What are you thankful for this year?

We're all thinking about lists this week. Grocery lists, holiday gift lists...so I figured I'd share the list of things I'm most thankful for:

I’m thankful for my family and our (mostly) good health.
I’m thankful for my job at the Red Cross (and my uber-short commute).
And I’m VERY thankful to all of the people who shared their Red Cross stories this year. They are strong, kind people, and I was humbled by their gratitude for the help YOU have given.

This year I met Veronica, Maria and Carmetta-local folks who all lost their belongings in home fires, and Red Cross relief workers were there to help them. They are among the more than 5,600 local people who received relief from the Red Cross in our area last year. When I spoke to them, one message came through loud and clear—they were truly in need of help, and they truly appreciated the food, clothing, shelter and compassion given by Red Cross supporters--that's YOU! So my final thanks this week are to you—everyone who supports the Red Cross through your donations of time, money and blood. Volunteers like Nancy, Greg and Ray. The thousands of donors who are listed in our annual report’s honor roll. Thanks!

This holiday season, the Red Cross is asking everyone to Give the Gift that Saves the Day. Know that we’re grateful for every gift you make. Shope the holiday catalog at www.chicagoredcross.org/holiday.