Give the gift that saves the day

By Joyce Knorr
    The holiday season is a time of hope. In this season of hope – when you want your gifts to really matter-your generous gift to the American Red Cross provides hope when the next disaster strikes.
    Your gift of any amount will save the day for your neighbor or loved one when their house burns with everything they own. It will be there when a little child needs a hug and a blanket. It will connect military families with their loved ones in the service. It will provide lifesaving CPR, aquatics safety, or first aid. It will spread hope, goodwill, and it will change lives!
    For more than a year, the tough economy has caused more and more people to seek help from the Red Cross and other non-profits at a time where it’s generally more and more difficult to raise funds. Your local Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter is working very hard to raise funds today so we will be there tomorrow with help and hope when people need it the most.
    History has proven that when Americans are in need, America responds. So goes our local community here in Maine. These are difficult times for families and businesses across our nation, but while it’s never been harder to give, it’s never felt better.
    A $15 gift of hope will buy a blanket for a little boy who lost everything, including his puppy in a house fire. A gift of $50 will purchase diapers and formula for a baby whose family needed to evacuate their home because of a flood. A gift of $85 will buy a coat and shoes for an elderly man who escaped his trailer fire with only his underclothes. Your gift of $55 will pay for a CPR and First Aid training for the mother of three small children who is unable to pay. $250 meets the shelter needs of a family of four.
    Hope — it’s the gift you can give to the American Red Cross to help others. All donations are tax-deductible and help meet the mission of helping and saving lives. Every gift of intent is required to be and will be honored.
    Together, we can save a life! For more information on how you can donate or volunteer, please call 207-493-4620, ext. 108.
    Joyce Knorr is Aroostook County branch manager for the Pine Tree Chapter, American Red Cross.