Slideshow tells our story as 2008 ends

The Red Cross was able to respond to many challenges last year, including serving patients who needed blood products. Take a look at how your support helped others in 2008.

January National Blood Donor Month

Whether you are a first-time donor, have been giving blood for 20 years, or volunteer your time, your efforts are critical in helping patients in need. January is National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the need for blood and to recognize you - a Red Cross supporter. The Red Cross sincerely thanks you for all that you do, whether it is donating blood, advocating or volunteering for Red Cross Blood Services – your support helps save lives.

Every day, more than 38,000 pints of blood are needed to treat patients across the country. Every donation helps fulfill this need.

The Red Cross is proud to ring in the New Year by counting you as one of our dedicated supporters – thank you.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday January 19

The Red Cross joins the nation in commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose lifelong work for human rights brought hope and healing to America.

Dr. King believed all individuals could help serve the community. "Everyone can be great," King said, "because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."

You can honor the memory of Dr. King by donating blood this month. Read why others give and help spread the word with Red Cross advocacy materials.

Facebook members pick Red Cross as top charity

The American Red Cross was picked as Facebook members' top charity in Western Union Foundation's Our World Gives campaign. Western Union partnered with Facebook to create Our World Gives campaign to raise awareness of the incredible work done by participating charities in addressing critical social issues.

Western Union presented a check for $50,000 to the Red Cross in support of its Disaster Relief Fund.

Young donor never thought he'd need blood

Jason Bursell made his first blood donation in high school and like most young donors, never thought he'd need blood himself. But after a snowmobile accident two years ago, the 26-year-old Minnesota resident found himself on the receiving end of blood donation.

"I'm not sure I could've made it without the help of blood transfusions," Bursell said. "The transfusions gave me the strength to recover so I could get out of the hospital and get on with my life. From what I've experienced," he said, "donating blood is one of the greatest things a person can do. And it's easy. Since my accident I've donated blood three times and will continue to do so every chance I get."