Why We Need Your Support

All American Red Cross Disaster Services are free. To fund these services we rely upon generous donations of time and money from the American people.

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. Ninety-one cents of every dollar donated to the American Red Cross is spent on programs and services that help people in need.  What's more, the value of your donation is increased by the fact that the ratio of volunteer Red Cross workers to paid staff is almost 50 to one. Here at the Sussex County Chapter it is more than 75 to one. Money magazine recently rated the American Red Cross as its "number one charity" based on our performance over the past three years.

One of the best ways to help people in need here in Sussex County and around the world right now is through a financial donation.

The International Response Fund allows the American Red Cross to respond to people's needs around the globe.

The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to provide assistance to those in need across the country.  This is a revolving fund used when the need exceeds local resources.

Donating to the Sussex County Chapter assists people in need in Sussex County.  By making a donation to your local chapter, you demonstrate your commitment to the work of the Red Cross.  You allow the Red Cross volunteers to turn your compassion into action.

AMERICAN RED CROSS SUSSEX COUNTY CHAPTER
DESERVING OF YOUR SUPPORT

Last year, the American Red Cross Sussex County Chapter:

• Responded to two floods by opening several shelters in the County, providing shelter, food, medication replacement and clothing for evacuees until they could return to their homes.

• Responded to eight major multi-family fires as well as the single-family fires occurring on a regular basis throughout the County.

• Brought life-saving information to 1,336 children and adults through our community disaster preparedness programs.

• Assisted 72 military families and presented pre-deployment information on Red Cross services to 40 military personnel through the National Guard, stationed in Newton .

• Collected 2,553 pints of whole blood and 395 units of blood platelets as part of our ongoing blood drives.

• Trained 3,345 people in First Aid and CPR.

• Taught 3,883 children and adults Swimming and Water Safety through our courses covering those topics.

• Certified 806 lifeguards, trained 96 instructors in First Aid, Water Safety or Life guarding, and certified 267 teenagers in Babysitter’s Training.

• Presented other mission-related programs to 2,501 residents of Sussex County .

• We were on duty and responding to disaster emergencies 24/7/365!

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that depends entirely on the generosity of the public to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies; it is not a government agency and does not receive support from the federal or state government.

Contributions to the Sussex County Chapter are used to support local Red Cross programs and services, except for a portion of our budget which is sent to the National American Red Cross to help fund course development, national disasters, the blood services program and other nationally-managed services which support this and every chapter.

Unrestricted, unspecified gifts provide us the most flexibility, but you may designate your gift for special purposes or a specific disaster and we will honor your request 100%.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DONATING:

Q. What are the benefits to donating to charity?
A. In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping the Red Cross to do important work, there are tax benefits to making significant gifts.  For example, when you make a contribution of appreciated securities, you are eligible for a tax deduction and may be able to avoid paying capital gains tax.  Please call 973-579-1600 for further information.

Q. How do I know if this company/web site is legitimately affiliated with the Red Cross?
A. If you have questions about the legitimacy of a web site, please email info@sussexredcross.org 

Q. How can I organize a fund-raising drive in my community/company for disaster victims?
A. Many people ask how to organize a fund-raising drive at work and in their communities.  Here's how:

• The Red Cross stresses that only checks should be collected.  This is best for each individual's security and for tax purposes.

• Checks should be made out to the American Red Cross of Sussex New Jersey, 93 Spring St, Newton, NJ  07860

• The Red Cross cannot issue any IDs or permits to anyone wishing to take up collections.  To do so requires a city permit that we don't have the authority to issue.  For company donations, employers can help by matching employee contributions.  This will double contribution efforts and encourage employees to give. Checks can be made out to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and sent to the Red Cross along with the company's donation.  Donations can also be made by calling (973) 579-1600  or logging onto to our web site at www.sussexredcross.org.

Q. How can I donate blood or organize a blood drive in NJ?
A. For information about donating blood or holding a blood drive, please call us at 973-579-1600.  We work with the New Jersey Blood Center.

Q. I want to help raise money for a specific family that has been affected by disaster or tragedy, but I would like to do this through a charity so that I get a charitable deduction.  Can I make my gift through the Red Cross?
A. We applaud your desire to help a family at a difficult time, but unfortunately gifts for a specific family or person cannot be made through the Red Cross.  This is because we are committed to helping every family in need recover from emergencies by providing food, clothing, shelter and other essential services and supplies.  We provide help to each family based on need.  If we received special contributions for a specific family, that family might receive more assistance than others in similar circumstances, which would violate our principles of providing help equally to all who need it.

If you have more questions about donating, please contact us at (973) 579-1600.