Chicago Helps Haiti: Live Blogging All Day!

The Chicagoland community will come together on Thursday, January 21 to give to the American Red Cross as we help the people of Haiti recover from the catastrophic earthquake that devastated their country last week.

The Chicago Helps Haiti media relief drive begins at 5 a.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. Nearly every TV and radio station in our area will be promoting this fundraising effort throughout the day. You can help too, by giving via phone or online, and sharing your thoughts here, on Facebook or Twitter, and by asking others to give.

To give from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. CALL 1 (877) 565-5000 or visit www.chicagoredcross.org/haiti


You can also text from your mobile phone. Send the word HAITI to 90999 to give $10 to Haiti relief.

We’ll be posting content here on this blog throughout the day. We’ll get news from our phone bank, which has been generously donated and staffed by the great people at Hewitt Associates in Lincolnshire.

We’ll also be posting facts and inspiring content about the Haiti relief effort from across the Red Cross network, re-posting your insightful comments and documenting what we’re sure will be a tremendous outpouring of generosity.

Stay tuned throughout the day as we blog live here!

Photo caption: Michaelle Fleamvil carries supplies distributed by the American Red Cross at Croix Desprez. She is helped by Red Cross worker Matt Marek. January 20. Photo: Talia Frenkel/American Red Cross. For more photos visit www.flickr.com/americanredcross

Do you know your Chicago fire trivia?!

Think you’re a trivia buff? Well we’re challenging you to test your knowledge about Chicagoland and its history with fire! Plus, learn a little more about what the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago does!

The Great Chicago Fire burned during October of _____ destroying about 4 square miles of Chicago and killing hundreds in its path.
a. 1892 b. 1871 c. 1902 d. 1805

What Chicago building was NOT spared during the blaze of the Great Chicago Fire?
a. Old St. Patrick’s Church b. The O’Leary’s home c. Chicago Water Tower d. Palmer House

Which of these is the higher ranking official in the Chicago Fire Department?
a. Battalion Chief b. Lieutenant c. Fire Engineer d. Captain

In the Chicagoland region, the American Red Cross responds to approximately how many residential fires a year?
a. 100 b. 500 c. 1,000 d. 5,000

At which school in the city of Chicago did a fire occur and spur reform of fire codes for school fire safety regulations around the U.S.?
a. Walter Payton b. Our Lady of Angels School c. New London School d. UIC

What month is typically celebrated as Fire Prevention Month?
a. January b. March c. November d. October

What is the name of the fire prevention program ran by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago?

a. Team Firestopper b. Stop Fires Chicago c. The Extinguishers

Answers: 1: b; 2: d; 3: a; 4: c; 5: b; 6: d; 7: a

Fire Safety Tip of the Week: Practice a fire escape plan with the members of your household. Remember to find at least two exits out of every room and create a meeting place for all household members to go if a fire does threaten your home!

Fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!

Sources: Chicago Fire Department, American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, Wikipedia

How well do you know your smoke detectors?!

Installing and maintaining your smoke detector could be one of the most important things you do this year to keep your family safe. Take the quiz below to see how well you know how to use and maintain your smoke detectors!

1. Where are your smoke detectors located?
Place a smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Make sure to have at least one smoke detector on each floor of your house (including the basement).

2. Have you changed the batteries in your smoke detectors?
The batteries in your smoke detector should be replaced yearly, or as soon as you hear a low-battery warning which usually sounds like a “chirping” noise. NEVER remove the battery from or disable a smoke alarm. If your smoke alarm is sounding “nuisance alarms”, try locating it further from kitchens or bathrooms.

3. How old are your smoke detectors?

Smoke alarms DO wear out. Replace your alarms every 10 years to ensure that it is working properly.

4. Are you familiar with the sound of your smoke detectors?
Teach children and household members what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do when they hear it. Plan regular fire drills to practice your escape plan ensuring everyone in your home knows exactly what to do when the smoke alarm sounds.

5. Have you tested your smoke detectors lately?
Smoke detectors should be tested monthly. Make sure you know what condition your detector is in! It could save your life!

If you answered these questions correctly, thanks for being a Firestopper in your community!

These fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!


Sources: American Red Cross, U.S. Fire Administration*, and the National Fire Protection Association

What I didn't know...

In honor of my 5th month here at the Red Cross, I wanted to share with you 5 things that I didn’t know about the Red Cross before I started working here. Hopefully, I have included some things that you may not have known.

1. The American Red Cross has been around since 1881, making the organization 129 years old!

2. A very important figure in the history of the Red Cross is Henry Dunant. His book A Memory of Solferino inspired the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 1963. The ICRC is an independent, neutral organization ensuring humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of war and other situations of violence.

3. The American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces operates an around the clock world wide communication service, allowing the family members of service men and women to reach their deployed relative in case of an emergency.

4. Our Chapter has an Auxiliary Board and Society, comprised of young active professionals that organize fundraising events and support the Greater Chicago Red Cross.

5. The Red Cross has a “Safe and Well” website where individuals who have been affected by a disaster can register as “safe and well”. This site notifies their family and friends of their well being.


Submitted by Rachael Garcia, Resource Development

Team Firestopper - Turning Up the Heat!

Did you know that the number of residential fires increases in the winter? In fact, residential fires peak in December, January, and February. Why? Nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, or wood/coal stoves to stay warm. And, these items lead to a greater risk of residential fires.

We know that you want to turn up the heat in your home, so here are a few tips to help you do so safely!

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater.
• Never use your oven for heating.
• Try using window film insulation on drafty windows instead of things like space heaters to keep your house warm.
• Have heating equipment and cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. Call a gas service person.

And remember… smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed.

These fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!


Sources: American Red Cross, U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Fire Protection Association

This MLK Day, "everybody can be great because anybody can serve..."

Home. It's a simple concept really, one that goes beyond four walls and a roof overhead. Home is the idea that we have a place where we belong, are loved, and feel safe. It is something that most of us take for granted, but for the 3.5 million Americans who are homeless each year, home is an idea and not a reality.

The Grace House Shelter in Decatur, IL currently houses women who are working hard to get back on their feet. These women are mothers, sisters, daughters and wives trying to regain control. They do not consider themselves homeless, but rather women living in a "non-traditional home." They are full of hope for the future, though their surroundings are bleak.

The AmeriCorps members of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago are working to make this non-traditional house a home. This MLK Day, January 18th, we'll be renovating Grace House.

Please help us give these women the home they need to get their lives back on track. Help us make their house a safe, loving, comforting place. This MLK Day, help us restoring grace to Grace House.

To find out what you can do to help, click here or e-mail americorps2010@yahoo.com

Dr. King once said that "everybody can be great because anybody can serve..."
To find other ways to serve this MLK Day, click here!

Santa?! I KNOW him!!

Yesterday, two of my co-workers and I volunteered to deliver Holiday Cards for Heroes to VA clinics and hospitals in the area.
One of our stops was at the USO in Midway Airport. Our instructions were to enter the Airport and meet a representative from the USO at the door.
As we waited we watched frantic travelers getting ready for their holiday celebrations.
Suddenly, we saw a man who had a striking resemblance to Santa walk towards us.
The representative from the USO who came to meet us had a full white beard and was wearing a bright red flannel shirt. As I shook his hand he gave me a warm smile.
He also told us that he would give the holiday cards to service members who were flying out that day to Iraq and Afghanistan.
He was very grateful that we were able to deliver the cards in time for service members to receive them before Christmas.
As we left, I got a feeling that the man we just met would soon be leaving on his sleigh to bring holiday cheer to all :)

A Time to Give

In my opinion, there are two types of holiday shoppers.

On one hand, there are people who plan out and purchase gifts throughout the entire year. They rest assured all their friends and loved ones have the perfect gift months ahead of time.

Then there are the rest of us. We face crowds of other last-minute gift-givers so we can check off all the names on our holiday list. All the while, we promise ourselves that this will under no circumstances happen again next year. Of course, it will.

The Red Cross can make the holiday procrastinators’ lives just a little easier by offering some gift ideas that will make everyone happy and support the Red Cross at the same time.

Baker’s Square- This December, Baker’s Square will donate $1 for every pie purchase with our coupon to the Red Cross.

Berry Chill- Join the Berry Chill “Culture Club” and the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago as your charity and they will donate 3% of each purchase you make back to the Red Cross.

Michigan Avenue Media- Author Marsha Cook and Michigan Avenue Media will donate a portion of their sales from select books to the Greater Chicago Red Cross. Books benefiting the Red Cross range from children’s books, comedy, and romance.

FTD.com- Now you can save 15% when you send flowers, plants, gifts and gift baskets from FTD – the most trusted name in the floral industry. Purchase through the www.ftd.com/redcrosschicago website to enjoy great savings, and 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. It’s an easy way to give back to the community while you save money at the same time.

Flowerpetal.com- Send flowers for that special occasion with flowerpetal.com and 12% of proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago.

Remember, the holiday season is the perfect time to make a donation that supports the Red Cross. Provide food and shelter for a disaster victim for a day. Donate a military comfort kit with a robe, phone card and other supplies for a wounded warrior. Or, give a family in another country that lost everything in a disaster a month of basic necessities.

No matter which way you choose to help, remember that in this season of hope and in these economic times, people want their gifts to really matter more than ever. To see more about these gifts that save the day, go here.

Find out more about Red Cross gift opportunities at www.chicagoredcross.org/fundraisers

Don't get burned!

Yes, candles are pretty and that they can make your home smell like the beach or a warm apple pie in seconds, but remember that candles can be dangerous too! A candle is an open flame – so when you decorate this holiday season, make sure you follow a few simple steps to keep from getting burned!

• Place candles where they cannot be reached or knocked over by pets and children.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding,mattresses, paper, books, flammable decorations, clothing, and upholstered furniture.
• Keep all lit candles and other open flames away from any flammable liquids.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• During an emergency, always use flashlights and not candles as light sources.

And always remember… smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

These fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!

*Fire safety facts and tips found at http://www.nfpa.org/ and www.redcross.org/homefires

Calling All Chicago Snow Experts!

Can you identify each of these types of snow that you are likely to see this season?
Match these types of snow to their descriptions.

1. Flurries ______
2. Snow Showers _______
3. Snow Squalls ________
4. Blowing Snow _______
5. Blizzard _______
6. Sleet _______
7. Freezing Rain ______
8. “Lake-effect” Snow ______


A. It consists of raindrops that have frozen into little ice pellets before they reach the ground. It tends to bounce off surfaces, but it can accumulate on the ground and become a hazard to pedestrians and motorists.
B. These are common in the Great Lakes region. They consist of short, intense snow showers with strong gusty winds. Accumulation can be significant.
C. Light snow that falls for a short duration and does not accumulate on the ground much.
D. Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes snowdrift formation. It can be snow that has already fallen to the ground and is being picked up by wind, or snow that is in the process of falling.
E. Winds that are over 35 miles per hour with snow, resulting in a reduction of visibility near zero.
F. Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation may occur.
G. This is caused by wind crossing Lake Michigan which takes the Lake’s moisture, and results in snow squalls in costal areas.
H. This consists of liquid rain that has fallen onto surfaces such as trees, sidewalks, and roadways that have temperatures below freezing. It produces ice coats on surfaces and even a small accumulation can be a hazard to motorists and pedestrians.


Answer Key: 1) C, 2) F, 3) B, 4) D, 5) E, 6) A, 7) H, 8) G

Disaster Journal: Lida's Recent Response

Lida McDaniel is an AmeriCorps volunteer in our Greater Chicago Red Cross Disaster Services department. This was a busy weekend, with 15 responses in total including 10 incidents where 79 disaster victims in total needed our help. Lida responded to two home fires this weekend, including one in Englewood that made an impression on her about the strength and vulnerability of the people we serve.

When Lida arrived on the scene in her Red Cross vest, the firefighters had already left and the displaced families were standing on a neighbor’s front porch. “They were all crying and very upset,” Lida said. They had fled their house without coats or shoes, so their neighbors had lent them some clothing. When they saw the Red Cross, “They were really appreciative,” Lida said. “They said ‘Thank you so much for coming out here.’ They really didn’t have any other resources.”

One woman made a strong impression on Lida because of her strength and humor amid the destruction of her home. “She was crying, but cracking jokes,” Lida said. Another woman, however, was not taking things well at all. Lida put in a call to our mental health team to do a follow up with her in the coming days. The Red Cross gave these local disaster victims immediate relief for food, clothing and shelter.

Lida says that she enjoys working with the Red Cross to help local disaster victims, especially in communities where people are already struggling to get by. “I go to fires where people are already in a really bad spot, but then we’re there to give them something tangible. Now they know, at least, that their next couple days are covered.” Lida and our Red Cross team also follow up with clients and give referrals to long-term care agencies. “It’s great to be able to give them more options to help out,” she said.

To learn more about how you can help disaster victims like these this holiday season, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/holiday.

Let Your Light Shine!

We know that you are probably trying to outshine your neighbors with holiday lights this winter, so shine away! But, be careful – holiday lights used improperly can also cause fires.

There are ways to stay fire safe, and even be green in the process!! Follow our tips and you’ll be on your way to outshining your whole neighborhood!

• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.


• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.


• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both so be sure to check!


• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory.


• Connect no more than three strands of mini light sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs.


• Or, go green and try LED holiday lights that burn less energy and produce less heat!


• Turn off all electrical light strings and decorations in your home before leaving home or going to bed. You can purchase a light timer to turn on and off lights for you at a set time everyday!

And always remember… smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

These fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!

*Fire safety facts and tips found at http://www.nfpa.org/ and www.redcross.org/homefires

New Faces, Same Goals

You may have noticed some new bloggers on the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago page recently. Myself, (Megan McCarthy) Brian Lewis-Jones, and Ashley Wierdsma are all members of AmeriCorps. What's that? Well, I'm glad you asked!

AmeriCorps is a national service organization, often referred to as the "Domestic PeaceCorps." We are a group of dedicated individuals who work at non-profit organizations all over the country, building communities through service.

At the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, there are 15 current AmeriCorps members and we represent the Safe Families Program. Our mission is to reach people in underrepresented areas through the American Red Cross Preparedness Programs. We teach in schools, churches, other non-profits, community organizations and community programs. The best part: most of our programs are FREE to the communities we serve!

We offer:

CPR,

First Aid,

Babysitters Training,

Kid Safety,

Community Disaster Education

and Family Caregiving courses.

To find out if your community is served by AmeriCorps, contact the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago.

Over the next year, you'll hear our stories, meet our members, and learn about what the AmeriCorps is doing with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago to help prepare for, prevent, and respond to emergences in Illinois.

Can't wait that long to learn more about AmeriCorps or the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago? Well, click on the links below to find more information!

The AmeriCorps Program

The Red Cross of Greater Chicago

The Greatest Mother in the World...

Why do you support the American Red Cross? Just this morning I spoke with a woman who has been a long time supporter of the Red Cross. She said that she believes in the importance of the Red Cross. She went on to tell me a moving story about how the Red Cross helped her famly. During WWI her two brothers were serving overseas, and when one was severely injured the Red Cross was there to help him, providing the comforts of home.
Before WWI, the Red Cross was still a relatively small organization. It was actually the outbreak of WWI that led to the expansion of the Red Cross. In fact, after WWI nearly one-third of the U.S. population was either a contributing member of the Red Cross or a serving volunteer.

The American Red Cross is still busy providing Services to the Armed Forces.

Today you can show your support of our troops & the American Red Cross by visiting our Holiday Gift Catalog at: www.redcross.org/gifts. A $50 gift can make sure that a wounded patriot arriving at a military or VA hospital is welcomed with a Red Cross Comfort Kit. Kits contain the simple essentials like a phone card, robe, shower shoes, & toiletry items.

You can also volunteer with our GTKU Program & Events or VA Hospital Events by contacting us at 312-729-6141.

Thank you for your support of the American Red Cross!


Submitted by Rachael Garcia, Resource Development

Deck the halls... with safety!

It’s that time of the year! The winter holiday season calls for gatherings, cooking, candles, holiday lights and freshly cut trees. Just be careful, because all that cooking and decorations can also mean a greater risk of fires.

But the American Red Cross is here to help! Make sure to add these tips to your holiday preparation checklist!

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources (fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, candles).
  
  
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  
  
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed, and never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
  
  
• Be careful with holiday decorations by choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
  
  
• Make sure that light strings and other decorations do not have frayed electrical cords, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  
  
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
  
  
• Keep anything that can catch fire (pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels, curtains) away from your stove top.
  
  
• And always remember… smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.
  
  These fire safety tips are brought to you by Team Firestopper! We’re working to stop fires before they start in your community! For more information or fire tips, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/tfs or www.redcross.org/homefires!
  
  *Fire safety facts and tips found at http://www.nfpa.org/ and www.redcross.org/homefires

Education that Saves Lives

My favorite time of the year as a child was always Thanksgiving. It wasn't because of the food, or the time I got to spend with my family, or even the historic meaning of the holiday. For me, it was a sign that winter break was on it's way; that meant no school!

Now, my mother was dedicated to education. She saw school breaks as an opportunity for us to learn something new. When school wasn't in session, my brother, sister and I were given the opportunity to pick one thing we'd like to learn. Over many breaks, we learned how to rock climb, play musical instruments, cook, sew, and much more. These were the lessons that stuck with as I grew older.

With winter break at our heels again, I encourage everyone to take some time this season and learn something new. Maybe, even something lifesaving.

If you want to learn how to treat frostbite, there's a First Aid class for that.

If you want to learn how to be a lifeguard, there's a Aquatics class for that.

If you want to learn how to change a diaper, there's a Babysitters class for that.

If you want to learn how to give rescue breaths to a cat, there's a Pet CPR class for that.

With winter break fast approaching, what would you like learn?

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.

How to survive (and be a leader during) the apocalypse

Well folks, according to the new movie 2012, the apocalypse is coming – soon! How can we be prepared for something that could cause tornadoes, earthquakes, winter storms, heat waves and fires? Our Community Disaster Education classes are guaranteed to be helpful in the fast-approaching end of the world.

This class will help ensure your survival and prepare your family for the worst. You’ll be the envy of your neighbors when they see your disaster kit. You could keep all this information to yourself, or you could set yourself up to be a leader by planning ahead with your community.


But that’s not all! The Red Cross covers all sorts of apocalyptic scenarios.

Is your continent sinking into the ocean before your very eyes? Take a flood safety class!

Did an earthquake split your home in half and start a small fire? Take a fire safety class!

Worried that the apocalypse will be cold? Take a winter safety class!

Did you trip and get hurt after driving a mobile home outrunning a volcanic eruption on the way to the small plane piloted by a man that has taken two flying classes? Take a first aid class!

And so, I leave you to absorb this information and prepare yourselves properly. Good luck – you only have three years to get ready.

This is Only a Drill

Volunteers quickly set up cots in the mock shelter

A tornado touches down in Des Plaines, IL and tears through a school and an area of houses. Throughout the day, Des Plaines has been managing the response and has been keeping the Red Cross informed. You as volunteers won’t know all the details but the news has reported some deaths and many injuries and many schools and houses have been damaged or destroyed.

This is the scenario our reserve volunteers were given on Saturday to start off our Disaster Drill.

The volunteers had a chance to apply their basic mass care training in a real-life situation.

We set up a mock shelter staffed with shelter managers and disaster health and mental health personnel.

Volunteers took turns playing shelter residents and Red Cross volunteers. Many of them really took on their roles as a person who has been affected by a disaster and acted scared, hurt or panicked.

Their skills were tested at our registration table and in the dormitory where they had to handle various common situations that occur in the shelter setting.
For example volunteers had to decide what to do when a media crew came into the dormitory and started taking pictures.

They also were asked to act when a resident tried to sneak her pet into the shelter.

I think that everyone in attendance got a feeling of how hectic a shelter can be and how important it is to make sure that everyone is taken care of.

The drill gave everyone a safe environment to experience working in a shelter so that they will be prepared to take action in the event of a disaster.

Pie for Dessert at Thanksgiving

November’s rainy days remind me that fall is here. As an avid lover of food, my favorite thing about the fall is Thanksgiving! What better reason is there to get family together than great food? My favorite dishes are the green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy (LOTS of gravy!), and of course, dessert! In my family, the pies are always the most popular dessert.

This Thanksgiving, you can get your pies from Baker’s Square and $1 from the cost of each pie you purchase using the Red Cross coupon will be donated to the Red Cross!
The best part about Baker’s Square pies, is they are so tasty, that you can’t tell which one grandma made and which one was made fresh by Baker’s Square! My favorites are the fresh strawberry, chocolate peanut butter cup and French silk. You can even reserve your pies in advance to make sure your top choice is waiting for you on Thanksgiving Day!

Don’t forget to bring in the Red Cross coupon when you purchase your pie so that while you are enjoying your scrumptious dessert, you can also feel good about helping local disaster victims through the Red Cross!

Happy pie-eating!