Recently, I was thinking about what the American Red Cross means to me.  When I think of the American Red Cross, I think about a warm blanket being placed on the shoulders of a disaster victim.  That simple gesture is what the American Red Cross embodies; caring, compassion, relief and assistance for those in need.

The Red Cross is there to help Americans affected by disasters, support members of the military and their families, to facilitate  collection, processing and distribution of life saving blood, provided health and safety education and development and to provide international relief and development.  My daughter started volunteering  in high school  for the Red Cross blood drives in our community.   She enjoyed working with them so much that it ignited a spark for community service she has to this day.

The American Red Cross is one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations that was started by Clara Barton in 1881.  Clara Barton led the Red Cross for 23 years.  After disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes, I always see the Red Cross responding immediately to provide victims with their basic needs. The efforts of this organization helps to give those affected  a bit of security, comfort and care while  always treating them with the dignity they deserve in the wake of unspeakable loss.  Just the Red Cross symbol alone is a vision of hope, a symbol of love and  commitment to relieve suffering to those in need.

As a parent, I know the protection of my family is paramount in my thoughts and actions every day.  It gives me security knowing that companies like Master Lock  have been providing individuals the most innovative security solutions for homes, autos, bikes, storage security and more since 1921.  I remember my first experience with Master Lock was the combination lock on my gym locker.  I used that lock from elementary through high school and that made an impression even then about the quality of their products.

 Master Lock is the recognized leader in padlock and security industries and is always setting the bar higher and producing the best products to help families live as safely and securely as we can.  In an uncertain world Master Lock helps us keep our belongings safe and secure with products that we can put our trust in.

Master Lock has a “Protecting All That You Love and Care About” Sweepstakes: Master Lock is helping consumers protect all that they love and care about in 2014, whether a precious pet, certain someone or prized possession.

Master Lock is kicking off a year-long initiative by asking consumers to tweet what they most want to protect using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects in exchange for a $1 donation to the American Red Cross and entry into their sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 28 great prize packs!

Master Lock will make an initial $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross and will donate up to $10,000 in additional funds based on consumers participation in the sweepstakes.

Master Lock’s generous donation will support the urgent needs of the American Red Cross mission, whether it is responding to a disaster, collecting lifesaving blood, teaching skills to save a life, or assisting military members and their families during emergencies.

I would like to invite you to join me at a Twitter party, kicking off the campaign on Tuesday, February 18th.   If you would like to attend, click HERE!

Sweepstakes period: February 17th – February 28th

See the Sweepstakes Rules HERE!

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:

3   Grand Prize Winners: 

$100 Visa Gift Card

Master Lock 5422D Portable Key Safe

1547DCM Backpack Lock

5900D SafeSpace

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit

25   First Prize Winners: 25

$50 Visa Gift Card

Master Lock 5422D Portable Key Safe

1547DCM Backpack Lock

5900D SafeSpace

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit

 So please share a tweet to raise money for the American Red Cross and let Master Lock know what you most want to protect using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects. You just may be a winner in the sweepstakes for doing your part to help such a great organization!!!

 This is a sponsored post on behalf of Master Lock but as always the opinions expressed are 100% my own.