BOISE, IDAHO, Nov. 20, 2017 — The holiday season is a time for family and festivities. It’s also a time to be reminded of those who are less fortunate and in need of a helping hand.
On Nov. 28, as part of Giving Tuesday, the American Red Cross of Greater Idaho encourages everyone to give a meaningful gift by making a financial donation to help a family who has lost everything in a home fire, by donating blood or platelets or by volunteering.
This Giving Tuesday is especially critical for the Red Cross as it comes after a year of record-breaking disasters across the country. The American Red Cross was there to provide shelter, food and support to help people devastated by three historic hurricanes — Harvey, Irma, and Maria — and to those in the path of Montana and California wildfires.
From July 2016 to July 2017, the Red Cross of Greater Idaho helped more than 280 Idaho families recover from disaster, provided assistance to 365 military families and taught 13,497 individuals lifesaving skills in health and safety classes.
“Give with meaning this holiday season and join with people around the globe to make an impact on Giving Tuesday,” said Christopher Davis, Red Cross of Montana and Greater Idaho chief development officer. “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.”
Here’s how a generous monetary gift to the Red Cross this holiday season can be put to good use:
$10 – Provides one hot meal and snacks to someone staying at a Red Cross emergency shelter.
$20 – Provides a blanket, meal, snack and comfort kit to someone affected by a disaster.
$50 – Covers the cost to provide a parent with diapers, wipes and formula for an infant.
$100 – Covers the cost of Red Cross clean-up kits for five families.
$300 – Covers the daily cost to deploy an emergency response vehicle. These specialized Red Cross vehicles drive through communities to deliver meals, snacks, relief supplies, information and comfort to those affected by disaster.
$1,000 – Provides food and shelter for a family of four for five days.
Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday marks the kick-off of the holiday giving season through a global giving movement that inspires people to take 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.
Where to donate on Giving Tuesday:
