Give Something That Means Something This Cyber Monday

by Melissa Lanier, volunteer contributor

This year I invite you to join me and do something different by taking part in “Tearful Tuesday,” which, if you didn’t know, is the day after ‘Cyber Monday.’ That’s the day when MOST people return to work from the Thanksgiving holiday and sneak-shop from their desks. Tuesday, however, is the day you get the bills and realize you’re broke now and Walmart owns the deed to your home. 

In fact, it’s a race to keep up with retailers cashing in on record sales that start over the week of Thanksgiving and last through Christmas. Powerhouses Walmart and Amazon came to play this year with ‘Pre-Black Friday’ sales that started almost a full week before the turkey even made it to our plates.

Today’s ‘new normal’ has store employees shuffling off to work earlier every year on a day that is now synonymous with shopping deals, but remember we didn’t meet ‘Black Friday’s’ little brother until 2005, when some savvy marketing agents looking to capitalize on the yearly spike in online sales introduced us to 'Cyber Monday,' who appears to be growing up and may soon overshadow his big brother.

In fact, online sales are expected to break last year’s records by 17 percent. Amazon alone reports over 26 million items sold that day were purchased at 306 items per second. Mobile sales are booming and here to stay with promotions like Walmart’s rollback of ‘Cyber Monday’ deals to start the Saturday after Thanksgiving this year.

So this Cyber Monday, when you're clicking away for something to put under the tree, consider this: the American Red Cross has released our 2013 Holiday Giving Catalog and it lays out the different ways to give this year. Sit down on Cyber Monday and look at how to really give a gift that makes a difference.

A $25 donation provides 25 children with lifesaving vaccinations against measles and Rubella. How about you organize a group project with your family and friends. $1,000 will vaccinate an entire village of people. This is just ONE way to give this year so take a couple minutes and check out the link here. If you’re tired of the hyped up sales drama: then HERE is where you’ll find true value this holiday season by giving to those who need your help. 

Happy shopping!

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Gifts to Show Mom You Care

Flowers are nice—but the gift of preparedness is one that endures.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you may be thinking of what to give the person who brought you into the world. Fortunately, the American Red Cross has many items to help you show your love.

Kits

Almost everyone believes preparedness is important, but it’s a fact that close to 60 percent of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind.

Having an emergency preparedness kit can help put your mind at ease. Some kits—such as the Vintage-Style Emergency Preparedness Kit—contain everything from emergency food and water to first aid supplies and a radio. The Personal Safety Emergency Pack includes basic preparedness and first aid items, and is small enough to stash in a glove compartment.

The 66-piece Deluxe Personal First Aid Kit contains the essential items to help you be prepared for minor injuries. This is another compact kit that is great for the car or office.

Radios

The electricity is out, and you need information fast. The American Red Cross Microlink FR160 Eton Emergency Radio and the Solarlink FR360 Eton Emergency Radio can help keep you informed.

Both radios can be charged with both solar power and a hand crank, giving you unlimited power for AM/FM radio, NOAA weather channels, emergency lights, cell phone battery life and more.

Other Fun Gifts
If your mom is already well-stocked with preparedness items, consider giving her some stylish Red Cross gear, such as a jacket, t-shirt or hat. Or give her a classic Red Cross vintage field bag to carry all her essentials.

Check out the many other items and gifts at the Red Cross Store, and have a very happy Mother’s Day!

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