Country music star Trace Adkins will serve as the spokesperson for the 2012 American Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign.

Adkins is encouraging people to look beyond material gifts this holiday season and instead consider giving charitable donations, sending cards for military heroes or donating blood.

And the Chrome singer reveals his decision to sign on for the festive charity drive was inspired by the fire that destroyed his family's Tennessee home in 2011.

He explains, "The Red Cross was among the first on-site. They looked after my family when I couldn't be there and offered to help in any way they could. We were fortunate because we only lost things that could be replaced. That's not the case for every victim of disaster and that's when the Red Cross steps in.

"From personal experience, I am supporting the Red Cross and their work to unite families and aid in times of need."