For more than 20 years, the American Red Cross “Park It” fundraiser has been a cherished part of the New York State Fair. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Crucible, which donated the use of the parking lot for more than two decades, thousands of fairgoers were able to support the Red Cross simply by choosing where to park.

But “Park It” was always about much more than parking cars.

Our volunteers welcomed visitors with a smile, and in return, fairgoers shared deeply personal stories —of blood donations that saved loved ones, families helped after devastating home fires, military families reunited through emergency communications, and neighbors who found hope because the Red Cross was there when they needed it most. Those conversations were a powerful reminder that the Red Cross is more than an organization — it is a promise to help people in times of crisis.

Last year, following the sale of the property, the new owner graciously allowed the Red Cross to continue operating the lot for one final Fair season. We are grateful for that support and for the many years of generosity that made this fundraiser possible. As the property’s plans have changed, the Red Cross will no longer operate the parking lot.

While the parking lot is going away, the need for the Red Cross is not.

Every eight minutes, someone in the United States needs the help of the Red Cross, and we respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here in Eastern New York, we respond to more than 700 local disasters each year mostly home fires, collect more than 110,000 units of lifesaving blood, reconnect military families during emergencies, and train more than 30,000 people annually in CPR, first aid, and other lifesaving skills.

The loss of this fundraiser means approximately $150,000 that once went directly back into serving our communities must now be replaced. Every dollar raised through “Park It” helped ensure the Red Cross could respond whenever and wherever help was needed.

Every great community effort starts with someone taking the first step. This year, as we work to replace approximately $150,000 in lost funding, the American Red Cross Eastern New York Board of Directors has made the first commitment with a $10,000 matching challenge. Now we are inviting our community to help turn that first gift into something much larger.

Today, we are asking our community to Park It Forward.

If you have ever parked with the Red Cross at the New York State Fair, consider making a symbolic gift equal to what you would have spent to park your car. It may be the easiest parking spot you’ll ever pay for, and every dollar will help ensure that when a family loses everything in a fire, when a patient needs blood, or when a member of the military faces an emergency, the Red Cross will be there.

The parking lot may be gone, but the opportunity to make a difference remains. Together, we can Park It Forward and ensure the Red Cross remains ready to serve our communities today, tomorrow, and whenever the next call for help comes. To make a gift and help us Park It Forward, visit https://ParkItForward.givesmart.com or text PARKITFORWARD to 76278 to donate

With gratitude,

The Board of Directors, American Red Cross, Central and Northern New York