American Red Cross Holiday Campaign Urges Public To Give Something That Means Something

People can donate blood, money, holiday cards or time

WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross today launched its holiday campaign and urged people to give hope to those in need by giving something meaningful during the upcoming holiday season.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO)

"Make this holiday season truly meaningful by supporting the Red Cross Holiday Campaign and helping a victim of disaster or someone needing blood, or by remembering a member of the Armed Forces who is far from home," said Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the American Red Cross.

People can do something that means something and provide help through the Red Cross in five different ways:

• Purchase a symbolic gift from the online catalog at www.redcross.org/gifts
• Make a financial donation to the Red Cross
• Schedule an appointment to give blood
• Send cards to members of the Armed Forces through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program
• Give the gift of their time by becoming a Red Cross volunteer

Shoppers can go through the online Red Cross gift catalog and purchase a variety of symbolic gifts in the name of the people on their gift list. Their purchase can support the Red Cross mission in many different ways, such as helping a disaster victim, providing comfort kits for injured members of the Armed Forces or helping supply measles vaccinations around the world.

The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution that supports the mission of the Red Cross. The catalog gifts are contributions toward a Red Cross program area, not a donation to a specific project or item. Those who participate will receive free gifts such as a Red Cross Water Bottle for a donation of $100 or more or a Family First Aid Kit for a donation of $200 or more.

DISASTER SERVICES Disasters affected thousands of people this year. Whether a home fire or a major disaster, many lost everything they owned. Every nine minutes the Red Cross responds to a disaster in this country and a financial donation can help the nearly 70,000 people who turn to the Red Cross every year for assistance with disasters big and small.

BLOOD SERVICES As many as 44,000 blood donations are needed every day across the country to meet the needs of hospital patients. During the holiday season, it is very difficult to collect enough blood for those who need it. People get busy with their holiday preparations and celebrations and giving blood is not a priority. A blood donation to the Red Cross can save up to three lives.

SERVICE TO ARMED FORCES Many members of the military will be separated from their loved ones during the holidays this year. By remembering them through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, people can lift their spirits with a thank-you card.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER One of the greatest gifts someone can give is the gift of time by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. There are many ways someone can volunteer with the Red Cross in their local community. Visit the "Ways to Volunteer" information on the Red Cross web site to learn how.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About our Holiday Partners:

During this holiday season, the American Red Cross is grateful for the support of our corporate partners that generously contribute to our Holiday Giving Campaign. They include: Circle K and its customers in the West and Florida divisions, Community Safety Foundation, funded by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer, Mazda and its Dealers nationwide and University of Phoenix.  Thanks to the generosity of these and other sponsors, the Red Cross is able to carry out its mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies everyday here and around the world. Each holiday season the Red Cross gives everyone the chance to support our work by giving blood, signing a card for military heroes or buying a gift through our holiday catalog. To support the Red Cross this Holiday Season, visit www.redcross.org/holiday.

SOURCE American Red Cross