Washington
District of Columbia
American Red Cross CrossNotes News: May 2025
Clubs and Organizations
May 9, 2025
National Nurses Week began on Tuesday, and here at the American Red Cross, we’re recognizing the invaluable contributions that nurses make toward our mission to help every person in need.
Whether they’re providing essential care to someone hurt during a disaster or helping to collect lifesaving blood donations, our Red Cross nurses are the embodiment of Clara Barton’s legacy and her commitment to service.
To thank them for their hard work and dedication, we’ve put together a National Nurses Week card — and we’re counting on your help to fill it with signatures and show our appreciation.
Will you please add your name to our card for Red Cross Nurses? Adding your name will just take a moment, and could mean so much to those who dedicate their lives to helping others.
Honoring Service Members This Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month, a time to honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For over 140 years, the American Red Cross has been honored to provide unwavering support to our troops and their families. Through our Service to the Armed Forces programs and our Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, we continue to provide more than 480,000 services to service members, veterans and their families each year.
Learn more about how you can help support Service to the Armed Forces.
Swim 15 Miles in June Challenge
Make a splash for a great cause! Dive into action this June with the 15 Mile Swim Challenge hosted by the American Red Cross. By joining, you will provide swim lessons to help reduce drownings and build competence in the water. Start a fundraiser on Facebook or Instagram and earn your exclusive Red Cross towel when you receive your first donation.
Confident Caregiving Starts Here
Do you know someone who wants to be a top-notch babysitter? They should look no further than our revitalized Babysitter’s Training course. Built by science experts and trusted by parents, this course equips learners with the skills they need to be well prepared for emergency situations. Master the essential childcare skills to become part of the next generation of confident caregivers. Explore more at redcross.org/babysitting.
Do Good and You Could Have an American Adventure!
Your blood donation takes an epic trip (from donation chair to a patient’s bedside), and so could you! Whether it’s a great American road trip, a relaxing beach vacation or just to visit your in-laws (wink)... your donation can take you there!
Come to give blood in May to be automatically entered for a chance to win a U.S. trip of choice for two!^^ PLUS, hurry in to give by May 18 for a $20 e-gift card.* Don’t wait; map out your plan to donate and book your appointment now!
Or we’ll brighten your day with an exclusive American Red Cross solar lantern when you come to give May 19-31, while supplies last.^ Your blood donation is a beacon of hope for patients in need. Schedule now!
Celebrating International Water Safety Day
May 15 is International Water Safety Day, a day designated to spread global awareness of the drowning pandemic and to educate youth in becoming safer in and around the water. The Red Cross believes that by working together to improve water competency — which includes swimming skills, water smarts and helping others — water activities can be safer and just as much fun. Learn more about water safety today.
Keep Your Pets Safe With the Pet First Aid App
Did you know the American Red Cross has an app that teaches pet owners what to do to help their furry friends until they can get to their veterinarian?
What if your pet is choking, or eats something they shouldn’t? What if the situation is so serious there is no time to get to your veterinarian? With the free Pet First Aid app, you can learn what to do if facing a pet emergency. The app also offers expert guidance on how to maintain your pet’s health, what to do in emergencies and how to include pets in your preparedness plans. Text GETPET to 90999 or visit redcross.org/apps to download the Pet First Aid app today.
How a Mother Protected her Family During a Disaster
We at the American Red Cross are wishing a very happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers and maternal figures who give so much love, care and strength every day. Today, we’re sharing one of the countless stories that demonstrate a mother’s love in the aftermath of a disaster: the story of Brandy Scarberry and her three children as they fled their home after a devastating flood. Read Brandy’s story this Mother’s Day and learn how the Red Cross helped her ensure her family’s safety.
P.S. Still need a card for a mother in your life? When you make a donation in honor of a loved one, you can choose from our collection of Mother’s Day cards, and we’ll send one on your behalf!
Become a Champion with a Monthly Donation
We are inviting you to join a special group of supporters we call Red Cross Champions! When you give a monthly gift, your charitable giving is at work around the clock helping the Red Cross prepare and respond at a moment’s notice — no further action required.
"My story is simple. As I see and hear of disasters near and far, I also see the Red Cross there as well. It is a joy to be able to help through a modest monthly contribution. Thank you, Red Cross, for all you do!" - Yvonne, Red Cross Champion
Become a Red Cross Champion today!
Mahalo to Crazy Shirts for their commitment to making a difference!
We are grateful to Crazy Shirts for their generosity in supporting disaster relief through their Show Aloha collection. Now through February 2028, Crazy Shirts is donating 10% of the retail price from each purchase to help the Red Cross provide vital assistance to communities in need.
Get access to decades of Red Cross knowledge at your fingertips! Download our FREE mobile apps today and get the tools and preparedness information that you need. Available on App Store® or Google Play™
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In addition to celebrating our incredible nurses during National Nurses Week, May is also Military Appreciation Month, a special time to honor and recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by those who’ve served in the Armed Forces.
The founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton, was known as the Angel of the Battlefield for her efforts to provide nursing care and supplies to soldiers during the American Civil War. Following in Clara’s footsteps, the Red Cross strives to be there for our service members when they need us most, supporting more than 240,000 military and veteran families each year.
Whether they need a helping hand in preparing for a deployment, accessing financial assistance or benefits, or even getting emergency communications to a service member overseas, the Red Cross is available 24/7 to serve those who serve our nation.
This Military Appreciation Month, we hope you’ll join us in thanking our service members, veterans and their families for their commitment to service. And as a supporter of the Red Cross, we thank you for making this work possible.
-- Cliff Holtz
President and CEO
American Red Cross