SIOUX FALLS, SD — This year, extreme weather took an overwhelming toll on people who relied on the American Red Cross for relief and care, as the country faced its second-highest number of billion-dollar disasters ever recorded.

Twenty-four major climate and weather events — each with losses exceeding $1 billion — were topped only by last year’s record-breaking 28. To help, the Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross deployed responders more than 560 times to provide nonstop shelter, food, and other assistance to tens of thousands of people.

“Whether a crisis happens in our backyard or a community across the country, neighbors are counting on us to help ensure they don’t face it alone. Please join us by making a donation of any size,” said Patty Brooks, executive director of the Red Cross in eastern South Dakota — where over 190 volunteers help to provide Red Cross services.

This GivingTuesday and holiday season, visit RedCross.org/mndaks to read inspiring local stories make a financial donation.

Supporting Families Through Uncertainty and Disasters Nationally, the scope of disasters increased this year’s demand for necessities like food and emergency lodging — both exceeding the annual average for the past five years. This year, more than 7 million meals and snacks served by Red Cross volunteers nearly tripled that average.

Locally, this included devastating flooding in South Dakota and Minnesota. Volunteers provided vital support by distributing cleanup supplies, offering shelter and emotional care, and assisting with long-term recovery planning. Responders, over 90% of whom are volunteers, also supported more than 3,600 people affected by local home fires, including those affected by 60 home fires in eastern South Dakota.

This year, the Red Cross addressed people’s urgent needs in other ways too:

Saving Lives Through Blood Donations Millions of blood donors responded to the critical need for blood, helping the American Red Cross overcome numerous blood drive cancellations caused by severe weather and extreme heat. As the nation’s largest blood supplier, the Red Cross ensured patients received essential care during major disasters by pre-positioning blood products in areas likely to be impacted, such as Georgia and Florida for Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

In the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, donors provided 233,000 units of blood, supporting patients undergoing cancer treatments, childbirth complications, accidents, and sickle cell disease management. This included over 2,200 first-time donors, and new FDA guidelines made donation more inclusive, allowing even more patients to receive critical care. In eastern South Dakota, the Red Cross held more than 150 blood drives, collecting over 4,270 donations.

Standing by Military Families Through more than 4,800 emergency communications and critical services, Red Cross workers in our region supported military members, veterans, and their families. These services included pet visitation volunteer teams that brought comfort to veterans and their families at community events, on military bases, and at facilities serving veterans. The Red Cross provided emergency or critical services for 270 military families.

Building Resilient Communities Amid a spike in heat illness visits to emergency rooms during the country’s extreme temperatures, Red Cross instructors empowered more than 108,000 people in the Minnesota and Dakotas region with first aid, CPR, and AED skills, enabling them to prevent and respond to emergencies confidently. In addition, with more than 7,340 smoke alarms installed last year, the Red Cross helped make over 2,160 homes safer. This vital service brings communities together to protect neighbors and prevent tragedies.

Join Us This Giving Season As disasters grow more frequent and severe, the Minnesota and Dakotas Region of the Red Cross calls on the community to support its lifesaving mission. Visit RedCross.org/mndaks this GivingTuesday and holiday season to learn more about how we helped people this year and make a financial contribution.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to disaster victims; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Minnesota and Dakotas Red Cross, comprising seven community chapters and five Blood Donation Centers, serves over 7.3 million people, including Indigenous nations and communities. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the public to perform its mission. Visit RedCross.org/mndaks for more information.