In Case You Missed It

Our very own Elias Higgs was featured on the cover of the Volunteer Services 2025 Year in Review.

From Dec 15-21, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 235 adults and 81 children following 53 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Early Monday morning, NBC4, News12 and PIX11 reported on the Red Cross helping 3 families after a 4-alarm fire on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn.
• As ICYMI goes on holiday break for the next week, the Greater New York Red Cross Regional Leadership Team thanks you for all that you do and would like to wish you and your family happy holidays!
• Last Saturday, News12 reported on the Red Cross assisting 12 families after a fire on Brighton 8th Street in Brooklyn.
• Last Thursday, ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on 80th in Jackson Heights (Queens).
• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on 36th Street in Brooklyn on Wednesday.
• Last Tuesday, News12 and Bronx Times reported on the Red Cross helping 18 families (56 adults and 16 children) after a fire on East 135th Street in the Bronx.
• Last Monday, ABC7 and Hoodline reported on the Red Cross helping displaced families after a fire on Grand Avenue in the University Heights section of the Bronx.
• Need a reason to donate blood? At the recent Battle of the Badges Blood Drive, these donors shared why they give.
• On the 1-year anniversary of the Webster Avenue Water Main Break in the Bronx, Red Cross volunteers Brandon and Sasha reflect on how volunteering to help others in times of need feels good and strengthens their relationship.
• The National Red Cross featured the story of our own #LIRedCross volunteer Magnolia Chiri Garcia!
• Our very own Elias Higgs was also featured on the cover of the Volunteer Services 2025 Year in Review.
• New York State Assembly Member Tommy John Schiavoni is helping to #EndHomeFires with this PSA.
• In early November, we honored extraordinary women who serve our country and our local communities like Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.
• Looking back at the last year, we highlighted our volunteers placing flags on the gravesites of fallen veterans at the Calverton National Cemetery and New York landmarks lighting red in March for Red Cross Month and Giving Day.

ICYMI will be on hiatus for the holidays. See you in two weeks!

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross opened a reception center for displaced residents
after a massive apartment fire on the Upper West Side.

From Dec 8-14, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 268 adults and 46 children following 63 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, the FDNY, Red Cross and partners, teamed up to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education to Staten Island homes.
• Last Friday, Legislator Gonzalez met with representatives of the American Red Cross to discuss ongoing community needs and opportunities for collaboration.
• News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 11 families after a fire on Saint Lawrence Avenue in Van Nest, NY.
• Pet therapy dog, Zander, and his hu-mom, Stephanie, shared paws of gratitude and holiday cheer with the cadets, staff, military personnel and patients at the Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point.
• The Greenwich Time reported on the #MetroNYNRedCross helping a family after a fire on Byfield Lane in Greenwich.
• Last Wednesday, ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping 6 residents after a fire on Willmohr Street in Flatbush (Brooklyn).
• Last Tuesday, ABC7, NY1, FOX5, PIX11, West Side Rag and CBS2 reported on the Red Cross helping 24 families after a fire on West 107th Street in the Upper West Side (Manhattan).
• We spoke with the Secretary-General of the Mali Red Cross about how the Mali Red Cross delivers its mission in a complex humanitarian landscape and prepares for climate-related disasters.
• We were honored to host L'Oréal at GNY HQ as they cut the ribbon on the new L’Oréal Family Playroom, while also welcoming Marissa McGowan to our Board of Directors!
• We had a great day celebrating the 2025 Greenwich Battle of the Badges! This year’s friendly competition between police, fire, EMS and Dispatch brought in 48 lifesaving blood donations.
• In early November, we honored extraordinary women who serve our country and our local communities like Mona Dexter at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.
• We shared this video highlighting how just before Thanksgiving, the Red Cross helped 20 residents with emergency assistance after a 4-alarm fire on 1st Avenue in East Harlem.
• Looking back at the last year, we highlighted the 10th anniversary of the Home Fire Campaign and the opening our new office on Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn.
• At the start of last week, Metro NY North CEO, Stephanie Dunn Ashley thanked volunteers and the broader Mount Vernon community outside of the Holmes Elementary School Shelter for residents impacted by the Cottage Avenue fire in Mount Vernon.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Dec 17: IHL 101: Outer Space & Armed Conflict 12PM event and 8PM event
• Dec 18: IHL Discussion: Is Sudan at its nearest crossroad?

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross helped 44 adults and 7 children after two fires in Queens on the same night.

From Dec 1-7, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 143 adults and 34 children following 44 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Saturday was an incredible day of service where our Home Fire Team partnered with the Office of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay to install free smoke alarms and provided fire safety education to homes on Long Island.
• Last Wednesday, News12 and Newsday reported on the #LIRedCross helping 3 adults and 6 children after a fire on Grant Street in Roosevelt, NY.
• Join us in congratulating José Dominguez, our CEO of the American Red Cross on Long Island, for being honored with the Urban League of Long Island’s Phoenix Empowerment Award.
• We are proud to celebrate Mary Dwyer, a dedicated Red Cross volunteer, who has been inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding service.
• Read the story of Charles Wilson, who has been staying with the Red Cross at a shelter after being displaced by a five-alarm fire on November 23, 2025. Yonkers Mayor, Shawyn Patterson-Howard also gave an update to the ongoing shelter operation and thanked the Red Cross for the support.
• Last Monday, ABC7, PIX11, QNS, Queens Chronicle, Hoodline, reported on the Red Cross helping 17 adults and 2 children after a 5-alarm fire on 108th street in Richmond Hill (Queens).
• The same night, QNS also reported on the Red Cross helping 27 adults and 4 children after a fire on 89th Street in Jackson Heights (Queens).
• PIX11, Newsday and News12 also reported on the #LIRedCross helping 2 adults and 5 children after a fire on Sacco Place in North Bellmore (Nassau County).
• Blood donor, Melissa knows that savings lives is much more meaningful than the fear of needles when donating blood in this video short.
• We shared a video reel highlighting the Red Cross helping 4 families after a fire on E Tremont Ave in the Van Nest neighborhood of the Bronx on November 8.
• Best of the year: Look back on Red Cross volunteers supporting the Times Square New Year’s Ball Drop and ringing the opening bell of the New York New York Stock Exchange with these incredible photos.
• We started off last week by helping to launch the “Light the World” Giving Machines in Times Square.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Dec 10: International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Even War Has Rules Class for November 2025
• Dec 13: Please help Cypress Hills National Cemetery by volunteering to lay wreaths this December to honor and remember our Veterans.*
• Dec 13: Help #EndHomeFires with Get Alarmed NYC on Staten Island*
• Dec 17: IHL 101: Outer Space & Armed Conflict 12PM event and 8PM event
• Dec 18: IHL Discussion: Is Sudan at its nearest crossroad?
  *Must be Red Cross volunteer with active Volunteer Connection accounts to register.

In Case You Missed It

#MetroNYNRedCross opened a shelter after the 5-alarm fire on Cottage Avenue in Mount Vernon.

From Nov 24-30, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 159 adults and 43 children following 45 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Yesterday, News12 and NY1 reported on the Red Cross helping 18 families after a 4-alarm fire on Sheridan Avenue in the Claremont neighborhood of the Bronx.
• Last Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Brinsmade Avenue in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx.
• Our regional CEOs danced off to Taylor Swift’s Fate of Ophelia after Thanksgiving Day to encourage giving during the holiday season!
• Last Tuesday, Metro NY North CEO, Stephanie Dunn Ashley gave a shelter update from the Cottage Avenue 5-alarm fire in Mount Vernon.
• Young volunteers from NYC high schools joined our Service to the Armed Forces team to pack nearly 100 care kits for U.S. troops stationed at Camp Arifjan, a United States Army installation in Kuwait.
• Red Cross Pet Therapy Dog, King, stopped by West Point to meet with the cadets in between classes to help them unwind before the holidays.
• Looking back to December 2024: The Metro New York North Chapter Board welcomed The Grinch as a new Red Cross volunteer to help say THANK YOU to first responders across Greenwich, Conn.
• Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay is helping to #endhomefires with this Sound the Alarm PSA.
• In early November, we honored extraordinary women who serve our country and our local communities like actress singer, Michelle DellaFave at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Dec 2: Back-to-Back Disasters in the Philippines - Family Reconnection Service from the American Red Cross. Join the American Red Cross and Assemblyman Steven Raga for an informative session to learn more about the Restoring Family Links program.
• Dec 13: Please help Cypress Hills National Cemetery by volunteering to lay wreaths this December to honor and remember our Veterans.*

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with active Volunteer Connection accounts to register.

In Case You Missed It

The Metro NY North Red Cross opened a shelter to help hundreds of residents after a 5-alarm fire in Mount Vernon.

From Nov 17-23, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 271 adults and 54 children following 83 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Yesterday, the Metro NY North Red Cross and the city of Mount Vernon opened a shelter after a 5-alarm apartment fire on Cottage Avenue displaced hundreds of residents. ABC7, CBS2, Patch, Black Westchester, Daily Voice and News12 reported on the response.
• Last Friday, Hoodline, ABC7, Newsday and News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping residents after a fire on Cold Spring Road in Syosset, NY (Nassau County).
• Last week, our Government Relations team met with Assemblyman Daniel Norber, Senator Steve Chan, and Assemblyman Kwani B. O'Pharrow, to discuss the Red Cross mission and future partnership opportunities.
• Last Wednesday, ABC7, FOX5 and NBC4 reported on our Disaster Action Team responding to a 4-alarm fire on 1st Ave in East Harlem; helping 20 people who were displaced with emergency assistance such as temporary lodging and financial assistance.
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 8 families after a fire on Menahan Street in Bushwick (Brooklyn).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 4 residents after a fire on Bradford Street in Brownsville (Brooklyn).
• The Red CrossRoads opening at POLOGEORGIS brought together fashion, philanthropy, and joyful energy to launch two weeks of community giving!
• We taught hands-only CPR during a Caregiver Appreciation Day hosted at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House.
• We shared a video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 50 families after a fire on Clay Avenue in the Claremont section of the Bronx on November 3rd.
• Looking back at the past year, we are grateful for the heroes at our 2024 Long Island Heroes Celebration and for the volunteers that provided warm meals to residents for days after a water main break on Webster Avenue right before the holidays.
• Earlier in the month, we honored extraordinary women who serve our country and our local communities like Phyllis Wilson at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Dec 1: Join us as we kick off Giving Day and this holiday season in Times Square. We’re honored to once again join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a charity partner in their Light the World Giving Machines initiative – which offers a unique and meaningful way to give back.

In Case You Missed It

Honoring women of service for America at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.
(Photo: Eric Strausman)

From Nov 10-16, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 117 adults and 32 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, we installed over 300 lifesaving smoke detectors in Brooklyn with help from our FDNY partners and Senator Roxanne Persaud and Council Member Farah N. Louis.
• NY Daily News reported on the Red Cross helping 13 families after a fire on Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights (Manhattan).
• PIX11 reported on the Red Cross helping 3 residents after a fatal fire on Roosevelt Island on Saturday.
• In her latest Greenwich Sentinel column, Metro NY North CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley reflects on being grateful for those who serve in the military.
• Last Friday, Newsday and Patch reported on the #LIRedCross being on scene to help residents after a fire on Glenmere Lane in Coram, NY.
• We shared this video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights (Brooklyn) on Oct. 2.
• Spencer found out that donating blood has a surprise benefit to him in addition to helping others in this video reel.
• Last Thursday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 5 families after a fire on South 8th Avenue in Mount Vernon.
• Last Wednesday, ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Willmohr Street in Crown Heights (Brooklyn).
• In celebration of Veterans Day, our Service to the Armed Forces volunteers handed out thank you cards to veterans as they walked up 5th Avenue at the nation's largest parade honoring those who have served our nation.
• Last Monday, just before Veterans Day, we honored extraordinary women like Heather Goodchild who serve our country and our local communities at an annual tribute ceremony at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.
• The #LIHeroes Celebration is over, but attendee Kenneth Viola shared his thoughts how inspiring it was to witness people helping simply out of compassion.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Nov 19: You’re Invited! 🥂 Red CrossRoads Opening Party ❤️benefitting American Red Cross in Greater New York.
• Nov 19: Join us for this fascinating Zoom talk on various aspects of cultural property protection in 'Heritage in Crisis and Conflict: Canadian Considerations for Cultural Protection,' with Dr. Shannon Lewis-Simpson of Memorial University.
• Nov 20: Conflict & Conservation: How International Law Shields the Environment. This webinar will cover what precautions states must take to protect the environment during conflict and what obligations states have to restore the environment post-conflict.

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross responded to multiple major fires in the Bronx last week. (Source: News12)

From Nov 3-9, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 354 adults and 98 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Sunday, the Newport Dispatch reported on the #LIRedCross assisting 3 families after a fire on East Hudson Street in Long Beach.
• ABC7, CBS NY, News12, PIX11, Norwood News, Hoodline and NY1 reported on the Red Cross helping 5 families after a fire on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx on Saturday.
• Also on Saturday, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping residents after a fire on Dover Street in Westbury, NY.
• As part of the Day of Service during the SOMOS conference, we visited hundreds of veterans at the San Juan VA Medical Center to celebrate Veterans Day and say “THANK YOU” to each and every one for their service to our nation.
• The #LIHeroes Celebration is over, but #LIRedCross Board Member Greg Lavine and attendee Tommy DiMisa shared their personal thoughts and reflections on the event.
• Two of the #LIHeroes honorees, Charlie Dubofsky of Brookville and Sydney Hassenbein of Roslyn, were also highlighted by the Long Island Press for turning personal tragedy into a source of hope for others.
• We sent well wishes to Clarisse Smitas, our Community Disaster Program Manager on Staten Island, who is currently on Jamaica supporting the Jamaican Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross response to Hurricane Melissa.
• Last Tuesday, News12 and ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
• Last Monday, ABC7 and News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 40 families after a fire on Clay Avenue in the Claremont neighborhood of the Bronx.
• We posted this video short highlighting the Red Cross setting up a reception center and helping 31 families after a dramatic partial-building collapse in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx on Oct 1.
• Last week, we were back in Harlem with Assemblymember Jordan Wright, to install free smoke alarms in his district.
• Read the story of what Graham did when he learned that a friend from his Dungeons & Dragons campaign had a recurrence of cancer and would be starting chemotherapy.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Nov 14: Our own #LIRedCross CEO José Domínguez is being honored at the Phoenix Empowerment Awards Gala!
• Nov 19: You’re Invited! 🥂 Red CrossRoads Opening Party ❤️benefitting American Red Cross in Greater New York.
• Nov 19: Join us for this fascinating Zoom talk on various aspects of cultural property protection in 'Heritage in Crisis and Conflict: Canadian Considerations for Cultural Protection,' with Dr. Shannon Lewis-Simpson of Memorial University.
• Nov 20: Conflict & Conservation: How International Law Shields the Environment. This webinar will cover what precautions states must take to protect the environment during conflict and what obligations states have to restore the environment post-conflict.