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The American Red Cross of Berrien County is pleased to announce the launch of a new “Generations of Giving” campaign focused on family philanthropy.

“Generations of Giving” is a donor match program, which encourages families to get involved with the Red Cross by donating or participating in Red Cross events. The program is made possible by two generous donors, the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the Samaritan Foundation.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the Samaritan Foundation in their support for this program,” said Breeze Ettl, chapter executive for the American Red Cross of Berrien and Van Buren Counties. “We are very excited to engage multiple generations within our community and give them many different opportunities to give back.”

“We created the Generations of Giving campaign to help families reconnect with community service and the American Red Cross,” said Lesli Davis Clarke, senior development officer for the Red Cross of West Michigan. “The Red Cross wants to open up a community conversation about the importance of passing on the tradition of philanthropy and building strong, resilient communities to younger generations.”

The Frederick S. Upton Foundation has generously offered to match up to $15,000 in financial donations made to the chapter during “Generations of Giving,” which runs through June 30. The Samaritan Foundation has also offered to match up to $15,000 in financial donations as well as volunteer time. That volunteer time may be spent participating in a Generations of Giving service project or blood drive, or attending a Generations of Giving preparedness education course. Each volunteered hour will result in a $25 donation to the American Red Cross, while each donated dollar will be matched at 100 percent.

“This is a great opportunity for donors to see their donated dollars doubled,” said Ettl.

For more information on “Generations of Giving” events and how to donate, visit redcross.org/southwestmichigan or call (269) 556-9619.