It’s the last week of 2009…a time to remember the year that was, and look forward to a new beginning with the turn of a calendar page.

It’s also a time to make donations to charity, so you can get that last-minute deduction on your taxes.

I know, it sounds kind of selfish for only giving away money during the last week of the year, knowing it will come back to you in the form of a reduced tax bill (or in some cases, an increased tax return!) But many charities, including the Red Cross, rely on these end-of-the-year donations.

In that spirit, the Red Cross is making it even EASIER than EVER to make that tax-deductible contribution – through your cell phone. It’s not an iPhone app, it’s a “mobile-optimized” donation page. Basically, it looks clean and simple on your cell phone, and it’s a fully secure way to use either your credit card or an Amazon Payments account.

But this page is only up through January 2, 2010. So head there now and be sure to tell your friends.

Oh yeah, and for those of you who still use your cell phones to make phone calls, you can always call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation.

Liz Haynes is the development specialist for the St. Louis Area Chapter.