You may have heard that March is American Red Cross Month. As one of the nation's best-known humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters for 127 years. Families and communities depend on the Red Cross in times of need; yet the Red Cross depends on the support of the American people to help sustain the foundation.

Each year during the month of March we formally recognize the Nassau County Chapter of the American Red Cross and its essential humanitarian role in our community and the role of the Nassau Red Cross in making Long Island a better place. This year we focus on the spirit of the volunteers, donors, partners and employees who support the Red Cross mission of humanitarianism.

For more than 91 years, the American Red Cross in Nassau County has relied on everyday heroes like our volunteers who jump out of their beds in the middle of the night to respond to fires and help their fellow Long Islanders find hope amongst the ashes; corporate heroes like the Allstate Foundation who helped us provide free CPR training to over 300 Nassau teenagers this past winter; individual heroes who through their generous donations allow us to perform our vital work.

In the past year alone, the Nassau Red Cross has responded to over 100 local emergencies--mainly home fires--and has provided over $120,000 in direct relief to those affected. Additionally, the Nassau Red Cross has helped keep hundreds of military families connected and informed during life-altering moments like the birth of a child or death of a family member. Our health and safety programs are second-to-none and we trained 65,000 people in lifesaving skills such as CPR, first aid and aquatics last year.

And as we move forward, please know that your Nassau Red Cross will continue to be a beacon of hope for Long Island - tirelessly working to make our island a safer place to live, work and play. On behalf of the American Red Cross in Nassau County, I thank you for your continued support.

Frank Cassano

CEO, Nassau Red Cross