Whenever I write columns the main thing I try to do is keep them local. Whether news from home or an encouragement to join what is to come.

However, after the earthquakes in Japan, I think its time to broaden the scope in this week’s column.

I’m amazed at the way people tend to come together at times of crisis like this and at the center is normally The Red Cross.

On March 6, President Barrack Obama declared this month to be Red Cross Month.

The organization was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton in an effort to give relief efforts to disasters both on American soil and overseas.

Since it began, the organization has gone though changes as need be.

In the First World War, The Red Cross staffed hospitals and ambulance companies and recruited 20,000 registered nurses to serve.

In the second World War, it enrolled more than 104.000 nurses and prepared more than 27 million packages for American and Allied prisoners of war.

The Red Cross also offers classes in first aid, provides clothing and food for the less fortunate and countless others.

It is still on the front lines of disaster relief efforts like New Orleans, Haiti and, most recently, Japan giving out supplies and blood.

That’s where we can become a part of the effort.

You can go to the American Red Cross’s website to donate money, or it’s as simple as texting REDCROSS to 90999 on your phone.

Even if you don’t give money, give blood if you can. It can be used at home or abroad and there is always a need.

Let’s help the Red Cross help our human neighbors across the world during their month.

We are, after all, just one world.