As Americans look for more meaningful ways to give this holiday season, the American Red Cross is offering its 2011 Holiday Giving Catalog (redcross.org/gifts), which includes a variety of symbolic gifts that support its humanitarian programs.

“With so many people out of work, Americans want to both give and receive things that mean something,” Development Director, Beth Ferguson, said. “The Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog provides consumers with opportunities to make a difference and give with a purpose this holiday season.”

Shoppers can choose from a variety of symbolic gift items including:

• Vaccinating an entire village
• Providing food and shelter to a disaster victim
• Purchasing phone cards and personal supplies for members of the U.S. Armed Forces:
• Bringing comfort items to platelet donors

Greeting cards are included with each tax-deductible catalog purchase to notify loved ones of the gifts you have made in their honor. You may also opt to send an e-card version. Each gift item provides support to the mission of the Red Cross and items are available to fit any budget.

According to a recent Red Cross poll, the majority of Americans plan to donate more or about the same to charity as they did last year, despite the sluggish economy. In fact, the poll found that 68 percent of Americans believe that because of the economy, it’s important to give something to charity, an increase of 10 percent over last year.