SALT LAKE COUNTY

Utah Red Cross encourages donations on MLK Day

Jan 16, 2023, 2:00 PM

This Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, Red Cross of Utah encourages Utahns to donate...

FILE: Red Cross volunteer Shelley Smedley loads up a Red Cross van in Murray on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, before heading to Louisiana to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. (Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

(Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — This Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, the Red Cross of Utah encouraged Utahns to donate blood and volunteer to help those in their community. 

MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. 

According to a release from the Utah Red Cross, volunteers last year helped nearly 200 families displaced by home fires install free smoke alarms. 

Furthermore, volunteers held around 3,000 blood drives collecting about 90,000 units of blood. 

“We invite our community members to act on Dr. King’s legacy today and commit to volunteering with us throughout the year,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Service has the power to bring communities together, build bridges, and heal divides. Service unites people regardless of race, religion, or zip code.”

Over 1000 residents in the state volunteered over 48,000 hours last year to help their communities. 

The American Red Cross website offers more information on volunteering as well as an application to volunteer here in Utah. 

“Today we encourage residents to become Red Cross volunteers and answer Dr. King’s call to serve and make a difference in the lives of the people in our community,” Ruster said.

Related reading: 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Salt Lake County

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

6 hours ago

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after he allegedly t...

Pat Reavy, ksl.com

West Jordan man shot, killed best friend while trying to ‘be funny,’ police say

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after shooting his "best friend."

16 hours ago

Attendees climb at the grand opening of an outdoor climbing wall outside of Millcreek City Hall on ...

Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Olympian and hopefuls break in Utah’s biggest outdoor climbing wall at Millcreek City Hall

The Millcreek City Hall opened a brand new climbing wall on Saturday. It's the tallest outdoor wall in Utah.

4 days ago

orange line proposed for TRAX on one of four new maps...

Becky Bruce

Future options for UTA service include possible Orange Trax line

A proposed Orange Trax line aims at providing better east-west service throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

6 days ago

The westbound lanes of I-215 will be closed between 280 East exit and the I-15 interchange while cr...

KSL NewsRadio

I-215 westbound in Murray to close Friday evening

The westbound lanes of Interstate 215 will close over the weekend as crews work on the 300 West bridge above it.

7 days ago

a cyclist shown near pond, a west valley wetland park is in the works...

Michael Camit and Heather Peterson

Wetland park to be built in West Valley

A West Valley wetland park would provide trails for exercise and allow students at the Granite Technical Institute to study animals and plants outdoors.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Utah Red Cross encourages donations on MLK Day