Understanding the American Red Cross this Holiday Season

If you have been shopping recently, you have probably noticed a Red Cross volunteer. The Red Cross volunteers are often outside of popular retailers and shopping malls, especially during the holiday season. They are ringing a bell in an attempt to get your attention. You might have even pulled out your spare change and dropped it into the bin recently. But, do you know where your change is going? What type of good is the American Red Cross doing? Your donations are an important part of the following services.

Gives clothing to those in need
Your spare change purchases clothing items for those in need. One of the biggest struggles occurs in four season states. The warm weather turns into the cold and soon, the ground is covered with snow. The homeless, as well as others that are financially struggling, find it difficult to gather warm weather clothing. Your spare change can purchase these needed items for families in need. Young children can go to school with a warm enough winter coat. Adults can dress in warm clothing, while they continue their job seeking efforts.

Shelter assistance
When it gets below freezing, shelter can be a problem. Even those with a roof over their head may not have the funds available to pay for home heating. About 15% of the homeless population or 83,170, are considered chronically homeless individuals. When you donate your spare change, you are also helping these individuals have a warm place to sleep every night. It is these basic needs that are so important and every single cent counts.

Medical and emergency care
The American Red Cross is also an important part of helping with medical and emergency care. We often hear about natural disasters such as hurricanes, volcanoes, and earthquakes. These natural disasters leave people with no shelter, food, or medical care. The American Cross is always one of the first responders to these events. They provide shelter, food, and medical care to victims of these events. Your donations help in these events also. Even when you donate clothing, you are giving needed clothing to those that have lost everything. Your American Red Cross clothing donations even used clothing donations, also help to raise money for these types of events.

Other ways you can help
Of course, spare change is a start. It adds up and gives the American Red Cross the charitable start that it needs. However, it is often not enough. Other ways to help include volunteering your time, making larger donations, and making Red Cross clothes donations. Currently, Americans consume nearly 20 billion garments a year. That is 68 garments and 7 pairs of shoes per person or more than one piece of clothing purchased per week. Your Red Cross clothes donations help to clothe people and to also raise funds.

Internationally, more than 14.3 million tons of donated American textiles help people and families worldwide. The American Red Cross not only helps Americans but also offers relief when other countries experience significant hardships. Your Red Cross clothes donations help out in many ways. It is also easy to donate clothes to Red Cross with numerous clothing donations centers. Additionally, your Red Cross clothes donations are tax deductible. Your donation to your selected charity is tax deductible for the value of the items you donate.

The Americans Red Cross will be all over this holiday season. Understanding what they do and who they help might encourage you to give a little more. The American Red Cross is an important part in providing homeless relief, as well as emergency and natural disaster assistance. Your donations, even clothing donations help those in need in many different ways.