Give Something That Really Means Something -

This year, The Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross encourage you to Give Something That Really Means Something for the holidays through the Holiday Giving Catalog.

“With so many people in need this year, Oregonians want to both give and receive things that really mean something,” said Maree Wacker, Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross. “The Holiday Giving Catalog provides us all with heartfelt opportunities to make a difference and to give with a purpose.”

Give your family a Red Cross CPR or first aid class. You can even give your family and friends the chance to take classes on babysitting and pet first aid!

How about a comfort kit for a wounded or injured service member. Your donation can make sure they are warmly welcomed at a military hospital with kits filled with most-needed items such as a phone card, robe, shower shoes, toiletries and MP3 music gift card.

Or how about giving the gift that everyone wants but money can’t buy through donating blood at your nearest Red Cross blood drive or donation center. Unlike fashion trends, video games or golf clubs, this perfect gift costs nothing but an hour of your time.

Greeting cards are included with each tax-deductible Holiday Giving Catalog purchase to notify loved ones and friends of the gifts you have made in their name. You may also opt to send an e-card version. Each gift item provides support to the mission of the Red Cross and items are available to fit any budget.

In the Holiday Giving Catalog, you’ll see that small financial donation can provide a full day of emergency shelter when somebody really needs a hand. Disaster victims often have to leave their homes with nothing but the clothes on their backs. But a Red Cross response always begins with a safe place to sleep, hot food and emotional support. You can provide these essentials for a disaster victim for an entire day, including shelter, three meals, two blankets, one cot and personal supplies for only $50.

You can help your family and friends prepare for disasters with Red Cross emergency gear like family disaster kits, or a hand crank/ solar powered portable radio that includes flashlight and cell phone charger.

The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution to the overall mission of the American Red Cross… and on the rare occasion when donations exceed the need in a particular area, we will use your contribution to help others where the need is greatest.

Join us at the Oregon Chapters of the American Red Cross and give a gift that really means something. Go online to www.OregonRedCross.org to learn more.