Red Cross Giving Day - You Can Help One Family

By Cathy Simpson, Volunteer

In 2018, Red Cross volunteers helped millions of people reeling from a second consecutive year of record wildfires, hurricanes, tragic shootings and other large disasters across the country. Nearly every eight minutes, we met a family who lost everything to a disaster—the roof over their heads, their clothes, their most cherished possessions. But you can help during those first devastating hours. Join us by giving on March 27 for American Red Cross Giving Day.

You can schedule your donation now: redcross.org/givingday and #help1family. 

On Giving Day, we ask for everyone’s support to reach our goal of helping 25,000 families. By making a financial donation on March 27 at redcross.org/givingday, you’ll unite with thousands of people to help families during the first devastating hours of a disaster. Your gift can provide hope and urgent relief for families who need it most.

Ever wonder what it takes to support one family after a disaster?

• $88.50 can provide a family of three in urgent need with a day’s worth of food, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus blankets and other essentials in the aftermath of a disaster.
• $60 can provide six people with a nourishing meal that includes a main course, snacks and a drink to those impacted by disasters. 
• $30 can ensure that children and families stay warm and can get a good night’s sleep with six comforting blankets.

Did you know that on average, each year, the American Red Cross responds to more than 62,000 disasters across the country to provide hope and comfort to people in need. We also collect more than 4.7 million units of blood and more than 900,000 platelet donations from nearly 2.7 million volunteer donors to meet the needs of patients at hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. To support this lifesaving work of the American Red Cross, we need your help.

We are asking you to join our team. By uniting together, we can make an impact.

Be one of the first to make a Giving Day gift now at redcross.org/givingday.

Give the Gift of Life. Donate Blood.

By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Volunteer

I have decided to use “the power of the pen” as a volunteer writer to help share stories of how the American Red Cross is making a difference in my community of Fairfax, Virginia. To begin this endeavor, I will share a personal story.

About 6 years ago, we learned my then-eight-year-old son had a nasty strep infection raging throughout his body, and he needed plasma infusions to help restore his system back to health. Our initial reaction was shock and disbelief. My husband, daughter, and I were frightened, sad, confused – and we could not even imagine the pain my son must have been going through from being so sick. But, because of the American Red Cross, we had hope. The hospital had the plasma supply our son needed to receive treatment right away. The plasma infusions worked as he battled through eliminating the infection from his body. Today, he is a healthy teenager, and we are grateful to the many benevolent people who had donated their blood to the American Red Cross. We realize this was a gift of health for our son. 

As you are thinking of gifts to give this holiday season, if you can, I encourage you to donate blood and give someone else out there the gift of health. The American Red Cross collects 40 percent of the blood and blood product supplies in the United States. It’s easy to locate a local donation drive. Just log onto http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood and type in your zip code. You can also host a blood drive. More information about that can be accessed at www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-blood-drive.

Here's just a few of the many upcoming opportunities to donate in Fairfax, VA:

Fairfax Blood Donation Center

2720 Prosperity Avenue

Suite 200

Fairfax, VA 22031

Friday, Dec. 23, 1016 from 7:00 am to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 2016 from Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016 from Noon to 7:00 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

My Red Cross Volunteer Story: Jeanne Howlett

Jeanne Howlett

Service to the Armed Forces Volunteer

I volunteer for the Service to the Armed Forces of the American Red Cross because I feel like that area has the biggest impact. It is also where the Red Cross started. Clara Barton was in the field – so powerful and strong, a pusher to help people – and I’m following in her footsteps.

My first volunteer experience was when I was 14. I grew up in a family where we were expected to volunteer. I started as a Candy Striper in Des Moines, Iowa and instantly fell in love with that type of work.

No matter your skill set, there is something for you as a Red Cross volunteer. When my husband joined the Armed Forces and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, I began volunteering there. Doing volunteer work helped me grow. I took classes, got motivated and in turn bettered myself while becoming a better volunteer.

I have done a number of different things as a volunteer, but one of the most impactful is working at Yellow Ribbon Events, where we help members of the Armed Forces and their families connect with local resources before, during and after deployments.

No matter your age, you can gain so much as a Red Cross volunteer. It is important to get back what you give. And if you have time, you should see it as a moral obligation. Volunteering not only benefits you and makes you feel good, but it benefits others.

So why should you volunteer with the Red Cross? Why not?

Want to share your story? Add it in the comments below!
Want to volunteer? Visit http://www.redcross.org/local/dc/washington/volunteer.

My Red Cross Blood Donor Story: Sarah Morgan

Sarah Morgan

Director of Presidential Engagement | Planning & Insight | American Red Cross National Headquarters

Blood and Platelet Donor

I had only given blood a couple of times before I began working for the Red Cross. It was when I started that I become more aware of how easy it is to give blood and how good it feels to do it.

During the holidays, I decided I wanted to make an even greater difference, so I gave platelets for the first time. The process took a couple of hours and the team working in the donor center was so great – they made me feel comfortable and took care of me throughout the entire process. They are knowledgeable, warm and really make you feel like you are saving the world by giving blood and platelets.

The people you interact with when you are donating are what it is all about. You are in an awkward situation, but the phlebotomists make you feel at ease. They have a great attitude and positive energy, and they make it fun. We even took a selfie together – was such a great way to end the year.

I try and spread the word about my experiences donating blood and platelets by posting about it. It is a relaxing, and easy way to save lives and I hope to encourage others to join me.

Want to give blood? Visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/gcp to find out more.

Want to share your story? Add it in the comments below!

Join Us and People Across the Globe for #GivingTuesday

Written by: Corey B. Welcher, volunteer

Today the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region is joining #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving and gratitude. 

Occurring this year on December 1, Giving Tuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday GIVING season. The day is meant to inspire people to improve their local communities by giving back in an impactful way to the charities and causes they support.

Since its founding in 2012, Giving Tuesday has inspired various forms of giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. As a Red Cross volunteer, I invite you to join me in this important movement and spread the word to your community.

Every Little Bit Helps: Ideas to Encourage Giving on December 1, 2015:

1. Go Digital. Visit www.givingtuesday.org/join to receive updates, event invitations and the latest graphics and tools to share on your social channels.
2. Encourage your co-workers, local government officials and small businesses to get involved in #GivingTuesday.
3. Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to talk about charity and the causes and organizations you support.

Opportunities to give to the National Capital Region

1. Donate your time. Visit www.redcross.org/volunteer to see what opportunities fits your interests.
2. Donate blood to #GiveWithMeaning.
3. Donate at your federal workplace via the Combined Federal Campaign #96686 or United Way #8022.
4. Shop using the Red Cross Holiday Gift Catalog to help people when they need it most. 

There are many ways to get involved in #GivingTuesday and the National Capital Region would love to hear from YOU! Join the movement, make a difference and share your story of giving with us. 
Happy Holidays and Happy Giving Tuesday!

Save the Date for Giving Tuesday

Written by: Divya S., volunteer

On Tuesday, December 1, 2015, the Red Cross is participating in a global day dedicated to giving, #GivingTuesday. Last year, more than 27,000 organizations in 68 countries came together to celebrate Giving Tuesday. Since its founding in 2012, Giving Tuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours and activities that bring about real change in communities. We invite YOU to join the movement and give this year.

Non-profits across the country use Giving Tuesday as a chance to share their story and ask for support. The American Red Cross launched a social campaign highlighting our favorite stories from the past year. These narratives have inspired us, humbled us and made us proud to be Red Crossers. They show everyday heroes in action – stories where taking a lifesaving training course helped to save a life, volunteers spreading the word about fire safety, even our work overseas.

Stay tuned to Red Cross social channels to see Red Crossers in action 24/7/365. Follow and use #GiveWithMeaning on social channels during this campaign and throughout holiday season. Visit www.givingtuesday.org and www.redcross.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.

National Capital Region Social Pages

Facebook
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Corporate Giving in Your Nation's Capital: An Inside Look at the American Red Cross Ready 365 Giving Program

Written by: Reed Mszar, volunteer

The American Red Cross Ready 365 Giving Program is targeted to local corporations seeking to provide financial support to the Red Cross in the $25,000 - $75,000 (mid-level) giving range. Ready 365, not only standardizes the rights and benefits for corporate donors of the Red Cross, but it also highlights two valuable principles. The first is that in order to make a significant difference in the community, a certain level of give-and-take is necessary. The giving program helps bring in financial support from local businesses for the Red Cross to use when responding to local disasters like floods and home fires and also provides the same corporations and foundations an opportunity to gain a valued relationship with the Red Cross brand and thus, enhance their reputation in the community. Depending on the company’s giving level, ranging from Bronze all the way to Platinum, they will also be recognized in front of other Red Cross supporters.

The second ideal that Ready 365 embodies is that no matter who you are or where you live, you can help your community and those in need. Prior to Ready 365, there was no consistent framework for annual corporate giving at the mid-level giving range specified above. This inevitably led to a great deal of variation in mid-level giving programs among different Red Cross chapters across the country. It is expected that not all businesses who wish to support the efforts of the American Red Cross can give to the same degree as others. Ready 365 takes this fact into consideration as the benefits of joining the program are flexible based on the market size of the region in which the company is located and the capacity at which they can give. Regardless of how big or small a corporation is, there are now clear guidelines on how they can best maximize their gifts to their local American Red Cross.

The most recent company to join Ready 365 in the National Capital Region is Host Hotels and Resorts in Bethesda, Maryland. Without companies like Host Hotels and Resorts, we at the Red Cross would not have been able to respond to over 477 local disasters and teach 54,728 people lifesaving skills in an array of classes in the past year. Ready 365 provides the American Red Cross the flexibility to apply the gifts where the need is greatest.

Companies and foundations who choose to join Ready 365 and develop a valuable relationship with the Red Cross will have the opportunity to enhance their existing reputation, deepen relationships within their community, generate donations to give back to vital markets, and have their gifts highlighted through high-traffic communication channels. A variety of specific benefits are also outlined in the local benefits matrix depending on a company’s particular giving level.

Ready 365 certainly has the potential to build stable and lasting relationships between the American Red Cross and regional business looking to make a difference in the lives of many every day.

I'm all in this Red Cross Giving Day because…

  …I know the Red Cross can fulfill immense needs through the kindness of our communities, which is where you come in:

Ever wish you could make a bigger impact in your community? Well the American Red Cross is giving you an opportunity to do so by becoming a Social Ambassador for Giving Day!

What is Giving Day? It is a new annual fundraising campaign, which will take place on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Giving Day is something new and exciting for the Red Cross – a 24-hour crowd-funding event for our entire organization to rally around the Giving Day theme, “All in 1 Day,” asking the American public to stand with us and donate to the mission on June 2, 2015.

As a Social Ambassador you have the chance to use social networking to encourage your family and friends to support the American Red Cross and our mission. The provided Social Ambassador Toolkit provides easy click and paste social posts, resources to share your personal stories and staying involved! Your role as a Social Ambassador helps build the #allin1day movement through actively sharing, recruiting new social ambassadors, and encouraging others to participate! Let’s go #allin1day…

Sign up to be an ambassador https://givingday.redcross.org/#ambassadors

Pledge a donation now or give on June 2 https://givingday.redcross.org/#npo/national-capital-area-region

Written by: Susan Kumah, volunteer

Day of Local Giving in Loudoun

What if your home burned down?  

What would you do immediately afterwards?  Where would you go?  When a home fire hits, lives are saved with smoke alarms.  It’s a blessing when no lives are lost in a home fire.  But, what happens next if you’ve lost your home and everything in it?  The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region responds to home fires nearly every single day.  We are there to comfort and help families with the recovery effort, provide them with basic supplies, give money and shelter to accommodate their immediate needs.  We work with those families until they have recovered from the trauma of losing their home and are able to comfortably rebuild.

Throughout the National Capital Region, we provided the following programs and services last year:

• Responded to 523 local disasters including home fires

• Mobilized 2,219 volunteers

• Provided 4,498 services in our community

• Trained 57,963 people in CPR, First Aid, AED and life-saving water safety skills

• In Loudoun County alone, there were 3,150 units of blood collected – enough to potentially save over 9,000 lives!

Here is a 30-second story shared by someone who have been helped by the American Red Cross.
 
You can help ensure these vital community services are available in Loudoun County – yes, home fires devastate a family nearly 2 times a month in Loudoun.  Give.Choose is 1-day crowd-funding campaign that supports local Loudoun charities – your local American Red Cross is one of those.  We ask that you give TODAY to support us and the families we serve by visiting our giving page.

Written by: Erwin Stierle, Executive Director Loudoun and Prince William Counties

Volunteer Profile - Bahman Naraghi

Written by: Kelly Norman, volunteer

One of the great things about the American Red Cross is that it is an organization whose mission touches every state and there are volunteers all across the country. One of the local Red Cross volunteers, Bahman Naraghi, originally began volunteering with the Red Cross in Columbus, Ohio in 2012.  He was interested in humanitarian efforts and disaster relief and knew the Red Cross would be a great way to get involved.

When he moved to DC to pursue a new job, he did not let that interrupt his volunteering. Now as a volunteer in the National Capital region in Montgomery County, Bahman does a variety of things: provides disaster relief services as a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), helps at the warehouse, and assists with large-scale DC events like the Fourth of July.

“Working with the Red Cross has given me the ability to do many interesting things, like driving a forklift. It’s exciting to try out new things,” explained Bahman.  He also shared how much he values the friendships he has made with other volunteers.

Bahman shared a recent story of how he responded to a fire with the Red Cross DAT on one of the coldest days of winter. The residents’ furnace had malfunctioned and the fire was thankfully put quickly out. Bahman made sure the displaced residents had blankets, food, and a temporary shelter.

Bahman works full time as a Program Officer at FHI 360, an international development agency, and volunteers on the weekend. I think it speaks volumes of Bahman’s character that he spends his free weekends giving back to his community.  Thank you Bahman for all that you do!

Giving on This Tuesday

#GivingTuesday

By Corey Welcher, Volunteer Contributor

This month kicks off the winter season for demonstrating good will towards our fellow man. We hear it in the marketing for holiday sales, in social media, on the news, in our places of worship, and schools. To many people, "giving" means to provide someone else with money, a helping hand, food, clothing, shoes, and so on. A virtuous thought, but making time to give can be difficult in the hustle and bustle of the season. Luckily, thanks to an idea called "Giving Tuesday," considering others is much easier and fun, too!

Today is Giving Tuesday, the second year for what is considered the National Philanthropy Day in the United States. On this exciting day, people like you, businesses, and organizations raise awareness for causes they believe in by donating money, organizing hands-on community events, and providing resources to help you stay in the spirit of giving throughout the year. Last year, over 2,500 businesses and organizations participated and so far there are at least 5,400 in the U.S. and across the world. The word is out - giving is IN.

I'm excited about this day and invite you to think about giving a little differently this year. Giving is not just about money. Money is tight for many people this year. If you're not able to contribute financially to a cause, contribute your time by spreading the word about your favorite cause. Get other people interested! This is a day to take time to give back to your community in a variety of ways. We will see positive changes in our community by taking just a little time to consider someone other than ourselves today. You can do it. Get out there and start giving!

Pick a cause: What cause is close to your heart?

Spread the word - tell your friends about a cause that matters to you.  Post some information and a website link on your social media networks. Talk about it at lunch, over coffee with friends, and at dinner with your family. Volunteer.

Check out the #GivingTuesday website, which has a lot of ideas and causes to get you thinking about how you can contribute to your community in a positive way.  Join the movement and happy giving!