“Give with Meaning” is kind of our holiday motto around this place. Gifts that have personal meaning or community impact are the favorite kinds of gifts we like to give and receive. A few years ago, I got everyone in my family a gift from our Holiday Catalog – with each gift, I explained how that item reminded me of them.
For my mother, I bought the gift of Vaccinations, I did so because I know that she cherishes her own kids, and would want to help mothers around the world protect their children from a horrible disease (measles).
For my sister, I bought the gift of Blankets, explaining that when I deploy to places that have been hit by a disaster, a blanket can be so comforting to a small child (and because I’ve also seen our blankets double as fort making material in our shelters) – I pointed out how we used to love cuddling in our blankets that our great aunt made us, and to allow someone the means to have a cuddle moment is really powerful.
For my brother, I gave the gift of hot meals. Mostly because he LOVES eating (6 foot 5 young men tend to do that) – but I also pointed out that we serve thousands of hot meals during disasters, because the warmth of some beef stew on a freezing evening after cleaning up after the storm is a little slice of heaven on earth.
We have an entire catalog of amazing items – I’m sure there are a few items close to your heart that you would feel good to give.
Here are a few ways to shop around and support the Red Cross this Holiday Season:
1) The Holiday Catalog!
Pretty simple and straighforward – you shop, you do good.
2) Our Holiday Gift Guide on Pinterest
Pinning gift ideas for yourself or others? Pin one of our holiday catalog items to drop a hint or inspire other to get involved!
3) Shop with Amazon Smile
If you plan on doing any holiday shopping through Amazon (or, if you’re anything like me, and like to buy a year’s worth of tissues for cheap), you can use Amazon Smile and .5% of your purchase will go directly to support our Red Cross services.
4) Donate Through PayPal
PayPal has offered to match donations through their platforms. Just make a gift anytime in December!
5) Drive For Good with Mazda
For those of you looking for something larger like a car, Mazda is giving $100 to the American Red Cross for every new Mazda purchase through January 3rd. And if that’s maybe too big of a commitment for now, you can also test-drive a Mazda and they will donate an hour of time to community service.
6) Circle K
Shoppers in Florida, California, Washington and Oregon will be able to donate in Circle K stores. For every donation made, Circle K will display snowflake cards to recognize donors and inspire giving. Yet another easy way to make a difference!