<\/p>\n

Recently, I was thinking about what the American Red Cross means to me. \u00a0When I think of the American Red Cross, I think about a warm blanket being placed on the shoulders of a disaster victim. \u00a0That simple gesture is what the American Red Cross embodies; caring, compassion, relief and assistance for those in need.<\/p>\n

The Red Cross is there to help Americans affected by disasters, support members of the military and their families, to facilitate \u00a0collection, processing and distribution of life saving blood, provided health and safety education and development and to provide international relief and development. \u00a0My daughter started volunteering \u00a0in high school \u00a0for the Red Cross blood drives in our community. \u00a0 She enjoyed working with them so much that it ignited a spark for community service she has to this day.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The American Red Cross is one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations that was started by Clara Barton in 1881. \u00a0Clara Barton led the Red Cross for 23 years. \u00a0After 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 \u00a0a bit of security, comfort and care while \u00a0always treating them with the dignity they deserve in the wake of unspeakable loss. \u00a0Just the Red Cross symbol alone is a vision of hope, a symbol of love and \u00a0commitment to relieve suffering to those in need.<\/p>\n

As a parent, I know the protection of my family is paramount in my thoughts and actions every day. \u00a0It gives me security knowing that companies like\u00a0Master Lock<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0have been providing individuals the most innovative security solutions for homes, autos, bikes, storage security and more since 1921. \u00a0I remember my first experience with Master Lock was the combination lock on my gym locker. \u00a0I used that lock from elementary through high school and that made an impression even then about the quality of their products.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0Master 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. \u00a0In an uncertain world Master Lock helps us keep our belongings safe and secure with products that we can put our trust in.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Master Lock has a\u00a0<\/b>\u201cProtecting All That You Love and Care About\u201d<\/b>\u00a0Sweepstakes:<\/b>\u00a0Master Lock is helping consumers protect all that they love and care about in 2014, whether a precious pet, certain someone or prized possession.<\/p>\n

Master Lock is kicking off a year-long initiative by asking consumers to tweet what they most want to protect using the hashtag\u00a0#MasterLockProtects<\/strong>\u00a0in 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!<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Master Lock’s generous donation will\u00a0support 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.<\/p>\n

I would like to invite you to join me at a Twitter party<\/strong>, kicking off the campaign on Tuesday, February 18th. \u00a0 If you would like to attend, click\u00a0HERE!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sweepstakes period: February 17th \u2013 February 28th<\/p>\n

See the Sweepstakes Rules\u00a0HERE!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:<\/h3>\n

3 \u00a0 Grand Prize Winners:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

$100 Visa Gift Card<\/p>\n

Master\u00a0Lock\u00a05422D Portable Key Safe<\/p>\n

1547DCM Backpack\u00a0Lock<\/p>\n

5900D SafeSpace<\/p>\n

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit<\/a><\/p>\n

25 \u00a0 First Prize Winners: 25<\/strong><\/p>\n

$50 Visa Gift Card<\/p>\n

Master\u00a0Lock\u00a05422D Portable Key Safe<\/p>\n

1547DCM Backpack\u00a0Lock<\/p>\n

5900D SafeSpace<\/p>\n

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0So please share a tweet to raise money for the American Red Cross and let Master Lock know\u00a0what you most want to protect using the hashtag\u00a0#MasterLockProtects. You just may be a winner in the sweepstakes for doing your part to help such a great organization!!!<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0This is a sponsored post on behalf of Master Lock but as always the opinions expressed are 100% my own.<\/strong><\/b><\/h6>\n