Oregon – Every day of the year, the American Red Cross brings help and hope to people in need in Oregon and Southwest Washington, and across the country. This holiday season, the Red Cross urges people to give something that means something by making a donation to support local services throughout the year.
“We have seen an unprecedented level of activity this year,” says Amy Shlossman, chief executive officer for the American Red Cross Cascades Region. “From home fires to wildfires to the tragic shooting that occurred in Roseburg this fall, the Red Cross was there. Our volunteers are among first responders, providing shelter, meals, comfort and hope to people affected by disasters large and small.”
“The Red Cross is powered by volunteers and local donors that make our services possible.” emphasizes Shlossman. “Contributions to the Red Cross ensure that we can continue to provide disaster response, emergency preparedness, and lifesaving blood and training to individuals and communities across our region throughout the year.”
A donation to the Red Cross Holiday Campaign can provide help in five different ways:
* Directly support Red Cross services through our Holiday Gift Catalog
* 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 (www.redcross.org/news/article/local/or/Holiday-Mail-for-Heroes)
* Become a Red Cross volunteer
The REDCROSS HOLIDAY GIFT CATALOG offers individuals the opportunity to give gifts that “give back” by supporting specific Red Cross services in honor of loved ones. Whether it’s funding a night at a disaster shelter, helping a military family during deployment, or supporting Red Cross services internationally, there are gifts at every level to support communities and families in need. (www.redcross.org/gifts)
DISASTER SERVICES Every eight 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. (www.redcross.org/what-we-do/disaster-relief)
BLOOD DONATIONS 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. (www.redcrossblood.org)
SERVICE TO ARMED FORCES Many members of the military will be separated from their loved ones during the holidays due to deployments. These heroes, and veterans who may be spending time in a local V.A. hospital, may have their spirits lifted by a card from our Mail for Heroes program. (www.redcross.org/what-we-do/support-military-families)
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. (www.redcross.org/volunteer)
Gifts to support the Red Cross Cascades Region, which serves Oregon and Southwest Washington, can be made online at www.redcross.org/cascades, by mail (P.O. Box 4125, Portland, OR 97208), or by phone 1-800-RED-CROSS.
