Monday, March 23, 2026

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross honored heroes like, Chris Perez (left) and Scott Ruskan (right),
at the #RedCrossGala last Wednesday. (Photo: Up Studios)
From Mar 16-22, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 195 adults and 77 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review
  • The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) hosted an incredible day of teamwork and community spirit in the Bronx as Red Cross volunteers and partners came together to make families safer and more prepared earlier this month.
  • Over the weekend, #MetroNYNRedCross (in Greenwich) and #LIRedCross (in Brentwood) traded their red for green ☘️ to march in annual St. Patrick’s Day parades.
  • Queens Councilman Shekar Krishnan recorded an upcoming PSA to promote the #GetAlarmedNYC program in his district.
  • After a fire on Great Neck Road in Copiague last Thursday, the #LIRedCross in coordination with Suffolk County FRES have opened a shelter at Our Lady of the Assumption to support displaced residents.
  • Last Wednesday, we honored the heroism and community service of Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway, Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Major League Baseball at the Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
  • More than 200 Red Crossers gathered online and in person on Long Island to learn new skills and get ready to support our neighbors in need!
  • Last Tuesday, the Norwood News and NY1 reported on the Red Cross helping 17 adults and 3 children after a fire on Kingsbridge Avenue in the Bronx.
  • After a big fire in the Tremont section of the Bronx late Monday night, News12BX shared that the Red Cross is supporting 63 people as they start to recover.
  • Last Monday, Brooklyn Paper highlighted a rash of unrelated fires in Brooklyn over the weekend, with the Red Cross helping 11 people.
  • Our hearts go out to those impacted by a fatal fire in Flushing (Queens) on Monday afternoon, with coverage from ABC7.
  • In her latest column in the Greenwich Sentinel, #MetroNYNRedCross CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley encourages all to catch the spirit of service as we celebrate Red Cross Month
  • We celebrated Red Cross Month with proclamations from Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, as we gathered together to recognize all who work to deliver our mission when #helpcantwait.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
  • March is Red Cross Month: Celebrate the people who power the Red Cross mission — join us all month with a variety of events as we Share the Red. Full schedule is available on Volunteer Connection.*
  • Mar 28: Sound the Alarm on Long Island: We will be working with four elected officials to install free smoke alarms and fire safety education to the communities surrounding Brentwood.*
*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

Monday, March 16, 2026

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross volunteers honored at the March 11 NY State Senate Session in Albany.
(Photo: IG of @nysenatorrivera)
From Mar 9-15, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 168 adults and 37 children following 57 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

Monday, March 9, 2026

In Case You Missed It

Mount Vernon leaders and Red Cross responders reflect on the community
mobilization after the 5-alarm fire on Cottage Avenue.
From Mar 2-9, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 176 adults and 47 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

Monday, March 2, 2026

In Case You Missed It


From Feb 23-Mar 1, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 160 adults and 56 children following 48 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review
  • News12 reported on the Red Cross helping nine adults and a child after a fire on Courtlandt Ave in the Melrose section of the Bronx.
  • We posted this video short on how our regional Client Care Manager, Mauricio, helps people take the first steps towards recovery after disasters.
  • VIDEO REELS: Andrew and Caroline gave these incredible reasons for donating blood.
  • Last Wednesday, Patch reported on the #LIRedCross being on scene to help residents after a fire on Edi Ct in Plainview (Nassau County).
  • Last Tuesday, our Disaster Action Team on Long Island together with Suffolk County FRES, opened a temporary reception center at Our Lady of Grace Church to provide a warm space for the displaced residents from a fire in West Babylon. Newsday, CBS2, Babylon Beacon and ABC7 reported on the fire.
  • We posted this video highlighting how the Red Cross helped 376 residents after a gas explosion on Bivona Street in the Bronx on Jan. 24.
  • Stephanie Dunn Ashley’s latest column in the Greenwich Sentinel encourages readers to sign up for CPR training for heart health month.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders at the scene of carbon monoxide leak in Brooklyn. (Source: ABC7)
From Feb 16-22, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 137 adults and 39 children following 46 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review
  • Meet Team Red Cross runners Kelly Spencer and Jaimie Harden who are running the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon to benefit the mission of the Red Cross.
  • In this video short, Rabbi Roberts explains how he feels lucky to have the skills to help people recover after disasters.
  • Last Wednesday, ABC7, Brooklyn Paper, Hoodline, reported the Red Cross helped residents after a carbon monoxide leak on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn.
  • We posted two videos of power red blood donors, Gloria and Tim, explaining why they donate.
  • Last Tuesday, ABC7, News12 and Larchmont Loop reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Lester Avenue in Mamaroneck (Westchester County).
  • We posted this video highlighting the Red Cross helping 15 families (29 adults and 9 children) after a fire on School Street in Yonkers (Westchester County) on Jan 16.
  • The Regal Eagles and Beth Page Red Cross club collaborated to hold a CPR training event for students.
  • News12 reported that 9 fires in 3 days in Nassau County highlighted the need for more volunteers, featuring our Long Island CEO, Jose Dominguez.
  • News12 reported on the #MetroNYNRedCross helping a family after a fire on Crest Drive in Tarrytown (Westchester County).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities
  • Final days! Hurry in to give blood by Feb. 28 and get a $20 e gift card to a merchant of your choice. It’s a crucial time to roll up a sleeve and help patients who rely on generous donors like you. Help end the blood shortage — book now.
  • March is Red Cross Month: Celebrate the people who power the Red Cross mission — join us all month with a variety of events as we Share the Red. Full schedule is available on Volunteer Connection.*
  • Mar 3: Join us for another We Were There panel discussion as we celebrate Women’s History Month and hear from three incredible women who have found success in emergency management and response. Register on Zoom here.
  • Mar 18: Get ready to honor Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway, Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Major League Baseball at the upcoming Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

Monday, February 16, 2026

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross responders helping families in East New York after fire. (Source: News12)
From Feb 9-15, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 361 adults and 81 children following 101 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review
  • News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Decatur Street in Brooklyn late Sunday.
  • For Valentines Day, we are shared the love stories of these three Red Cross couples: Mary and Michael Dywer, Nancy and Rick Stein and Brandon and Sasha.
  • Meet Team Red Cross runners Brian Mejia, and Megan Serke who are running the TCS NYC Marathon to benefit the mission of the Red Cross.
  • News12 spoke with Long Island chapter CEO Jose Dominguez about the recent uptick in fires on Long Island during this extended winter.
  • Last Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 4 residents after a fire on New Jersey Avenue in East New York (Brooklyn).
  • Each February, our team joins the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund to build Steph's Comfort Kits.
  • Last Thursday, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 6 residents after a roof collapse on Middle Street in Haverstraw, NY.
  • News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Foster Avenue in Kensington (Brooklyn).
  • Newsday, Patch and Long Island Press reported on the #LIRedCross helping 5 residents after a fire on Oak Avenue in Hempstead, NY (Nassau County).
  • News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 5 adults and 2 children following a fire on Jacobus Place in Marble Hill (Manhattan).
  • We posted this video reel highlighting the Red Cross helping 57 residents after a fire on 48th Street in Sunset Park (Brooklyn) back on Jan. 13.
  • VIDEO: As an EMT, Kaia knows how much a blood donation can help someone in a hospital or in EMS.
  • Last Wednesday, we recorded an upcoming PSA with Councilman Phil Wong to promote fire safety and Get Alarmed NYC.
  • Last Tuesday, Metro New York North Chapter CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley joined Congressman Mike Lawler and representatives from volunteer organizations from across the Hudson Valley to celebrate the introduction of a resolution to recognize 2026 as the Year of the Volunteer.
  • News12 and Brooklyn Paper also reported on the Red Cross helping 8 residents after a fire on Van Siclen Avenue in East New York (Brooklyn).
  • News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 15 residents after a fire on East 163rd Street in Concourse Village (Bronx).
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
  • At the Red Cross, Black history is made fresh daily — & is saving lives. Through the Sickle Cell Initiative, Black communities are reversing declining blood donation trends & strengthening community health. Learn more & sign up to give blood at rcblood.org/37RKNdI.
  • Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.*
  • Mar 18: Get ready to honor Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway and Major League Baseball at the upcoming Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

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

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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.