The American Red Cross urges everyone to “give something that means something” tomorrow on Giving Tuesday – November 29 – after a record year in which hundreds of thousands of people were affected by large weather-related disasters.

The Red Cross responded to 15 large disasters across the country this year, 50 percent more than the 10 large disasters in 2015. These included the multiple responses in Texas early in the year to helping people in communities affected by flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and Hurricane Matthew.

More than 24,000 Red Cross disaster volunteers from all over the country provided the following this year:

• More than 200,000 overnight stays in more than 600 shelters
• Served more than 3.6 million meals and snacks with the help of partners
• Distributed more than 1.8 million relief items to people affected by these disasters.

• HOW TO HELP Help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, floods and countless other crises by making a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. In addition to making a financial donation, people can help by volunteering their time.

  The Red Cross also provides:

• Almost 7 million blood products to meet the needs of patients in as many as 2,600 hospitals across the country.
• More than 352,000 services to members of the military, veterans and civilians
• Training for more than 6.25 million people a year in first aid, water safety and other skills that help save lives.
• Help for more than 140 million people outside the country every year through disaster management and prevention activities

• GIVE BLOOD There is also a need for eligible donors to give blood and platelets this holiday season. During the holidays, eligible blood and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to donate by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving. On this Giving Tuesday, there are three ways you can help – make a financial donation, become a Red Cross volunteer, or schedule a time to give blood this holiday season. Join us and make a difference in someone’s life. Give something that means something.