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

Why I volunteer

I couldn't be happier to be serving my community under the banner of the American Red Cross. As a resource development intern, I know that I'm supporting an organization that provides life-changing services to people who need it most, and as a Disaster Action Team volunteer I can see the mission of the Red Cross being fulfilled in the smiles of those whom we have served after a local disaster has occurred.

A passion for humanitarian services has been welling up inside of me ever since I began to know the homeless community in my hometown, Downers Grove. Working at a local coffee shop I witnessed the toilsome and nomadic lifestyle of these destitute people and began to build relationships with them. When I learned of the many circumstances and conditions that can lead to such a life, I developed a strong compassion for those who are in need of support from the community.

That’s why I volunteered to serve at the Red Cross of Greater Chicago. When a family is forced out of their home because of a flood, fire, or any other disaster, the next few days/weeks of their lives will determine how extensive the effect of their displacement will be. That’s where the Red Cross comes to the rescue. We provide food, shelter, clothing, medical and emotional support, and much more for our neighbors when they need it most. And we couldn’t do it without the financial support of our donors, who give generously even in this challenging economic climate. Thank you to all those who support our humanitarian mission, your donations of time and money have a major impact on the well-being of our community.

To become a volunteer or to make a donation to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, please visit our web site

George J Hofmann II
Development Operations Intern, Disaster Action Team Volunteer.