In Case You Missed It

Regional CEO Doreen Howe speaking on the importance of blood donation on Operation 7: Save a Life.

From Feb 2-8, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 383 adults and 112 children following 99 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• This weekend, the Emmy-award winning WABC-TV special, Operation 7: Save a Life, hosted by Bill Ritter, premiered and its third segment focused on the need for more blood donation by highlighting the touching story of how blood transfusions saved the life of cancer patient, Todd.
• News12, The Daily Voice and LI Herald reported on the #LIRedCross being on scene to help 3 families after a fire on New Bridge Rd in East Meadow (Nassau County) late Saturday night.
• Last Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping households after a fire on Pennsylvania Ave in East New York.
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 13 residents after a fire on Anderson Ave in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx.
• Meet Andrew Saetern and Kajal Parmar who will be running on Team Red Cross for the TCS NYC Marathon to benefit the mission of the Red Cross.
• As temperatures dropped, we shared more safety tips to stay safe and warm during the extreme weather conditions.
• VIDEO: Disaster Health Services volunteer, Chris Kalish didn’t expect to see this from people at shelters recovering from disasters.
• We also are shared this video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 21 adults and 8 children after a fire on Flushing Ave in Ridgewood (Queens) back in January.
• Last Wednesday, the LI Herald reported on the #LIRedCross helping 2 families after a fire on Downhill Ln in Wantagh, NY.
• Last Tuesday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping two families after a fire on Mile Square Rd in Yonkers.
• News12 also spoke with Nick and Rebecca from our own Metro NY North Disaster Action Team about the need for more volunteers at the chapter due to the spike in fire during the recent cold weather.
• At the start of #BlackHistoryMonth, we celebrated the African American leaders who paved the way for future team members and relived history from this 1992 documentary recently uncovered from our VHS archives, The Untold Legacy of Black involvement in the American Red Cross.
• In this video reel, Christian shared that he donates blood because of his son who has a blood disorder.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help the Red Cross tackle a severe blood shortage & get rewarded. Come to donate blood or platelets Jan. 26-Feb. 28 and receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in thanks. Your donation helps ensure lifesaving care isn’t delayed. Book today!
• Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.*

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

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders helping residents after a fire in Borough Park (Brooklyn).

From Jan 26-Feb 1, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 185 adults and 48 children following 75 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Since early morning Monday, ABC7, CBS2 and News12 reported on the Red Cross opening a reception center to support over 80 displaced residents after a fire on Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
• On Sunday, the Norwood News reported on the Red Cross helping 3 residents after a fire on Park Avenue in Fordham Heights (Bronx).
• Last Saturday, Newsday and News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 8 adults and 4 children after a fire on Woodbine Drive West in Freeport (Nassau County).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 18 residents after a fire on Glover Street in Westchester Square (Bronx).
• Last Friday, we joined FDNY for NY State Senator Stephen Chan’s fire safety event to help provide the community with information to keep them safe.
• Last Wednesday, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 4 adults and 4 children after a fire on Downhill Lane in Wantagh, NY (Nassau County).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 8 adults and 3 children after a fire on 13th Ave in Borough Park (Brooklyn).
• This past December, when Washington state was struck by historic floods — Greater New York’s very own Deb Bausenwein stepped up to help.
• Watch in this video short how Mary started donating blood when one of her good friends was diagnosed with cancer.
• In this social post, Craig Burdett explains how he grew up donating blood--inspired by his mother who used to drive the whole family to the hospital during snowstorms so they could all donate when it was needed most.
• Red Cross Blood Account Manager, Shilpa Raju, shares this powerful reason to donate blood in this video reel.
• We highlighted in this video short how on Jan. 6, the Red Cross helped 60 residents after a fire on Madison Street in Ridgewood, NY.
• Red Cross Pet Therapy dogs Lulu, Tillie and Brodie attended a Yellow Ribbon event in Tarrytown, New York to support service members and their families as they prepare for reintegration after deployment.
• During a week of extreme cold, we shared 5 things to watch during winter storms through a Roblox animated video.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help the Red Cross tackle a severe blood shortage & get rewarded. Come to donate blood or platelets Jan. 26-Feb. 28 and receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in thanks. Your donation helps ensure lifesaving care isn’t delayed. Book today!
• Feb 7: Watch Operation 7 Save a Life on Saturday, Feb.7 on ABC7 with Red Cross discussing the recent blood shortage.
• Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.*

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

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross worked with city agencies to open a shelter for the displaced residents of Bivona Street fire in the Bronx. (Photo: @NYCMayor)

From Jan 19-25, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 463 adults and 192 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 Red Cross opened a shelter at the Rosa Parks Educational Campus to help displaced residents after a fire on Bivona Street in the Bronx. Patch, NBC4, ABC7, FOX5, NY Times, CBS2, Staten Island Advance, amNY, Gothamist, NY Daily News, Norwood News, PIX11, the Guardian and NY1 reported on the disaster.
• Last week, 775 units were collected at the West Point blood drive! Thank you to everyone who donated (and to the therapy dogs for comforting the donors).
• In this viral video short, Mauricio explains he knew he wanted to work in emergency response after helping people after three different disasters on the same day.
• Our most recent Henri Dunant Leadership Award honoree, Julio Medina, was featured on CBS2 for his unwavering commitment to helping those in need!
• In this video reel, we highlight how Azhar didn’t miss a single one of the 6 donations you can make in a year — at a time when our national blood supply has dropped by 35%.
• Did you miss the winter storm preparedness tips we offered ahead of the storm?
• ABC7 spoke with Regional CEO Doreen Howe about the impacts the severe blood shortage is having.
• We posted this video reel highlighting the Red Cross helping over 90 Bronxites after a fire on Findlay Avenue on January 5th.
• Last Tuesday, QNS reported on the Red Cross helping 3 families after a fire on 89th Avenue in Woodhaven (Queens).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 14 residents after a fire on Glebe Avenue in Westchester Square (Bronx).
• Last Monday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on East 169th Street in Concourse Village (Bronx).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help the Red Cross tackle a severe blood shortage & get rewarded. Come to donate blood or platelets Jan. 26-Feb. 28 and receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in thanks. Your donation helps ensure lifesaving care isn’t delayed. Book today!
• *Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.
• June 15: Registration is now OPEN for Safety Town 2026! Calling all rising kindergarteners in Greenwich and beyond! Join us for a fun-filled week of safety education, hands-on learning, and meeting real-life community helpers.

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

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross and FDNY teaming up to #EndHomeFires in Queens with elected officials. (Photo: Aaron Tin)

From Jan 12-18, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 224 adults and 73 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• On Saturday, Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblywoman Larinada Hooks teamed up with the FDNY and Red Cross to install free smoke alarms in Queens homes.
• Also on Saturday, CBS2, ABC7, NY1, amNY, Hoodline and PIX11 reported on the Red Cross helping 19 adults and 6 children after a fire on Metropolitan Avenue in Ridgewood (Queens).
• CBS2, News12, and ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping over 50 residents after a fire and partial building collapse on School Street in Yonkers.
• In her latest monthly column in the Greenwich Sentinel, Metro New York North Chapter CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley calls on everyone to resolve to volunteer!
• 40-year EMT Chris Kalish shared this surprising reason for volunteering with Red Cross Disaster Health Services in this video short.
• Senator Steve Chan is helping to #EndHomeFires with this PSA for Get Alarmed NYC (also in Cantonese!)
• Last Thursday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 5 residents after a fire on 6th Avenue in Bay Ridge (Brooklyn).
• News 12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 5 residents after a fire on Washington Avenue in Belmont (Bronx).
• Our Metro New York North Chapter volunteers with our home fire safety program joined a community event hosted by Assemblyman Aron Weider in New Square.
• LongIsland.com reported on Assemblywoman Kassay collaborating with the American Red Cross to install free smoke detectors and perform fire safety checks for families back in December.
• Last Tuesday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 57 residents after a fire on 48th street after a fire on Sunset Park (Brooklyn).
• Red Cross volunteers Alex, Ellen and Doreen brought an engaging, age-appropriate fire safety lesson to Grandview Elementary, turning important reminders into memorable moments for students.
• First-time Power Red Donor, Nate shared that he donates for his wife and others like her who need blood in this video short.
• In this video reel, we highlighted how just before Thanksgiving, the Red Cross opened a shelter and helped over 100 families after a fire on Cottage Avenue in Mount Vernon (Westchester County).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Jan 22: International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Even War Has Rules Class for January 2026
• Jun 15: Registration is now OPEN for Safety Town 2026! Calling all rising kindergarteners in Greenwich and beyond! Join us for a fun-filled week of safety education, hands-on learning, and meeting real-life community helpers.

In Case You Missed It

Regional GNY Red Cross CEO Doreen Howe and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani talk with displaced residents 
at the reception center for Ridgewood (Queens) fire. (Photo: NYC Emergency Management)

From Jan 5-11, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 258 adults and 74 children following 47 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week.

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Corona Avenue in Queens.
• This weekend, a dedicated group of American Red Cross staff and volunteers from across the Northeast Division completed a dynamic, hands‑on disaster training that blended serious skill‑building with some creative activities.
• PIX11 reported that Louis Venosta is grateful for Red Cross support a month after a fire destroyed his Upper West Side apartment home.
• Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez stopped by to support Sound the Alarm at the Comprando Casa event.
• Watch this viral short video to understand how disaster spiritual care changed the life of Rabbi Stephen Roberts.
• This video reel highlights the Red Cross helping 12 families after a fire on Brighton 8th Street in Brooklyn just before Christmas.
• Last Tuesday, the Red Cross opened a reception center and helped 50 adults and 10 children after a fire on Madison Street in Queens. ABC7, QNS (and again), CBS2, NBC4, NY1, Newsday, Patch, Queens Chronicle, FOX5, Hoodline, Gothamist, NY Daily News and PIX11 reported on the fire.
• Also on Tuesday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 5 families after a fire on Colonial Road in Bay Ridge (Brooklyn).
• Last Monday, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson gave an update at the reception center where the Red Cross registered 69 adults and 28 children for assistance after a fire on Findlay Avenue in the Bronx. PIX11, ABC7, CBS NY, News12 and NY Post reported on the Red Cross response.
• News 12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 5 families after fire on Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights.
• Officer Brooke Lombardo explains how she’s been donating blood since she was 18 in this video short!
• Thank you, John Balouziyeh of Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP for hosting Dario Dagon Moses, a Colombian scholar of International Humanitarian Law, at your New York office.

In Case You Missed It

Red Crossers supporting first responders and attendees of
Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop. (Photo: Alex Wales)

From Dec 29-Jan 4, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 261 adults and 49 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Sunday night, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping residents after a fire on Townehouse Drive in Coram, NY (Suffolk County).
• The Staten Island Advance reported on the Red Cross providing emergency housing to a family after a post-Christmas fire.
• While thousands counted down to midnight in Times Square, dozens of dedicated Red Cross volunteers spent New Year’s Eve supporting the first responders who kept everyone safe.
• Our Cardozo High School Red Cross Club recently made these amazing cards to say THANK YOU to blood donors. #NationalBloodDonorMonth
• Last Tuesday, American Red Cross Greater New York Board Member Ming Chiang proudly rang the Closing Bell at Nasdaq, shining a spotlight on our mission of compassion, preparedness and lifesaving service.
• In early November of 2025, we honored extraordinary women who serve our country and our local communities like Major Monday Price at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.
• The National Red Cross shared the story of our #LIRedCross volunteer Magnolia Chiri Garcia — en Espanol!
• Check out our Year in Review 2025 video that highlighted neighbors supporting neighbors and volunteers answering every call. We also remembered the Today Show segment back in July about donating blood. Together, we delivered comfort, hope and lifesaving relief when it mattered most.
• To honor Clara Barton’s 204th birthday, we shared 5 facts you didn’t know about Clara and other interesting details about her life.
• In this BronxNet interview, Red Cross communicator Zaide Manzur talks about how donating blood can make a life-saving difference for someone in need.
• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 7 residents after a fire on Hart Street in Coney Island (Brooklyn).
• The Queens Chronicle, Hoodline, NBC4, and ABC7 reported on the Red Cross helping residents after two fires in Queens on the same night.
• QNS reported on the Red Cross helping 5 families after a fire on Gleane Street in Elmhurst (Queens).
• QNS also reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a Christmas Day fire on 147th Street in Whitestone (Queens).
• We posted the story of how the Red Cross helped an East Harlem couple and their precious cats with their recovery after a fire destroyed their home in November.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• The Giving Machines are still open across #NYC and you can use them to support #RedCross disaster relief efforts, including Emergency Feeding Kits, Infant Care Kits, and more life‑changing essentials.
• Jan 5: State of the Region Meeting with GNY CEO, Doreen Howe*

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

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!