This is the time of year when the bell ringing pictures flood social media feeds. Young children from elementary schools join their teachers and ring bells for holiday collection sites in front of grocery stores. Church bell choirs take their music outside and create a symphony of music as shoppers make their way in and out of busy mall entrances. All of these people and all of these bells serve one main purpose: to raise much needed funds during the holidays when people are most in the giving mood.
Although the sound of the bell ringing is hard to ignore during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the fact of the matter is there are many of us who ignore that there are actually donation needs year round. Fortunately, American Red Cross donation centers never forget that there is a constant need to help those who have seen loss caused by fire and flood, as well as other weather events and natural disasters.
American Red Cross Donations Provide a Number of Services to Those in Need
From collection sites and clothing donation centers to monetary gifts given online, the American National Red Cross is the 13th largest charity in the U.S. when ranked by private donations. As an example, it received $687 million in 2014 in private donations alone. The American Red Cross provides relief for families and communities in the form of blankets, food, blood and shelter 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Knowing that their agencies work not only across the country, but also around the world means that Red Cross donation centers are often seen as a first choice option for people who want to make a difference.
The problems of this country and of the world can seem overwhelming if you spend any amount of time watching the news. Fortunately, with the help of the Red Cross and other similar charities, Americans can find a way to contribute. It is both fun and festive to ring bells at a popular collection kettle during the holidays, but it is also important to remember that there are other charities, like the Red Cross, who accept donations year round to help those with needs that extend far beyond the months of November and December.
