Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the campaign exist?
Heroes help spread the word about the services the American Red Cross provides, and they also raise the money that supports local needs for disaster relief, health and safety education and more.
Where is this taking place?
In your neighborhood
Who’s Involved?
People who live in your neighborhood and organizations they care about, such as businesses, clubs, schools and religious institutions. Those with the most fundraising success are those who can involve a group of people to support their efforts.
What are ways to Get Involved?
Chairman
Oversee the entire campaign, recruit leadership committee members, arrange for and run campaign meetings and provide support to campaign participants to ensure goals are met.
Recruiter
Recruit several Heroes for the American Red Cross and support them as they each raise $1,000 for the Red Cross over the campaign period.
Hero
Raise or donate a minimum of $1,000 during the campaign and help spread the word about local Red Cross services
What are the benefits?
We recognize our Heroes in their local newspapers, invite them to campaign events, make sure they know that they’re making a difference in the lives of the people who the Red Cross serves.
How do people fundraise?
You can raise money by any legal means that works for your group. Here are some examples that have worked well in the past and may help trigger even more ideas:
Large business - Host a denim day and charge your employees $5 to wear jeans for the day.
Fire departments and city officials - Host a boot drive on a couple of busy corners for a morning.
Individuals - Send a letter to friends and family asking them to support your effort to become a Hero.
Small business - Donate 10% of your proceeds for the weekend.
Restaurant - Donate the proceeds of specific menu selections for a month.
Radio Station - Host an on-air drive.
School - Host a bake sale; organize a car wash; have a read-a-thon and collect pledges per pages read.
University - Host a happy hour and charge admission to collect and donate.
The American Red Cross is not a government agency and all Red Cross disaster assistance is free thanks to the generosity of people like you. The value of your donation is increased by the fact that the ratio of volunteer Red Cross workers to paid staff is almost 36 to one. Contributions to the American Red Cross, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible for computing income and estate taxes.
