Every day, the American Red Cross is on the front lines, helping communities in need and bringing hope, comfort and care to those facing their darkest moments. As the interim CEO of the American Red Cross of Illinois, I’ve witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of our work. That’s why this year’s 13th Annual Day of Giving, an all-day telethon airing on CBS News Chicago on December 3, is so important.
Your support during this event can double its impact, thanks to the Make It Better Foundation and Zebra Technologies. They are matching donations up to $20,000, maximizing the difference your generosity makes. Together, we can ensure the Red Cross continues to provide critical services across our five lines of service: disaster relief, blood services, training and certification, service to the armed forces, and international services. Let me share a few stories that highlight the breadth of what your contributions make possible.
Disaster Relief: A Beacon of Hope
When disasters occur, often Red Cross volunteers are among the first to respond. We provide shelter, meals, and emotional support to families in need. That includes Ashley Metcalfe and her family, who lost everything after a fire broke out in the apartment next to theirs in January. “You don’t know how impactful even that was because when it felt like the world was caving in, it was only the Red Cross that helped us,” Ashley said. “We are more than grateful; we owe the Red Cross more than our lives.”
Our disaster relief efforts extend far beyond local responses. This year, more than 150 Illinois volunteers deployed to communities across the country impacted by devastating hurricanes, wildfires, flooding and other disasters. Most recently, volunteers from the region traveled to help those affected by Hurricane Helene and Milton, bringing hope and support to people navigating the aftermath of large-scale disasters.
Blood Services: Lifesaving Donations for Patients in Need
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and the Red Cross is there to answer the call. For Angelica Green, the Red Cross’s mission to supply lifesaving blood is deeply personal. Her son battles sickle cell disease, a condition that often requires blood transfusions to manage complications. To help others facing similar challenges, Angelica hosts blood drives in his honor. “It’s so important for people to understand how much of a difference donating blood can make. It’s not just about saving lives—it’s about giving people the chance to live fully,” Angelica shared.
The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, providing lifesaving resources for patients like Angelica’s son. However, this vital work is only possible through the generosity of donors—and with only 3% of the population regularly donating blood, your contribution is more important than ever. If you’re able, consider making an appointment to donate blood.
Training and Certification: Empowering Everyday Heroes
Last spring, Joshua Hernandez didn’t hesitate when he saw a mother and child in distress. His quick thinking and Red Cross CPR training helped save a young girl’s life. “The child was choking on a piece of candy, and I immediately used the first aid skills I’d learned,” Joshua shared. “Hearing her take a breath was so emotional—I’ll never forget how grateful I was for my training that day.”
Emergencies can happen anytime, and Red Cross training equips individuals to act when every second counts. Each year, the Red Cross trains more than 4.6 million people nationwide in skills that save lives—skills that anyone can learn to make their communities safer.
Services to the Armed Forces and International Services: Supporting Service Members and Communities Across the Globe
For Tyra Oliver, the Red Cross has been both a source of comfort and a call to action. Tyra, a licensed clinical social worker and Army Reservist, discovered the Red Cross while deployed to Kuwait. “Deployment was very stressful, so I’m very thankful for the Red Cross,” she shared. “I would go there after work because they had movies and other fun activities. Many times, I would fall asleep there and wake up with a blanket over me, thinking, ‘Wow, they’re taking care of me.’” Inspired by their support, Tyra began volunteering with the Red Cross on the base and continued her service upon returning home.
Now, as a volunteer with the Red Cross of Illinois, Tyra leads Service to the Armed Forces workshops, helping military families and service members navigate deployments and the stresses of military life. Her work reflects the Red Cross’s mission to support service members and veterans while extending aid internationally. Whether reuniting families separated by war or providing emergency relief in disaster-stricken areas, the Red Cross connects people across borders, embodying a mission of compassion and understanding.
Join the Red Cross on December 3
In addition to the Day of Giving telethon, CBS News Chicago and ComEd are hosting a community preparedness event at Jewel-Osco, 1157 North Eola Road in Aurora, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Meteorologist Albert Ramon will share tips on preparedness and weather safety, emphasizing how planning ahead can save lives. This event highlights the Red Cross’s daily mission of responding to disasters and preparing communities for the unexpected. We extend our gratitude to ComEd and Red Cross of Greater Chicago board member Louis Binswanger for their generous support. All are welcome to join us!
Your donations make all of this possible. The Day of Giving is an opportunity to come together as a community and ensure the Red Cross can continue to answer the call whenever and wherever we’re needed. Tune into CBS News Chicago from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., call 855-350-2900, visit CBSChicago.com/redcross, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10. And don’t forget, the Make It Better Foundation and Zebra Technologies will match donations up to $20,000, doubling the impact of your generosity.
Every contribution—big or small—fuels the Red Cross mission. Together, we can continue to bring hope, healing, and lifesaving services to those who need them most. Let’s make this Day of Giving our most impactful yet.
This post was submitted as part of our “You Said It” program.” Your voice, ideas, and engagement are important to help us accomplish our mission. We encourage you to share your ideas and efforts to make the world a better place by submitting a “You Said It.”
