GoodShop for the Greater Chicago Red Cross

I decided to become an intern at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago because I am passionate about making a difference and helping my community. I knew that by serving the Red Cross, I’d be helping people in need. I often find myself wanting to give to others, but not having enough time or money to do so.

In these tough economic times, people are finding it more difficult to donate their money and time to organizations like the Red Cross and are looking for cost-saving measures to ease the burden on their families. I am excited to share that I have found an easy way for individuals to help raise money for the Red Cross AND save money along the way! I know, it sounds too good to be true! Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to GoodShop! GoodShop is an online shopping mall consisting of more than a thousand world-class merchants dedicated to helping fund-worthy causes across the country, and the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago has decided to partner with them!

Each purchase made through the GoodShop mall Web site results in a donation to your organization of choice. All you have to do is go to http://www.goodshop.com/ and type in American Red Cross of Greater Chicago in the "Who do you Support?" box, click on the logo of the store you would like to shop in and start shopping! You will automatically be directed to the online store that you chose and a percentage of your purchase is donated back to support our lifesaving work!

Along with a percentage of your purchase going to the Greater Chicago Red Cross, GoodShop offers deals and coupons to many of their stores that can be used with your online purchase. By using GoodShop, you are not only saving money, but you are making a difference in the lives of local citizens and helping people prepare for and prevent disasters.

Some of my favorite stores that are part of GoodShop are:

• Target
• 7 For All Mankind
• Nordstrom
• DSW Shoes
• Free People
• Best Buy
• Nike

This is one of the many ways your everyday activities can support the Red Cross! Additional partners include; AT&T, FTD.com, Berry Chill, Fifth Third Bank and mark. Learn how to make your dollar go farther and support the Red Cross by visiting http://www.chicagoredcross.org/fundraisers.

Happy Shopping!

- Mari Bryerman is a Community Fundraising intern at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

National Youth Involvement Month

This month is National Youth Involvement Month at the Red Cross. During November, we’ll be celebrating all the youth who make an impact on the Red Cross through their great work.

The Red Cross is holding the Disaster Relief Youth Fundraising Challenge to celebrate this special month. The challenge is for youth programs and clubs to raise the most money through fundraising for the Disaster Relief Fund by December 31, 2008. The top three youth programs or clubs that raises the most money will win free registration to the National Youth Institute in Orlando, Florida, in April 2009. Is your program or club up to the challenge? Sign up your fundraiser by November 14 by clicking here.

Also, the “Our World Gives” contest on Facebook has 18 days left! “Our World Gives” is a simple and extremely helpful way that youth with Facebook profiles can help support the Red Cross. A $50,000 gift from the Western Union and the Western Union Foundation will be given to the nonprofit organization with the most votes. If you haven’t voted yet, you should vote for the American Red Cross! Currently, the American Red Cross is in the lead with 15,329 votes. Thanks for the votes!

For more information on youth involvement in the Red Cross, visit www.redcrossyouth.org

Are you already working on the youth fundraising challenge? What are your plans and how can people in the Chicago area help you with your fundraiser? Share your thoughts by writing a comment on this post.