The Texas Gulf Coast Region is kicking off our Red Cross Month celebration in March to honor local community heroes who help ensure their neighbors never face crises alone and celebrate the appointment of Shawn Schulze as our new Regional Chief Executive Officer.

Red Cross Month is a national tradition thatbegan in March 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since. Locally, the celebration kicks off with several proclamations from different cities and counties in the Texas Gulf Coast Region in honor of Red Cross month.

“During Red Cross Month, we are proud to honor the people in our community who step up to support one another when help can’t wait during emergencies,” said Shawn Schulze, Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Gulf Coast Region. “This relief and hope wouldn’t be possible without these local heroes.”

After serving the last six years in multiple positions across Colorado, Wyoming and Louisiana, Schulze who hails from Louise, Texas is coming back home.

“It is such a thrill to be back in South Texas making sure that those in need have what they need when they need it,” Schulze said. “This will just add to my fond memories of growing up here.

As we celebrate Red Cross month, Schulze encourages others to get involved by joining in their commitment by donating, volunteering, or taking a lifesaving skills course.

“I think service is in my blood,” Schulze said. “It’s easy to lose yourself in service because you are thinking about what you are doing for people. Service is about helping people. Once you realize that someone else is counting on you, you can’t stop.”

Join the Red Cross Month celebration by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, become a volunteer or take a lifesaving skills course. Those who donate at redcross.org/givingday on March 27 will be part of the 10th annual Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to rally 30,000 supporters nationwide to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

HELP CAN’T WAIT WHEN EMERGENCIES STRIKE Volunteers comprise 90% of the national Red Cross workforce to power its lifesaving mission, along with generous financial donors; people trained in skills like first aid and CPR; and other supporters.

The American Red Cross mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering – a work that is carried out by local

volunteers every day. In responding to disasters last year, your Red Cross provided food, shelter and comfort to

individuals and families in need, as well as casework and recovery assistance for disaster survivors

  • Last year we Served more than 12,655 meals and snacks across the region.
  • We Deployed 639 trained volunteers to support disaster operations.
  • Provided 1,617 overnight shelter stays for families during their darkest hours.

JOIN A REWARDING DAY OF GIVING BACK Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which is also working to help families stay safe by installing free smoke alarms during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety events in at-risk communities. Volunteers are always needed— register and learn more at redcross.org/Texas.

About the American Red Cross:         

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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