I'm often asked, "How does the Red Cross manage to be everywhere at once?" The answer is simple: our local chapters and volunteers.

Whether it's midnight or noon, rain or shine, your local Red Cross chapter works around the clock to prevent and relieve suffering.

From helping families cope after emergencies to coordinating blood drives, and more, it's your generosity that makes so much possible.

We wanted to show you all of the important and meaningful work you help support every day - and to say thank you.

We're so proud to have you standing with us. Thank you for being willing to roll up your sleeves and for making this all possible.

Sincerely,

Gail McGovern President and CEO, American Red Cross

P.S. Find your local Red Cross chapter - stop by to say hello!

One of the things I love the most about our annual Holiday Giving Catalog is that there truly is a gift for everyone on your list.

We offer such a wide range of gifts every year because so many people rely on us for help. Here are a few incredible gifts that will help us meet our biggest needs in 2013:

• When a violent tornado forces a family to seek shelter, a hot meal can go a long way in making life feel a little more normal. Give 3 hot meals now ($30).
• Members of the military wounded in battle face a long, uncomfortable journey home, often without any personal items - that's why our military comfort kits include phone cards, shower shoes, toiletries and more. Give a military comfort kit now ($50).
• After facing disaster, people come to us exhausted, scared, and carrying nothing but the clothes on their backs. But a day in a Red Cross emergency shelter - including food, blankets, a cot, a toothbrush and more - can give them the strength and support they need to face the challenges to come. Give two full days of emergency shelter now ($100).

When it comes to the holidays, it's the thought that counts - and a gift that honors your loved one's compassion and kindness is the most thoughtful gift of all. Visit www.redcross.org/gifts today and give a meaningful, tax-deductible gift this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross

Dear Friend,

When Red Cross Month began on March 1, a few weeks ago, we couldn't have predicted what would happen.

The very next day, deadly tornadoes ripped through communities in the Midwest and South, leaving thousands of families reeling as they struggled to clean up the wreckage of their homes and rebuild their lives.

Almost immediately, Red Cross relief was mobilized to the scene. Donations flooded in from all over the country, as our responders, volunteers, and supporters pitched in time and donated blood. It added up to an incredible outpouring of support that truly embodies the collective spirit of Red Cross Month.

Our work together this month continues to prove what we've always known: for the Red Cross community, everyone in need is a neighbor, whether they're down the street, across the country or around the world.

Whether you've recently donated, given blood, taken a class or received help after a disaster, we thank you, and we would love to hear from you - share your Red Cross story today.