Partners Help the American Red Cross Give Something that Means Something

Donations from Corporate Partners Extend Reach of Holiday Donations

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This holiday season, Circle K Stores, Inc., Diapers.com, Serve from American Express and Simon Property Group have joined the American Red Cross as Holiday Campaign partners, helping the Red Cross help those in need.  These partners will work with their customers to raise money to support the Red Cross during the holiday season through customer donation programs, gift card sales, matching programs, and customer referral programs.

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"Our partners are setting a wonderful example of giving to those in need.  During the holiday season, they are engaging their customers to join them in supporting the Red Cross," Gail J. McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross said.  "It's been a challenging year – from Japan, to Alabama and Joplin to Hurricane Irene. These times remind us of what's really important, and donations like these to the Red Cross help people facing their worst moments and show the best of what our country can offer."  

As a part of the organization's holiday campaign, the Red Cross is asking the public to visit www.redcross.org/gifts to make a donation in the name of the people on their gift list this year. Their donations help provide food and shelter to a victim of disaster, help purchase items such as phone cards and supplies for a member of the armed forces, or help supply basic necessities to families in desperate need in countries across the world.

The country's ongoing economic problems are causing more people to seek help from the Red Cross and other organizations at a time when it's generally much more difficult to raise money. Donations from generous individuals and partners enable the Red Cross to provide help and hope when people need it most.

"This holiday season, give something that means something," said Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member Leeza Gibbons. "Donate to the American Red Cross."

The Red Cross Holiday Campaign and Holiday Catalog are in their third year and both help fund Red Cross programs across the country and around the world. Just in the past year, Red Cross chapters have responded to more than 70,000 disasters including tornadoes, floods, wildfires, snowstorms and home fires. Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces workers provided assistance to more than 386,000 members of the military and their families, veterans and civilians. Red Cross Blood Services distributed more than nine million blood products for patients in nearly 3,000 hospitals across the United States. The Red Cross enrolled more than 8.2 million people in health and safety training such as first aid and CPR, aquatics and water safety. As part of the global Red Cross network in more than 180 countries around the world, the American Red Cross responded to disasters and public health emergencies in more than 60 countries.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About Our Holiday Partners:

During this holiday season, the American Red Cross is grateful for the support of our corporate partners, that generously contribute to our Holiday Giving Campaign. They include: Circle K Stores, Inc., Diapers.com, Serve from American Express and Simon Property Group.  Thanks to the generosity of these and other sponsors, the Red Cross is able to carry out its mission of helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies everyday here and around the world. Each holiday season the Red Cross gives everyone the chance to support our work by buying a gift through our holiday catalog. To view our 2011 Holiday Giving catalog, visit www.redcross.org/gifts.

SOURCE American Red Cross