American Red Cross Launches Gifts that Save the Day Holiday Campaign

WASHINGTON, November 18, 2009 — Many people are cutting back on gift-buying, parties and travel this holiday season, but support for charitable giving remains strong as people believe it is more important this year to give to charities because of the economy, according to a new national survey for the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross survey found that many people are tightening their belts this holiday season, with 29 percent cutting back on money spent on holiday gifts; 31 percent planning to spend less for parties this year; 40 percent cutting back on spending for holiday decorations; and 44 percent reducing their travel costs. However, only 20 percent planned cuts in their donations to charity, with 17 percent planning to spend more and 62 percent planning to spend the same.

The findings are all the more remarkable given the fact that the survey, conducted November 5-8, shows nearly one in four (23%) had their salary or hours reduced this year, with 14 percent saying they had been laid off from their job and 41 percent losing money in the stock market.

However, because of the economy, 67 percent say it is more important this year to give something to charity.

The Red Cross announced the survey findings as it kicked off its first ever national holiday gift campaign. Branded “Gifts that Save the Day,” the new holiday giving campaign features a special print and online gift catalog as well as national broadcast, print and online advertising focused on year-end giving. The campaign was created by Russ Reid, the nation’s leading communications agency for nonprofits.

“In this season of hope and in these tough economic times, people want their gifts to really matter, and the new Red Cross campaign offers a way for people to give a gift that can save the day for those in need,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross.