Adding the Red Cross to Your Will
You do a wonderful service to society when you include the Central Maryland Chapter of the American Red Cross in your will. Your gift can provide help and hope to those in need for years to come.

Language for Your Bequest
Whether creating a new will or amending an existing one (through a document called a codicil), the Red Cross advises that you consult with your attorney first. To include the Central Maryland Chapter of the Red Cross in your will, or to include it in an amendment to your existing will, we suggest you use the following language according to the type of donation you prefer to give:

A Dollar Amount
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, located at 4800 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore MD 21215, the sum of $___."

A Percentage of Your Estate
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, located at 4800 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, (percentage)%________ of my estate."

Real Property
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, located at 4800 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, (a description of the property, including size, improvements, etc.) located at (provide exact location)."

The Residue
(The residue is the amount remaining after you have provided specific gifts for all designated beneficiaries.)
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the American Red Cross of Central Maryland, located at 4800 Mt. Hope Drive, Baltimore, MD 21215, all the residue of my estate, including real and personal property."

If you or your attorney should have any questions, please email Marlo Saindon, or call her on 410-624-2034 or 1-800-737-0265. She will be happy to help.

The Red Cross understands that disasters come in many different forms. You may not think that leaving your heirs or the special people in your life without a will qualifies as a disaster, but just look at what happens if you do:

Without a will ...

• The state steps in and decides how your hard earned savings and favorite possessions will be divided and disposed of.
• A significant portion of your assets could be consumed by court costs, legal fees and estate taxes.
• Minor children are placed with guardians of the court's choosing.
• Family and friends may receive less from an estate than you intended.
• You lose the opportunity to continue your legacy by leaving a bequest to the Red Cross. If your charitable intentions aren't in your will, they can't be honored.

• You make your precise desires known, are able to control the distribution of your property and assets
• You are able to appoint the guardian(s) of your children, and a specific person to handle your estate
• You are able to establish a trust to provide financial security for family members
• You enhance the value of your estate by avoiding taxes that would diminish it in size
• You can ensure that you are meeting the needs of your family
• You can bequest a portion to the Red Cross that will extend your generosity well into the future.

1. Contact your attorney. If you do not have an attorney, ask for referrals from friends and relatives, or your local bar association.
2. Sit down with pen and paper (or the computer) and set out all the goals you would like to accomplish through your will.
3. Follow your will-planning through to completion. Examine your will periodically to ensure that it is up to date with your family needs and personal desires.

Tell us About Your Bequest
If you have made such a bequest, or intend to do so, please tell us about it with an email or telephone call (410-624-2034).