As an admitted TV junkie, I couldn’t live without my Tivo. And this week, that DVR will be on overload as the TV industry teams up to help promote volunteer service.  It’s an initiative called iParticipate, and it spans across all the major TV and cable networks. So you’ll see the plot lines for more than 100 of your favorite shows incorporate “giving back” in some fashion.

Some examples:

ABC’s Private Practice doctors will treat the homeless

CBS’s Ghost Whisperer crime solvers will donate blood

NBC’s 30 Rock will feature character Kenneth helping at an animal shelter

If you want to volunteer for the Red Cross - there are plenty of options. Whether it is responding to local disasters or teaching CPR, there is something for everyone.

Think you have an idea of how to incorporate the Red Cross into your favorite TV show? The Chronicle of Philanthropy is offering you a chance to submit your idea. The winner gets $5,000 for his/her favorite charity! Of course, who can forget the Office post-Superbowl episode where the Red Cross came to teach CPR to the folks at Dunder-Mifflin? (Still one of my favorite episodes, ever!)

So this week (and really, all fall season) you can sit back, relax and actually feel good about indulging in your favorite guilty TV-pleasure – even if it is a reality show!

Katie Nagus is the communication coordinator for the St. Louis Area Chapter and hopelessly addicted to her TV.