Fairfax, VA [November 27, 2017] — The American Red Cross is appealing to the National Capital Region to take part in #GivingTuesday on November 28 and #GiveWithMeaning by making a financial donation to help a family who has lost everything in a home fire, by donating blood or platelets to help someone who is ill, or by volunteering.
Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday marks the kick-off of the holiday giving season through a global giving movement that inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities. Last year, millions of people in 98 countries came together to support charitable causes and helped to raise more than $177 million online to support a variety of organizations.
This #GivingTuesday is especially critical for the Red Cross as it comes after a year of record-breaking and devastating disasters that left communities reeling and destroyed lives. The Red Cross was there to provide shelter, food and support to help people devastated by three historic, back-to-back hurricanes—Harvey, Irma, and Maria—and the most destructive week of wildfires in California history.
Each day, the Red Cross brings help and hope to those in need. Last year, across the National Capital Region, the Red Cross was there to support thousands of our neighbors affected by emergencies to help them get back on their feet, and responded to about 500 local disasters, distributed 7,000 relief items, collected 55,000 blood donations, trained 75,000 people in health and safety, and volunteers worked 140,000 hours.
“Give with meaning this holiday season and join with people around the globe to make an impact on #GivingTuesday,” says Linda Mathes, CEO, National Capital Region. “Every gift counts, no matter the size. Please consider making a financial donation, giving blood or platelets, or signing up to become a Red Cross volunteer today.”
Where to #GiveWithMeaning on Giving Tuesday:
* To make a tax-deductible donation, visit redcross.org/gifts and choose from a variety of symbolic gifts that give back to people in need, or call 1-800-RED CROSS to support Red Cross services.
* To learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, visit redcross.org.
* To make an appointment to donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org.
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 cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.