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American Red Cross Launches New Holiday Giving Campaign Featuring ‘Gifts that Save the Day’ Online Catalog
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Robin Parker
 
November 18, 2009
PORTLAND, Ore.— This holiday season, when economic conditions are tough and people really want their gifts to matter, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross is kicking off a new holiday campaign that offers a way to give a gift that has real impact. 

Gifts that Save the Day is a new holiday giving campaign that inspires people to make a gift that can save the day for those in need. Through the online catalog at www.oregonredcross.org/gifts, people can make a donation that could provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day; a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior; or a month of basic necessities for a family in another country who lost everything in a disaster.

“We know that these are difficult times for many families and businesses in Oregon, but the Red Cross has seen that when Americans are in need, Oregonians always respond,” said Maree Wacker, Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Trail Chapter. “The holiday season is traditionally a time of hope and generosity, and this campaign gives us all a chance to make a difference in someone’s life.”

The holiday giving campaign is being launched at a time when a new national survey for the American Red Cross finds that support for charitable giving remains strong even as many people are tightening their belts on gift-buying and other activities. The survey, conducted November 5-8, found that although nearly one in four (23%) had their salary or hours reduced this year, and 44 percent are reducing their travel costs, 67 percent say that because of the economy, it is more important this year to give something to charity.

Gifts made through the catalog are contributions towards a Red Cross program area, not a donation to a specific project or item. The donations will be used to provide assistance where it is needed most within the program area; remaining money is put to use where it is needed most.

“These have been turbulent economic times for the Red Cross and other non-profits, with more and more people seeking help,” said Wacker. “The Red Cross is working very hard to raise money now so the organization can be there tomorrow with help and hope when people need it most—when the next disaster strikes, when a neighbor’s house burns down or when someone needs life-saving blood.”

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The telephone survey of 1,001 U.S. adults 18 years and older was conducted November 5-8, 2009 by CARAVAN® Opinion Research Corporation. The margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; 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.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.