This holiday season, when economic conditions are tough, people really want their gifts to matter. The American Red Cross is launching a holiday campaign that offers a way to give a gift with real impact.
Gifts that Save the Day is a new giving campaign that inspires people to make a gift to those in need. Through the catalog at redcross.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 New Hampshire, but the Red Cross has seen that when Americans are in need, America always responds,” said Maria White, regional executive director for the Red Cross. “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 campaign is being launched at a time when a new national survey finds that support for charitable giving remains strong even as many people are tightening their belts on gift-buying.
The survey found that 29 percent are cutting back on money spent on gifts, 31 percent are planning to spend less on parties, 40 percent are cutting back on spending for decorations and 44 percent are reducing their travel costs. However, only 20 percent planned cuts in their donations to charity, with 17 percent planning to spend more and 62 percent planning to spend the same.
The survey, conducted in early November for the American Red Cross, shows that nearly one in four (23%) had their salary or hours reduced this year, with 14 percent saying they had been laid off from their job and 41 percent losing money in the stock market. However, 67 percent say that because of the economy, it is more important this year to give something to charity.
Although retail sales are projected to remain flat this holiday season, online holiday gift-giving is expected to grow by 4 percent. Following this trend, people buying gifts online this holiday season can make an online donation to the Red Cross in the name of someone special.
Gifts made through the online catalog are contributions towards a 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.
For more information, visit redcross.org.
