Give Back with Red Cross Gift Guide

Did you know that the Red Cross’ first New York City chapter, back in 1905, began on Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights?

More than 100 years later, the aid organization is still going strong and providing critical humanitarian assistance to the borough. This year, the Red Cross helped over 5,000 Brooklyn residents affected by fires, floods, building vacates and other disasters.

This holiday season, the Red Cross in inviting anyone who wants to help their mission to peruse their 2011 Holiday Gift Giving Catalog.

For $50, you can make sure a disaster victim has three meals, two blankets and a coat at an emergency shelter, or that an injured service member gets a comfort kit with robe, toiletries and a phone card. For only $25, you can buy a vaccination for a child in need.

Gift-givers can make a donation for goods like food, blankets and shovels in their recipient’s name. Friends and family will receive a special holiday card with the donation listed. Cards may take up to eight days to receive by mail, but there is also an e-card option. 

Gifts can be given to support service members stationed overseas, to needy children all over the globe, or to help out neighbors in the United States.