American Red Cross calls for support on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas is calling on the public to support its disaster relief efforts on Red Cross Giving Day, March 26.

This year has seen a high number of disasters, including wildfires in Los Angeles and flooding in Kentucky, with the Red Cross responding to more big disasters in the first 50 days of 2025 than there were days.

Locally, home fires have devastated lives in Southeast Missouri. Meanwhile, severe weather has disrupted the nation’s blood supply, with more Red Cross blood donations going uncollected this year due to weather than in all of 2024.

“The pace of disasters has been relentless, displacing thousands and disrupting the blood supply,” said Micheal Sullivan, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. “We urge the community to come together and support our mission to help those affected by disasters.”

Donations can be made at (link unavailable), and blood or platelet donations can be scheduled by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

The Red Cross is also offering incentives for blood donations, including a $10 gift card and free A1C testing for successful donations made in March.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities in the region can be found on the Red Cross website.