Red Cross Launches Hip, Yet Historical, Clothing Line

Apparel for Life is sold exclusively at the Redcross.org Store

WASHINGTON, Monday, November 20, 2006 — Calling it “glam that gives back,” the American Red Cross launches its new line of hip T-shirts “Apparel for Life.” These fashion-forward T-shirts draw on historical elements and longtime values of the Red Cross that are spun into fresh designs for the in-vogue Red Cross supporter.  

These T-shirts are sold exclusively through the Redcross.org Store (www.redcross.org/store) with proceeds benefiting the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross.

Eight T-shirts complete this exciting, new collection:

• 1881 – This heather gray ringer T-shirt recognizes the inaugural year of the American Red Cross on the front and features a Red Cross shield on the back. The Red Cross has more than 125 years of strong, proud service represented by the shield. Available in men’s sizes.
• CLARA – A heather champagne T-shirt is emblazoned with the image of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. This strong-hearted woman began the organization with a circle of supporters in 1881. In addition to founding the Red Cross, she volunteered during the Civil War, led a service after the war connecting missing soldiers with their families, and was one of the first women to work in the Federal government. Available in women’s sizes.
• HEART ATTACK – A hot pink, baby rib tee is covered with small, whimsical hearts forming the symbol of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross is comprised of more than 1 million volunteers who give with their whole heart. The Heart Attack T-shirt honors their love and dedication with the formation of a cross through hearts. Available in women’s junior sizes.
• HOPE ON A WING – This heather gray ringer T-shirt features a sparrow, which often represents one of the more fragile creatures in our world. This image shows the sparrow with a bandage representing the Red Cross and its aid to alleviate suffering wherever it may be found. Available in women’s sizes.
• MAN’S BEST FRIEND – This heather green jersey T-shirt pays tribute to some of our best friends with a rusty tomato-colored dog taking up most of the T-shirt’s space. Did you know that many of the Red Cross chapters offer a pet first aid class? Call your local chapter for more details. Available in men’s sizes.
• OUR BOYS NEED SOX – This military-color T-shirt pays tribute to the World War I and World War II knitting campaigns that provided millions of knitted garments to soldiers overseas and in the United States. The design was inspired by a volunteer campaign circa 1918 known as “knit your bit.” Available in women’s sizes.
• SEVEN PRINCIPLES – This heather gray ringer T-shirt features the seven founding principles of the Movement. The Movement includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the national Red Cross, Red Crescent and Magen David Adom societies. Available in women’s sizes.
• STRONG-HEARTED WOMAN – This chocolate brown T-shirt recognizes the long history of strong-hearted women in the American Red Cross including the founder Clara Barton. The Red Cross looks to continue this tradition with a new generation of strong-hearted women. Available in women’s sizes.

Log on to the Redcross.org Store (www.redcross.org/store) to learn more about this fabulous “Apparel for Life” series of T-shirts. Holiday shoppers should take advantage of the November 24 Free Shipping Day at the Redcross.org Store.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.