly sporting their red donation bandages for the remainder of the event.
Beccah also produced several pieces leading up to the drive to build awareness about the need for donations.
One of those pieces featured 83-year-old sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright, who credits blood transfusions for continuing to save her life. Erika Jenkins, who has friends with sickle cell disease, saw that story air a week before the drive and was inspired to schedule a donation appointment, even though she had never given blood before.
“I think it’s blood that helped [Joan] live,” she said. When asked how her first donation went, Erika replied, “it was really good – a really cool experience. I will do it again.”
Video: 6abc’s news story about sickle cell warrior Joan Lambright, which aired on March 21, 2023.
For Beccah’s second story, she interviewed Kayleigh Summers, who received an astounding 143 units of blood after suffering an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the birth of her son Callahan, who is almost 4.
“They truly believed that I could survive this, and they just kept giving me blood and giving me blood to sustain and to keep me alive. And 143 units later, that’s exactly what they did,” she shared.
Video: 6abc’s story about Kayleigh Summers, which aired on March 28, 2023.
Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. Schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org.
Editor’s Update: Joan Lambright sadly passed away on Aug. 10, 2023. Our hearts go out to Joan’s family and friends and to the many people she inspired.
Lynn Cohen, Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist for the American Red Cross and Professor Tom Elmer, West Chester University (WCU), serve in roles that know the potential inside each of us. Their investment and commitment to grow their respective programs has led to a great partnership.
When asked about her role with the American Red Cross program, Lynn stated, “my role is to look for partnership opportunities and ways I can continually improve our recruitment efforts. We already have a great relationship with WCU and when I saw the Senior Capstone initiative last fall on the United Way website, I thought it would be a wonderful way to take a look at increasing our recruitment around diversity and inclusion efforts, especially within underrepresented communities.”
Professor Elmer runs the program from WCU and aligns with the United Way in the application and selection process of students. The Marketing Strategy Planning Senior Capstone course is a Business to University (B2U) joint venture that allows WCU students to take an active role and work alongside a community business or non-profit agency to gain real world experience. This is a win/win situation as the students can contribute their ideas and the business or organization benefits from their unique perspectives.
This year, the programs connected seniors from Professor Elmer’s marketing class who identified strengths of the American Red Cross program and key insights into the current marketing strategy specifically in the Delaware Valley Chapter.
The students gathered facts and statistics, assessed products and services offered, and evaluated the outreach program to engage volunteers. In presenting their findings, the students provided their recommendations for social media efforts and outreach.
The American Red Cross is always seeking new avenues for socializing their mission, and Lynn expressed her appreciation of their insights. Lynn affirmed the importance of news channels, how the information is consumed, and audience perception. The students proposed some creative ways to expand a diversity footprint.
Lynn and Tom both agree each year takes on a new momentum and they are incredibly pleased with the progress. They witness the importance of leadership development in the coming generations and wanted to share their story.
Jessica Weissman (left), field marketing manager, Dunkin’ Brands, presents an oversized voucher to Guy Triano, regional CEO, American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania on Aug. 2, 2022 in Philadelphia.Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross
Local blood donors are in for a treat this August. Dunkin’ of Greater Philadelphia is once again teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 25,000 vouchers to American Red Cross blood donors in the region during August.
To thank donors who help refuel the blood supply throughout August, presenting donors will receive a Dunkin’ voucher for a free Medium Hot or Iced Beverage* and a free Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap Sandwich**, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Greater Philadelphia area, while supplies last.
Dunkin’ and the American Red Cross celebrated the partnership today with a special media event at the American Red Cross Blood Donation Center. The Dunkin’ Community Cruiser was on-site, handing out free samples of Iced Coffee to celebrate the partnership kickoff.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dunkin’ and encourage donors to give to help prevent a summer blood shortage,” said Guy Triano, CEO, American Red Cross of Philadelphia. “As you finalize your plans for the end of summer, make a blood or platelet donation appointment part of them and receive this special gift from Dunkin’.”
Donors who give now will help stock the shelves for the rest of the summer season. Schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
“Dunkin’ is excited to once again team up with the American Red Cross and reward deserving blood donors this August,” said Jessica Weissman, Senior Field Marketing Manager, Dunkin’. “We hope that by offering donors a free Medium Hot or Iced Beverage and Egg & Cheese Wake-Up Wrap, Dunkin’ will help encourage the Philadelphia community to stop by a local blood drive or donation center and donate blood this summer.”
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*Excludes Frozen Beverages. Offer not valid on Mobile App orders. Dairy alternative, espresso shots and cold foam may be an additional charge. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Terms apply. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Kent and New Castle Counties, DE; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem Counties, NJ; Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties, PA. EXP: 9/12/22.
** Offer not valid on Mobile App orders. Limit one per customer per visit. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred or sold and where prohibited or restricted by law.Cash Value 1/20 of 1 cent. Terms apply. Good at participating Dunkin’ locations in Kent and New Castle Counties, DE; Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem Counties, NJ; Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties, PA. EXP: 9/12/22.
Red Cross Business Development Manager Michael Gionta presents a plaque to VFW Pots 1564 Commander Don Mahoney on July 22, 2022 in Phoenixville. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross
As a community, Phoenixville is home to several businesses, organizations and churches that host frequent blood drives with the American Red Cross. About four years ago, Mike Gionta, whose job is to identify and recruit new blood drive partners in Southeastern Pennsylvania, brought Ettinger-Powers-Campbell VFW Post No. 1564 into the fold.
Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Red Cross account managers scrambled to find organizations willing to open their doors, the members of Post 1564 stepped up, not only keeping their doors open for blood drives, but adding more to the calendar. In fact, in 2021, the post held 16 blood drives, collecting 450 units of blood and helping up to 1,350 patients.
To Gionta, those numbers were impressive. Together, he and Post 1564 Commander Don Mahoney connected with the VFW Pennsylvania headquarters in Harrisburg and learned that the Phoenixville VFW did, indeed, collect the most units of all VFW blood drives in the Commonwealth.
“It’s a reflection of the giving spirit of Phoenixville and surrounding communities, and also a reflection of the importance of the Red Cross,” shared Mahoney.
On Friday, the Red Cross joined the Phoenixville Police Department and Mayor Peter Urscheler in honoring members of VFW Post 1564 for their community service.
“All of these partners working together – you are what inspires Phoenixville to be a giving community,” said Urscheler. “Thank you for all that you do!”
The Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App.
The second 6abc blood drive was held on March 30 in the Fairmount Ballroom at Courtyard by Marriott on City Avenue. Donn Greenberg/American Red Cross
For the second year, 6abc partnered with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive during Red Cross Month. Over 150 people came out to donate at the drive, which was held on March 30 at Courtyard by Marriott in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia. The drive collected 142 units of blood – nearly double the units collected in 2020.
6abc General Manager Bernie Prazenica talks with Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania CEO Guy Triano and 6abc Vice President-Community Engagement Niki Hawkins while donating blood. Dave Skutnik/American Red Cross
“This is our second year of doing the blood drive, and last year was actually my first time [donating blood],” said Bernie Prezenika, 6abc general manager, who made his second donation on March 30. “We’re part of our community and we’ve taken great pride in supporting our community. There’s a need for blood that exists all the time, and right now it’s even more.”
Many 6abc employees came out to donate, including News Director Tom Davis, Assistant News Director Christine Bowley, Producer Stephanie Kirk and Reporter Trish Hartman, among others. Guy Triano, CEO for the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, was also on hand to thank donors.
“There’s no substitute for blood donations; we rely on the donations of individuals who roll up their sleeves and help save a life,” said Triano.
Reporter Beccha Hendrickson reported live throughout the drive and spoke with many of those donors who generously rolled up their sleeves. She also produced several pieces leading up to the drive to build awareness about the need for donations.
For one of her stories, she spoke with Stacey Morris, a Montgomery County resident who has received around 20 blood and platelet transfusions after being diagnosed with acquired aplastic anemia in 2019.
Speaking directly to blood donors, Morris said, “Don’t be afraid to [donate]. Even if you’re scared, you have no idea how much it helps. I was so touched by the number of people who stepped up. I’m so thankful to everyone who helped me on this journey, especially the Red Cross.”
6abc Reporter Beccah Hendrickson interviews blood and platelet recipient Stacey Morris at the Red Cross Horsham Blood Donation Center prior to the 6abc blood drive. Alana Mauger/American Red Cross
Hendrickson also spoke to Crescent Foundation COO Tahirah Austin-Muhammad, who regularly receives blood transfusions to treat sickle cell disease – an inherited blood disorder that primarily impacts communities of color. Patients who receive many transfusions over a lifetime, like those with sickle cell disease, need blood that is more closely matched to avoid a life-threatening reaction. The more donations collected from a diverse pool of donors, the more likely a match can be found.
“There’s life in your blood, literally,” said Austin-Muhammad.
In addition to the recipient stories, Hendrickson covered a blood drive at Chester County Hospital on March 15 to help promote appointment registrations for the 6abc drive.
Check out our full photo album from the 6abc drive on Flickr.
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer Randy Miller donates blood at the 6abc blood drive. Alana Mauger/American Red Cross
Delaware County resident Mary Ann Santangelo was drawn to the American Red Cross for two reasons: its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering and the fact that volunteers are essential to the organization’s work. In fact, 90% of that work is carried out by volunteers.
Mary Ann retired from a 45-year career in advertising to care for her late husband. Soon after he died, COVID-19 “reared its ugly head,” and she began her volunteer work with the Red Cross as a Blood Donor Ambassador – someone who helps the blood drive run smoothly and manages the blood donor’s experience.
“Seeing donors come out in full force despite the pandemic made me realize I was in the right place,” she said. “Having human interaction in a relatively safe situation feels good, for the donors and for us.”
After six or seven months of volunteering, Mary Ann began training new blood donor ambassadors – a role that she helped to create along with Red Cross Volunteer Services.
“Being a volunteer at blood drives gave me the hands-on experience that I could share with new volunteers. It’s a volunteer-to-volunteer experience.”
Since that time, Mary Ann conducts one or two training sessions per week. And that’s only a small piece of her Red Cross experience.
In addition to her volunteer work with Blood Services, Mary Ann is a member of the Community Outreach team. These are volunteers who share the Red Cross story in the community and recruit others to get involved. This work takes place in person, like at expos, health fairs and community events, as well as virtually. Mary Ann has done presentations for Lincoln University, the Delaware County Senior Center and even a Winnebago club! She credits her advertising career, as well as teaching at Temple University, for preparing her for this role.
Mary Ann was recently selected to be a Community Volunteer Leader for the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter. Here, she strives to connect with Delaware County organizations, like Rotary Clubs, township managers and veterans groups, that can help the Red Cross deliver its mission.
She also recently completed Youth Preparedness training, which enables her to teach children about disaster preparation. The Red Cross offers two programs: Prepare with Pedro (kindergarten through second grade) and The Pillowcase Project (grades third through fifth). Mary Ann has already taught both – and is LOVING it.
“Volunteering for the Red Cross has been as exciting as the wonderful career from which I retired,” she said. “I’ve met great people, developed several close friendships and am having fun – all while helping the Red Cross deliver its mission. I look forward to each day when I will be doing volunteer work.”
Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.
Emergencies don’t take vacations. They don’t even take off nights and weekends. But no matter when they strike, the compassionate actions of Red Cross volunteers, blood donors and community partners help ensure that families and individuals never face crises alone.
Wawa and its associates are also there for their communities 24/7/365. So, the Red Cross and the Wawa Foundation are teaming up to support people impacted by disasters big and small.
From February 21 through April 10, Wawa customers can donate their spare change to the Red Cross through the in-store coin collection campaign or round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar with the difference also going to the Red Cross.
In addition, Wawa coffee clutches will feature the American Red Cross logo throughout March, reminding customers of the important work the organization does in communities throughout the year.
“The Red Cross mission wouldn’t be possible without these community heroes,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross in Philadelphia. “We are proud to honor their dedication in March during our annual Red Cross Month celebration.”
Local families rely on American Red Cross volunteers for comfort and hope while coping with homes fires and other disasters. In the past year, Red Cross volunteers helped thousands of people affected by home fires in the Philadelphia area alone. Red Cross volunteers were also there after devastating flooding and tornadoes tore through Southeastern Pennsylvania this summer and again when the remnants of Hurricane Ida moved through in September. This lifesaving work is vital to strengthening our community’s resilience.
“The Wawa Foundation is committed to building strong communities and one of our main focuses is to support the heroes who serve our communities every day. We’re pleased to partner with the Red Cross to help them provide lifesaving services and assistance to our friends and neighbors in their greatest times of need,” said Jay Culotta, Board President of The Wawa Foundation.
HOW YOU CAN BE A HERO
Donating spare change or rounding up your purchase at any Wawa store helps the Red Cross provide hope and urgent relief like food, shelter and other essentials. Donations are key to saving lives because they fund nearly 100 percent of Red Cross disaster relief activities. You can also visit redcross.org/philly to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, register for a class in lifesaving skills like CPR and First Aid, or become a volunteer for opportunities needed in the Philadelphia area.
