In Case You Missed It - Oct 31

Red Cross Youth Volunteers holding a fun Zombie-theme preparedness event.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 130 adults and 45 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Sunday, the Red Crossers over on Long Island helped support and organize the 2nd Annual Suffolk County Marathon. LI volunteers set up hydration stations, mile markers and provided support and assistance to participants, making the event a very successful one. We’re looking forward to next year!
• In preparation for Halloween, GNY Youth Volunteers closed the week with a pretty spooky #ZombieApocalypse themed preparedness event. It was a great way for the youth to have fun while working on important real-life situations and scenarios. Also, we can personally vouch for the great Trick or Treat selection! 
• The Red Cross Chapter on Long Island held a Shelter Fundamentals Exercise on Saturday, which was open to volunteers and covered all necessary hands-on training within a shelter, in the event of an emergency. 
• Thursday morning, the Red Cross responded to a devastating six-alarm fire on the Upper East Side that spread to neighboring apartment buildings, leaving many families displaced and in need of assistance. Red Cross emergency staff and volunteers arrived on site and provided relief to over 22 families that had been injured, displaced or affected by the disaster. An MTA bus was brought to the disaster site to provide a temporary heated area for displaced residents as firefighters fought to extinguish the flames that had set all five stories ablaze. 
• We’ve been highly inspired by all Red Crossers returning from deployment. Their dedicated time and efforts to helping those affected by Hurricane Matthew has contributed greatly to the ongoing disaster relief efforts in many affected areas around the US and Haiti. Kathleen Connors shares with us her own volunteer story in this heartwarming and inspirational clip. Be sure to visit our YouTube channel to see more videos like this.
• Last week marked the four-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, one of the worst hurricanes to ever strike the Greater New York area. Hurricane Sandy also cancelled Halloween throughout the region, but the Red Cross shelter staff at the Yonkers PAL brought Halloween to the children. Re-visit this special moment of joy in this gallery. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Nov 5: #GetAlarmedNYC is in full swing and serving neighborhoods all across NYC. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home.
• Nov 6: For the TCS NYC Marathon, the Greater NY Region has recruited over 150 volunteers to support the Marathon medical team as course spotters in the post-finish area. There is also a team of 12 competitors, who are fundraising and running on behalf of the Red Cross. Please cheer for #TeamRedCross!
• Nov 7, 8, 14: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today. 
• Nov 9: The American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders is hosting a event of cocktails and conversation about "Preparedness and Security in Today's World" for its members and guests. Special speakers include U.S. Congressman Daniel Donovan, Assistant U.S. Attorney Saritha Komatireddy and Greater NY Red Cross CEO Josh Lockwood.
• Nov 11: Keep an eye out for Greater New York Red Cross volunteers and staff who will be marching in the NYC Veteran’s Day Parade. 
• Nov 19: Supporting Volunteer and Managing Teams Workshop at the Metro NY Chapter. If you are a supporting volunteer or team manager, please take advantage of this engaging course. You can sign up and learn more about SVMT here.