Many circumstances, many needs. Serving our community.

Your local chapter of the American Red Cross reflects the diversity of need in our community. From preparing more than 1,000 nutritious meals a day for the homebound and elderly in partnership with the Visiting Nurse Service, to helping military families communicate with their loved ones during emergencies. From meeting the need for a safe, plentiful blood supply, to providing safety training and preparedness courses to help people prepare, prevent and respond to personal and community emergencies.

Programs like these reach out to people from all walks of life, in all kinds of crises, every day of the year. Here’s a closer look at a couple of those community services.

Service to the Armed Forces
Every day, military service members, their families and veterans make sacrifices for their country.  Nearly one in four Americans has received direct support from the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) over the years.

In times of crisis, the American Red Cross is there for the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families. From communicating messages during emergencies to outreach to the National Guard and reserves, to veterans assistance and military hospital visits, the Red Cross provides support and services.

If you are in the military or are a family member in need of assistance, please call our offices at (585) 241-4476.

Red Cross RG&E Heating Fund
The Red Cross partners with Rochester Gas & Electric to alleviate energy emergencies.

This fund is supported by contributions from RG&E, RG&E customers, RG&E employees and the Greater Rochester community. The program provides grants to eligible applicants to alleviate heating emergencies such as a lack of fuel oil, wood, propane or potential discontinuation of natural gas or electricity service. This fund helps people who do not qualify for government assistance such as HEAP.

To make a donation, call (585) 241-4417. If you or someone you know has a heating emergency, call (585) 241-4474.

Food and Nutrition Services
In collaboration with the Visiting Nurse Service’s Meals on Wheels program, Red Cross volunteers and staff provide more than 1,000 nutritionally balanced meals a day for the elderly and homebound in Monroe County. We also provide meals for the Genesee County Meals on Wheels program. In times of disaster we can provide thousands of meals for the community.

Our vocational training program in partnership with B.O.C.E.S. #1 and #2, Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, and other agencies whose clients are academically and physically challenged, teaches skills that enrich and help our volunteers lead productive lives.  

International Social Services
Locates relatives separated during disasters or wars; provides relief assistance in armed conflicts, and educates about international humanitarian law.