PROCLAMATION
RECOGNIZING MARCH 2022 AS AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH
IN THE CITY OF HERCULES
WHEREAS; in times of crisis, people in the City of Hercules come together to care for one another. This humanitarian spirit is part of the foundation of our community and is exemplified by American Red Cross volunteers and donors. March is American Red Cross Month, a special time to honor the kindness of our volunteers and neighbors who aid families in need every day as they carry out the organization’s 140-year mission of preventing and alleviating suffering; and WHEREAS; despite the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, people have stepped up to help others in need. Whether it was responding to this year’s record-breaking wildfires, horrific tornadoes, extreme winter storm cold waves or summer heat waves, volunteers continued to roll up their sleeves to give blood when our country faced a severe blood shortage; and WHEREAS; last year in Contra Costa County, 518 families affected by 130 devastating home fires, relied on the American Red Cross and our partners for comfort and hope, providing emotional support, addressing immediate needs and helping families recover with emergency financial assistance or community resources. Through our Sound the Alarm program we made 108 households safer by helping residents create a fire evacuation plan; and WHEREAS; Contra Costa County residents donated 17,277 units of lifesaving blood; hosted 788 blood drives, including working several partner sponsored diverse blood drives to help the fight against Sickle Cell Anemia. 8,486 local community members took classes to learn skills like first aid and CPR that save lives; 910 military members and their families received support and services; and humanitarian aid was provided internationally; and WHEREAS; Red Cross volunteers deployed 552 times, dedicating 61,930 volunteers hours to assist neighbors in California and around the country during 41 different disaster relief operations of all sizes, including wildfires in Oregon and California and Hurricane Ida; and WHEREAS; their work to prevent and alleviate human suffering is vital to strengthening our community’s resilience. We dedicate this month of March to all those who continue to advance the noble legacy of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton, who lived by her words, “You must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it.” We ask others to join in this commitment to give back in our community.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that I, Dion Bailey, Mayor of the City of Hercules, on behalf of the entire City Council, do hereby recognize March 2022 as American Red Cross Month in the City of Hercules. I encourage all to reach out and support its humanitarian mission.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Hercules to be affixed this 8th day of March 2022. ________________________________
Dion Bailey, Mayor