Cross Your Heart

Written by Catherine Carlton, Volunteer Contributor

February is the month of love and yesterday, all across the world, we pledged our love—showing those special to us that their presence matters. I also pledged my heart to someone else this Valentine's Day. Their presence in our community may not be seen everyday but they are here, helping those who need love during crisis. I crossed my heart to help the American Red Cross and you can too!

The Red Cross helps our neighbors when tragedy strikes. Help comes in the form of a hot meal to victims after an apartment fire, blood when a loved one needs it after a car accident, shelter when there is no where else to go after a hurricane or a phone call to an armed forces member from the family in time of emergency like the birth of a child or death of a family member.

You can help hand out this meal, make this phone call, or open the door to a clean, safe room after a family loses their home. A donation, of any size, demonstrates love in the form of food, shelter and communication for those in need.

When I donate I like to see how my money helps. If you want to see what a donation does before you give, we understand. Go ahead, take a look.

There are two easy ways to give: donate online or call 1 (800) RED-CROSS.

Time to clean out the sofa cushions and cups on your dresser: take your change to CoinStar and help change a life! Find the Coinstar machine nearest you. 
(Please note that some Coinstar machines are not yet equipped with the donation option. To confirm that your grocery store can accept donations to the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-928-CASH.)

So, who will you cross your heart for this February?