by Krystal Smith, staff contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Today is Giving Tuesday and we have the perfect ways for you to take part!

Each year on Giving Tuesday, North Texans show up in a big way generously donating in support of the Red Cross mission. Here are the top ways you can support communities through American Red Cross today and throughout the year!

DONATE

It is the Red Cross mission to help alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Your donations make it possible for the Red Cross to help communities and individuals prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters big and small.

• $15 could provide a smoke alarm in someone’s home increasing their chance of survival by 50%.
• $50 could provide a full day of food and shelter for a person displaced from their home.
• $100 could provide a blanket, meal, comfort kits and more for a family affected by a disaster, like a home fire.

Some companies are taking their donations to a new level by getting their employees involved. Over the past 12 months, City Electric Supply (CES) has donated $150,000 to support Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Inspired by Giving Tuesday, CES is increasing their donations by using a corporate philanthropic software program to make it even easier for their employees to give their time and money to the causes they are most passionate about supporting, like the American Red Cross.

Whether a corporation, foundation or individual, your support can make all the difference to those in need and donations of all sizes help. Make your gift today at www.redcross.org/donate.

FUNDRAISE

This holiday season, join the North Texas Red Cross in meeting our goal of raising $250,000 toward helping families affected by home fires. Using Crowdrise, you can join the Red Cross campaign to encourage your friends, family and community to help you reach your personal goal toward helping families in need. Visit http://www.crowdrise.com/RedCrossNTXHolidayGiving to learn more.

GIVE BLOOD

When disasters happen, it’s the blood already on the shelves that save lives. One donation can save up to three lives. Unfortunately, during the winter months, blood donations can decrease due to illnesses, weather and vacations. You can help make sure there is lifesaving blood available with patients need it most. Visit www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment to give blood.

VOLUNTEER

Red Cross volunteers are the hearts and hands of the Red Cross. Our volunteers do it all from being the boots on the ground during a disaster, virtually assisting with data entry from home, driving lifesaving blood to local hospitals, providing office management support and more. No matter how much time you have available to donate or what skills you have, there’s a place for you at the Red Cross. Visit www.redcross.org/volunteer to learn more and take a quiz to find the right opportunity for you.

SPREAD THE WORD

Help spread the word about how the Red Cross is making a difference in your community. Challenge your friend and family to join you and the Red Cross to prepare for disasters. Encourage those in your life to take action to prevent home fires and teach them what to do in the event a fire occurs. Find home fire safety tips at www.redcross.org/homefires.

On Giving Tuesday and throughout the year, we thank you for your continued support of the American Red Cross!