It’s there during disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding. It’s there to help when a family loses its home to a fire. It’s there when blood donations are needed.

The American Red Cross meets needs when people most need those needs met. Red Cross teams, mostly volunteers, respond when needed, often traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to help others who are not in a position to help themselves.

March is American Red Cross Month, a time when the efforts of the organization, its paid staff and its volunteers are recognized for the work they do. March was set aside as American Red Cross Month during President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration back in the 1950s.

The assistance the Red Cross provides comes at a cost. It takes a steady stream of donations to keep those Red Cross volunteers on the move as they respond to disasters across the nation, whether it is in the aftermath of a hurricane on the Gulf Coast, a rash of tornadoes in the Midwest or a house fire in Beaufort County.

In 2013 alone, the Greater Pamlico Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to more than 30 house fires and assisted more than 120 people by providing them with necessities for living — temporary shelter, food and clothing. According to local Red Cross officials, it costs about $1,200 to provide a family of four with shelter, food and clothing for three days after a house fire.

For the Red Cross to do its work, it takes more than just volunteers and paid staff. It takes donations from individuals, businesses and civic groups in the community. A donation to the Red Cross is an investment in easing human suffering in the aftermath of a disaster.

The Red Cross is in the midst of its HEROES funding raising campaign. Consider making a donation to the Red Cross. Become a hero by helping Red Cross volunteer heroes continue their responses to areas and people in need when disaster strikes.