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.
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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