November_iPadsquareThough the holidays are filled with hustle and bustle, it’s likely you’ll find a little time to relax after filling up on turkey and mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving. In case you’re looking for an easy way to make a difference while you digest, consider these suggestions for how to do good without leaving your couch…

  1. Take care of some holiday shopping. Not sure what to give to the person who has everything this year? How about a symbolic gift from the Red Cross Holiday Gift Catalog? Choose something with meaning – gifts of support, strength and hope – to honor the special people in your life. On behalf of those who’ll be helped by your generosity, we can promise this is one great way to give.
  2. Get prepared for an emergency. Do you have 15 minutes to spare? Use it to take the FREE online Citizen Preparedness Corps training, and learn everything you need to know to be ready for the next major snow storm, hurricane, or flood we face. Be sure to note that the Red Cross referred you, and be counted among the 20,000 New Yorkers we hope to train this year!
  3. Schedule an appointment to give blood. Yes – you’ll have to get off the couch eventually to see this one through, but we know you can do it! When it comes to doing good, it doesn’t get much better than this: one blood donation can save up to three lives. So download our Blood Donor App, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or click right here and make an appointment now.
  4. Start your volunteer story. Have you ever thought about becoming a Red Cross volunteer? Stop thinking and start doing! Browse the many volunteer opportunities available in the Eastern New York Region, and find a position that’s calling your name. Complete an online application and get ready to make an incredible impact in your community!

However you choose to spend your down time, we hope you have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving. To those of you who choose to take us up on one or more of these suggestions, please know that we’re especially grateful!