Washington, DC - The American Red Cross announced today that the Eastern Missouri Regional Chapter has been given a generous gift of $5 million from the Jack Taylor family. The donation will upgrade Red Cross blood collection and distribution equipment, support regional emergency preparedness and local disaster relief.

“We are extremely grateful to the Taylor Family for supporting the lifesaving work of the Red Cross,” said Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross. “This is one of the largest gifts from an individual in our organization’s history, and shows the value the Red Cross delivers in St. Louis and communities across the country. From providing 40% of our nation’s blood, to responding to 70,000 disasters a year, Red Cross volunteers are everyday heroes who are there when their neighbors need them.”

“The Red Cross is vital to the strength of our community,” said Jo Ann Taylor Kindle, Jack Taylor’s daughter and president of the Enterprise Holdings Foundation. “The Red Cross prepares the region for emergencies, and when disasters strike, we count on the Red Cross to respond. We are happy to support this very important work.”

The donation will be used to purchase equipment for blood storage and screening, technology upgrades, seven new emergency relief vehicles and a new bloodmobile for St. Louis.

The Taylor gift will also strengthen two Red Cross programs, the Home Fire Campaign and Prepare St. Louis, which aim to save lives, prevent injuries, and make communities more prepared for disasters.

The grant will support the Home Fire Campaign by purchasing 9,000 smoke alarms that Red Cross volunteers will install in at-risk, fire-prone neighborhoods. During the installations, volunteers will teach residents fire safety and help them develop a family escape plan.

Finally, the Taylor grant will support Red Cross preparedness training, education and response infrastructure in the St. Louis area to help build a more resilient community.