How did this tradition come about? Since Clara Barton created the American Red Cross in 1881, it was largely dependent for publicity and funds on the spontaneous support of people who learned of catastrophic events and the Red Cross response to them. News of an event broke. The American Red Cross rushed to the scene with help. People around the country came forth with outpourings of volunteer assistance and donations of funds and supplies. In 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the month of March 1943 as “Red Cross Month.” 

Below is an update from Joe Craver, CEO, American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties sent from member Ruth Hinckfuss who is also an ARC volunteer:

In just over one month since the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Red Cross has helped more than 1.3 million people, spent or allocated $80 million of the $284 million donated to meet the urgent needs of the survivors, and will continue to aid hundreds of thousands more in the months ahead until the last donated dollar is spent.
 
Thanks to the generosity and dedication of you, our donors, supporters and volunteers, the Red Cross has had the resources to help the people of Haiti in their greatest time of need.
I thought you might be interested to see what the Red Cross has accomplished over the past month in our relief efforts. Please visit www.sdarc.org to read a full report on the month's activities or click http://www.sdarc.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=t3BaX7%2fSBBI%3d&tabid=36. 

Your association you can log onto www.redcross.org and see how you can donate, volunteer or give blood.