USA TODAY Concludes 'Spirit of the USA' Charity Program as Part of Newspaper's 25th Anniversary C...( The American Red...),Health

The American Red Cross highlighted

MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As part of USA TODAY's 25th anniversary celebration, USA TODAY concludes its "Spirit of the USA" 25- week charity program that highlights a different charity each week for 25 weeks.

The program began on March 30th and continued each Friday as USA TODAY thanked America for its support over the past 25 years by saluting the nation's generosity. USA TODAY has selected 25 charities and has celebrated the work of one charity per week for 25 weeks both in print and online via a signature USA TODAY Snapshot as well as on a special 25th anniversary web site on http://www.USATODAY.com.

The American Red Cross is the nation's partner in preventing, preparing for and responding to emergencies. Last year, the humanitarian organization led by almost a million volunteers, provided direct relief to victims of nearly 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills and preparedness tips to millions of Americans; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States.

"We are honored to be a part of USA TODAY's 25th Anniversary campaign and would like to echo USA TODAY in thanking the American public for its generosity, which we rely on to fulfill our mission," said Mark W. Everson, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. "This is also an opportunity during National Preparedness Month to engage more people in becoming Red Cross Ready: to get a kit, make a plan and be informed."

Readers are encouraged to learn more about the American Red Cross by viewing the Snapshot on today's front page of USA TODAY and on http://www.USATODAY.com as well as by visiting