INDIANA — As Indiana enters a season of volatile spring weather, the American Red Cross is calling on Hoosiers to support local and national relief efforts during its annual Giving Day on Wednesday, March 25.
The mission, now in its 145th year, comes at a critical time. From drought-driven wildfire threats to heightened flood risks, the Red Cross is bracing for a “season of fast-moving, devastating weather.”
The Indiana Region has already seen a heavy demand for emergency services this year. While 2025 saw disasters like tornadoes and flooding impact more than 2,000 local families, 2026 is proving equally challenging.
Since January 1, local volunteers have responded to 318 disasters—the vast majority being home fires—providing comfort and aid to more than 370 individuals. Just this month, disaster teams have been on the ground in Northwest Indiana following recent tornadoes and in Danville, where a fire displaced residents at a senior living apartment complex.
National Challenges
The need for support extends beyond the state borders. In January alone, the Red Cross provided more meals and snacks nationally than during the record-breaking Los Angeles wildfires of the previous year. February saw the opening of more than 100 shelters for families displaced by everything from West Coast flooding to wildfires across the Plains.
Donations made on Giving Day allow the Red Cross to prepare before the next siren sounds. Every dollar contributes to a massive logistical network designed for immediate response:
- Stocking Warehouses: Ensuring relief supplies are ready for distribution.
- Training Volunteers: Preparing teams to provide professional care during crises.
- Logistics: Maintaining emergency vehicles and equipment.
- Rapid Sheltering: Setting up safe locations in pre-identified areas.
The Power of $20: A donation of just $20 can provide a full day of meals for a person whose life has been devastated by a disaster.
The Red Cross also highlighted a pressing need for blood donations. This year’s severe weather cycles have caused thousands of potential donations to go uncollected due to canceled drives. Donors in unaffected areas are urged to step forward to ensure patients in disaster zones continue to receive life-saving care.
How to Help
- Donate: Visit redcross.org/givingday to support Disaster Relief.
- Volunteer: Apply to join local disaster response teams.
- Give Blood: Schedule an appointment via the Red Cross Blood Donor App or website.
“Our mission endures because of the generosity of people everywhere,” the organization stated. “A gift of any size truly makes a difference.”
