Red Cross Marks The 25th Anniversary Of 9/11 With Blood Drive At Portland Fire & Rescue Station 1 - 09/04/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

[Portland, OR September 4, 2026] The American Red Cross is partnering with Portland Fire & Rescue to encourage people to give blood at a special blood drive in memory of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Now observed as an annual Day of Service and Remembrance, 9/11 provides an opportunity to honor the victims and heroes of that day through acts of service such as donating blood.

WHERE: Portland Fire & Rescue Skidmore Conference Room, 55 Ash Street, Portland

WHEN: Friday, September 11, 2026, from 8:00am to 2:00pm.  Meet Jim Stevenson, one of the Red Cross volunteers who responded to ground zero in 2001, from 9 to 11:00am.

Sign up to donate today by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code: PortlandFire.

Background:  September 11, 2001, marks one of the most devastating days in U.S. history. In the hours following the tragedy, the American Red Cross initiated a relief effort that would last years, involving more than 57,000 Red Crossers, including Jim Stevenson. 

“There was a Marriott Hotel nearby and the Red Cross took over the first five floors, says Jim. “My floor was a huge ballroom with nothing but supplies. It was a full-service canteen site, where a responder can rest, use a computer, take a shower and get a change of clothes. I worked the overnight shift. I would also walk the perimeter of the disaster zone and offer water and other items. It was an honor and privilege to represent the Red Cross on 9/11 in New York City.  It’s a moment in time I will never forget.”

In all, the Red Cross served more than 14 million meals and snacks, opened dozens of shelters for people who were left stranded and connected over 350,000 times with people to provide emotional support and health services.  Through the generosity of our donors, hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance were provided to families that lost loved ones, were physically injured, first responders, and workers who lost their jobs.  Hundreds of thousands of people also lined up to give blood and help in any way they could. Today, we are keeping that spirit alive with this memorial blood drive.  

Pics: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/2w5wc7a0w9hvlphximmu3/AIUu-nhPpZDC6_3jX_IPllA?rlkey=0tki7l30tnvyj0oq00tc83ilo&st=8jm4nbtb&dl=0

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, servicing 65 hospitals in the Pacific Northwest; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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WeLoveU Foundation Volunteers Mobilize Across The Nation To Help Keep Our Blood Supply Strong - 08/18/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Portland, OR, August 18, 2026] ---On Sunday, August 23, 2026, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation in partnership with the American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the Portland Red Cross location in celebration of WeLoveU’s 22 years of life-saving blood drives. The event is part of a larger initiative with simultaneous blood drives in California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania to increase diverse blood donations. 

The Red Cross reports that scheduled blood donations — which account for about 90% of the blood supply — have declined sharply this summer, highlighting just how essential it is to make and keep donation appointments all summer long. In addition, disasters across the country have impacted the ability to collect blood products. To tackle this challenge, WeLoveU has launched the “Worldwide One-Two Blood Drive” to encourage voluntary, unpaid blood donations and help save lives worldwide. With a goal of collecting 650 pints of blood across all participating cities, WeLoveU invites the public to get involved. Visit weloveuusa.org to learn more.

“Summer is considered trauma season due to an increase in accidents which can put a strain on our blood supply. Wildfires can force the cancellation of blood drives affecting our ability to collect blood. This is also traditionally a time of lower blood donations because people are traveling,” said Priscilla Fuentes, CEO of the Red Cross Cascades Region. “That’s why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to donate blood today at RedCrossBlood.org.”

"Every time a volunteer rolls up their sleeve, they're making a decision that could save a stranger's life within hours," said Jessica Amaya, program manager of the WeLoveU Foundation's U.S. Region. "That urgency is what drives us — and it's why, 22 years after our founder and chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah first called on our community to give blood, we're still showing up, drive after drive, to make sure that call is answered."

As a thank you for taking time to help patients in need, you’ll get a $20 Amazon Gift Card by email when you come to give blood Aug. 1-31, 2026!

About the International WeLoveU Foundation   

Founder and Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah established the International WeLoveU Foundation in 2001— which is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) — as a vehicle to deliver a mother’s love to neighbors in need. The Chairwoman took a grassroots approach by personally interacting with and caring for the needs of people in her community and her efforts inspired the spirit of volunteerism into the hearts of many. Over the past two decades, WeLoveU has extended its reach to over 73 countries in 249 regions, impacting countless lives through initiatives spanning emergency relief, education, health, environment, and community well-being. With the dedication of over 300,000 volunteers worldwide, WeLoveU inspires a healthy and hopeful future for many. For more information, visit weloveuusa.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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