'National Day of Giving for the American Red Cross' - Dec. 13
News Release: December 4, 2008
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 508-4378

The Red Cross has designated Dec. 13 “National Day of Giving for the American Red Cross” as part of its efforts to reach the $100 million fund-raising goal for the Campaign for Disaster Relief, which the organization launched in September. To date, $66 million in cash and pledges has been received.

American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley volunteers and employees will be available on the spot at three locations on Saturday, Dec. 13, to help raise money for the Campaign for Disaster Relief, which aims to replenish the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The fund was depleted as a result of a very busy year for disasters, including a record number of tornadoes, severe flooding in the central United States and an active hurricane season.

Red Cross will be available to take donations at the following locations and times on Dec. 13:

• Allentown Farmers Market, 1725 W. Chew Street, Allentown, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.;

• Agri-Plex (Lehigh Valley Motorcycle Extravaganza), 302 North 17th Street, Allentown, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and

• Christkindlmarktin Bethlehem, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Other ways the public can help the Red Cross meet its $100 million goal:

• Donate to the Red Cross by going to www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS (for Spanish-speakers, 1-800-257-7575).

• Send contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

• Use your cell phone to donate $5 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by text messaging the keyword “GIVE” (4483) to “2HELP” (24357).

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 23,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.