American Red Cross

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by
mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross on May 21, 1881. As one of the nation's premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. We depend on the generous contributions from the American public to support our lifesaving mission.

After World War II, the Red Cross introduced the first nationwide civilian blood program that now supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation's blood supply. Since 2006, the Red Cross and FEMA have worked together helping organizations plan, coordinate and provide feeding, sheltering and family reunification services for people affected by disasters.

Today, the supporters, volunteers and employees of the American Red Cross provide compassionate care in five critical areas; people affected by disasters in America, support for members of the military and their families, blood collection, processing and distribution, health and safety education and training and international relief and development

Over the course of the last fiscal year, the Red Cross has made a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities here in Orange County. Through our dedicated efforts, we have demonstrated our commitment to providing vital assistance and enhancing safety in times of need.

In partnership with the community, the Red Cross organized and hosted an impressive 2,785 blood drives, gathering a staggering 61,176 units of blood. This tremendous accomplishment signifies our relentless pursuit of ensuring a robust blood supply for those facing medical emergencies, critical surgeries, and ongoing treatments. Through the generosity of donors, we have contributed to saving countless lives and providing hope to individuals and families in their most challenging moments.

Additionally, our tireless volunteers and staff swiftly responded to 134 home fires, extending compassion and immediate support to those affected by these devastating incidents. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and material toll that home fires can take on individuals and households.

Moreover, recognizing the crucial importance of fire prevention, we proactively installed 1,125 smoke alarms in 487 homes throughout Orange County. By equipping households with this essential safety measure, we have taken significant steps towards reducing the risk of fire-related tragedies.

The impact of the Red Cross in Orange County extends far beyond mere numbers. It embodies the collective effort of compassionate individuals and communities coming together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through our blood drives, response to home fires, and installation of smoke alarms, we have instilled hope, restored security, and saved lives. We are grateful for the support and commitment of our volunteers, donors, and partners, as they are the driving force behind our transformative work.

$200 - provides a full day of food and shelter to a family of 4 This service includes providing breakfast, lunch and dinner, the costs to mobilize and distribute a cot, two blankets and a comfort kit as well as the costs of Red Cross workers to provide this service.

$664 - provides financial assistance for a family impacted by a local disaster, like a home fire. This assistance helps a family purchase items immediately after a disaster, such as food, lodging, clothing and other critical needs.

$4,800 covers the cost of conducting a Sound the Alarm event. This includes installing the target number of smoke alarms, utilizing an ERV for the day, lunch for the volunteers at the event, and a fire safety package for the homes served. Average events install around 200 alarms.

$5,000 covers the cost of conducting a Blood Drive. Behind every blood drive, there are skilled staff, specialized equipment and transportation — as well as testing — to ensure the safety, blood typing and extraordinary care of our blood donors.

$10,600 is the average cost of opening a shelter for 1 night. This service includes providing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, the costs to mobilize and distribute a cot, two blankets and a comfort kit for 150 people. This figure also includes the costs of Red Cross workers to provide this support.

Orange County