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.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders at the scene after severe flooding in Brooklyn. (Photo: Brownstoner, Lloyd Mitchell)

From Oct 27-Nov 2, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 123 adults and 73 children following 57 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• On Sunday, Team Red Cross ran the TCS NYC Marathon in support of the Red Cross. Congrats to the runners!
• Did you remember to check your smoke alarms when you fell back for Daylight Saving Time?
• Last Friday, we held a very spooky blood drive at GNY HQ and many donors like Linda weren’t frightened to donate even on Halloween!
• Ahead of Halloween, we shared creepy stories and partnered with NYC ACS to spread a message of safety while trick or treating.
• NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera was excited to sponsor his second blood drive of the year.
• The City reported on the Red Cross helping residents after the fatal flooding in Brooklyn.
• Last Wednesday, Newsday, Long Island Press, ABC7 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 3 residents after a fire on Pinetree Lane in Roslyn Heights, NY (Nassau County).
• The Norwood News also reported on the Red Cross assisting a family of 5 adults after a fire on E 187th Street in the Bronx.
• The Long Island Heroes Celebration may be over, but we’ve got a couple of reels where attendees share their thoughts and highlights from the event.
• The Massapequa Post published an editorial about the mission of the Red Cross and how heroes like Jennifer Keane embody the mission of helping others when needed.
• The Mayor of New Rochelle, Yadira Ramos-Herbert, teamed up with the Metro NY North Red Cross to install free smoke alarms and spread fire safety information to her constituents.
• Last Tuesday, News12 and Newsday reported on the #LIRedCross helping residents after a fire on Yale Street in Hempstead, NY.
• Jose Dominguez, CEO of the #LIRedCross shared what kind of weather emergencies to be prepared for during the fall and winter on News12.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Nov 5-9: Join our Disaster Cycle Services team for Winter Training Weekend! Training is available both in-person and virtually, with in-person courses hosted at GNY HQ in Manhattan. See the full calendar here. *Must be Red Cross volunteer with active Volunteer Connection accounts to register.
• 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.

In Case You Missed It

The #LIRedCross opened a shelter for displaced residents after a fire in Freeport.

From Oct 20-26, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 188 adults and 54 children following 50 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• PIX11 reported on how local organizations like the Red Cross are rallying to help Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa approaches.
• Last week, after a fire tore through an apartment building in Freeport, NY — displacing 19 households, our Long Island volunteers stepped up to help open a shelter for two nights. See coverage from Newsday, Hoodline, News12, ABC7 and CBS2.
• Last Friday, our Service to the Armed Forces team joined the spooky and fun Trunk or Treat event for all the military and Department of Defense kids at Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn!
• Last Thursday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 4 families after a fire on Deitz Street in Central Islip (Suffolk County).
• Hear how Rissa started donating blood on her 16th birthday and continues to do so because people need it, in this viral video short.
• We published a touching story about how the Red Cross helped Cristina and her family when their family home caught on fire, just months after moving in.
• At our Long Island Heroes Celebration last Wednesday, we were proud to honor local #LIHeroes like Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, Mel Cohen, Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein, Luv Michael, Jennifer Keane, and Officers Timothy Deegan & Matthew Walling for their heroism and contributions to the community.
• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 4 families after a fire on E 155 St in the Melrose section of the Bronx.
• We shared this clip highlighting the Red Cross helping a Brooklyn family of 2 adults and 7 children after a fire on E 22 St in Sheepshead Bay on August 26.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 28: Join us on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. for a Film Screening and Talk Back with the Producer of The Vow From Hiroshima.
• Oct 29: NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera is hosting a Halloween Blood Drive at the Rose Hill Campus on Fordham University.
• Nov 2: One week away from the TCS NYC Marathon where Team Red Cross will run in support of our mission. Please support and cheer for Tsean Laws, Fidel Gomez, John Coyle, Emmet Coyle, Missy Romoff, Kelly Van Hoesen
• Nov 5-9: Join our Disaster Cycle Services team for Winter Training Weekend! Training is available both in-person and virtually, with in-person courses hosted at GNY HQ in Manhattan. See the full calendar here. *Must be Red Cross volunteer with active Volunteer Connection accounts to register.
• 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.

In Case You Missed It

SAF Team at the Pal-O-Mine Vet Fest. (Photo: Rick Gunther)

From Oct 13-19, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 116 adults and 40 children following 37 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 10 residents after a fire on Starling Avenue in the Parkchester neighborhood of the Bronx on Sunday.
• On Sunday, our SAF team was out sharing information about our Restoring Family Links program at the Pal-O-Mine Vet Fest.
• Also on Sunday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Terrace Avenue in Hempstead (Nassau County).
• Last Friday, Newsday reported on the Red Cross assisting 4 families after a fire on Morrell Street in Hempstead (Nassau County).
• Last week, we were honored to host a distinguished delegation from Chiayi County, Taiwan, to deepen understanding of our work around post-disaster recovery, mental and emotional well-being support for affected communities.
• Last Thursday, QNS reported on the Red Cross helping a family after a fire on College Point Blvd. in Flushing, Queens.
• In this reel, Sean explains he is a Power Red Blood Donor because he knows it's essential to those who depend on it.
• Last week, we were proud to celebrate the graduation of the inaugural STAR (Staff Talent Academy in the Greater New York Region) Program cohort — a dynamic leadership development initiative designed to empower emerging leaders across our region.
• We shared this video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 15 families after a fire on Hawthrone Avenue in Brooklyn.
• Bronx Borough President, Vanessa Gibson, shared photos of when she teamed up with the Red Cross earlier in the month to install free smoke alarms in the Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 21: Blood drive at the historic Paramount Hudson Valley Theater in downtown Peekskill.
• Oct 22: We are counting down the days to the 2025 #LIHeroes Celebration, where we will celebrate Long Island heroes like Luv Michael, Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize, Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein and Mel Cohen.
• Nov 5-9: Join our Disaster Cycle Services team for Winter Training Weekend! Training is available both in-person and virtually, with in-person courses hosted at GNY HQ in Manhattan. See the full calendar here. *Must be Red Cross volunteer with active Volunteer Connection accounts to register.

In Case You Missed It

Get Alarmed NYC Relaunch Press Conference

From Oct 6-12, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 219 adults and 67 children following 53 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Thursday, News12 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fire on Avenue I in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn.
• Last Wednesday, Hoodline, ABC7, News12 and PIX11, reported on the Red Cross providing 8 adults and 2 children with financial assistance and comfort supplies after a fire on Ryer Ave in the Bronx.
• National Red Cross spotlighted our very own Regional Disaster Program Officer, Dario Diaz, for Hispanic Heritage Month!
• Karla Almanzar is a proud Dominican and thinks the city needs more disaster volunteers. #HispanicHeritageMonth
• In this viral video, it warms Nina's heart to know that she can help people with rare blood disorders by donating.
• Our team was excited to be in the Judge’s Chamber during game 3 of the American League Division Series thanks to the generosity of the Yankees!
• Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano encouraged his constituents to get free smoke alarms installed by the Red Cross in this PSA.
• We share this video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 25 adults and 11 children from 9 families after a fire on 18th avenue in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on Aug 24.
• At the start of last week, we held a press conference to relaunch Get Alarmed NYC with our partners, the FDNY and FDNY Foundation. 77 WABC, PIX11 and News12 covered Get Alarmed NYC.
• If you watched the popular The Lost Bus movie on Apple TV, check out our video, produced in 2019, honoring the real-life heroes of the Paradise Camp Fire that inspired the events in the movie.
• News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 2 residents after a fire on Newfoundland Avenue in Huntington (Suffolk County).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 15: International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Born on the Battlefield Course
• Oct 16: The Laws of War in Pop Culture: Star Wars Andor 12 noon Session | 8PM Session
• Oct 22: Get ready for our 2025 #LIHeroes Celebration, where we will celebrate Long Island heroes who embody the Red Cross humanitarian mission.

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

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross opened a reception center after the partial building collapse in the Bronx.

From September 29–Oct 5, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 170 adults and 59 children following 23 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Late Sunday, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross assisting two residents after a fire on Newfoundland Ave in Huntington (Suffolk County).
• Saturday was a beautiful day in the Bronx helping to #endhomefires by installing free smoke alarms in the community alongside FDNY, FDNY Foundation and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson!
• Last Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross assisting one family after an apartment fire on West 168 Street in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx.
• News12, Hoodline, and ABC7 reported on Thursday about how the Red Cross helped two families after a fire on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
• Last Wednesday, the Red Cross supported a reception center in coordination with NYCHA to help families impacted by a partial building collapse on Alexander Avenue in the Bronx. Vice, Bronx Times, ABC7, News12, CBS2, PIX11, NY1, NY Daily News, NY Times, Norwood News all reported on the disaster.
• Azhar explains in this viral video short, he donates because blood donations saved his mom in the hospital.
• Continuing to spotlight volunteer stories for Hispanic Heritage Month, we featured, Julio Medina, a retired New York City civil employee, who began volunteering with the Red Cross Greater New York chapter almost nine years ago.
• Last Monday, News12 and Newsday reported on the Red Cross assisting 12 residents after a fire on Jerusalem Avenue in Hempstead (Nassau County).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 10: We are excited to host a special event and blood drive to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
• Oct 15: International Humanitarian Law (IHL): Born on the Battlefield Course
• Oct 16: The Laws of War in Pop Culture: Star Wars Andor 12 noon Session | 8PM Session
• Oct 22: Get ready for our 2025 #LIHeroes Celebration, where we will celebrate Long Island heroes who embody the Red Cross humanitarian mission.

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

In Case You Missed It

IFRC hosted a private sector roundtable on sustainability, building community
resilience, local reach, and keeping client impact central to our work.

From September 22–28, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 91 adults and 46 children following 39 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Our Regional CEO, Doreen Howe, attended a private sector roundtable hosted by the IFRC on sustainability, building community resilience, local reach, and keeping client impact central to our work.
• The IFRC also hosted us earlier at the #UNGA80 to have conversations with Red Cross societies around the world on our shared commitments to our collective mission.
• Last week, our team held meetings with White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach and New York State Assembly member, Clare Valdez, around community resilience and mobilization and how we can collaborate on vital service delivery.
• Last Tuesday, the Greenwich Sentinel published Stephanie Dunn Ashley’s latest column about how her younger brother’s battle with childhood leukemia inspires her to donate blood often.
• We posted this video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 11 adults and 4 children after a fire on Bronx Park East in the Allerton neighborhood of the Bronx back in August.
• For Hispanic Heritage Month, we shared this reel on first-time blood donor Zaide, who hopes to change her preconceptions and donate more regularly.
• After running with Team #RedCross last year, Emmet is back — driven by the incredible community and the chance to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Oct 4: Get Alarmed NYC: Bronx - NYC Home Fire teams & FDNY are working together to host monthly Mega Installation events. This event will be targeting the neighborhoods of Fordham, University Heights, Morris Heights and Mount Hope.*
• Oct 22: Get ready for our 2025 #LIHeroes Celebration, where we will celebrate Long Island heroes who embody the Red Cross humanitarian mission.

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

In Case You Missed It

The first of four tabletop exercises to help strengthen our chapter's readiness.

From September 15–21, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 85 adults and 24 children following 33 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Our team had such fun on Sunday during the Long Island Family Day! We shared important preparedness information, helped families to sign up for a free fire safety visit and met so many of our neighbors from across Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn.
• Our regional CEO, Doreen Howe, had the pleasure of speaking about her disaster mental health work at the Tiffany Circle Summit.
• The Stuyvesant High School Red Cross club represented at their Clubs and Pubs fair!
• Last Friday, Legislator Tom Donnelly thanked the #LIRedCross for hosting an informative and engaging Emergency Preparedness Class for local residents.
• Meet Red Cross volunteer Olivia Haunso! She first fell in love with volunteering on a month-long trip to a Tibetan refugee camp in Nepal.
• We shared this video short on how the Red Cross helped over 30 residents after a fire on Bleecker St in Bushwick, Brooklyn on Aug 15.
• Check out this video reel on how despite her struggles, Maria never gave up and finally donated blood.
• Meet Fidel Gomez, one of our inspiring #TeamRedCross runners for the 2025 #TCSNYCMarathon! 🏃🏽‍♂️
• Last Tuesday, we held the first of four tabletop exercises across the region to help strengthen our preparedness, coordination, and commitment to serving our communities when it matters most.
• We celebrated the start of Hispanic Heritage Month!

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Sep 27: Get free training and resources to help you stay ready at the East Harlem COAD Community Readiness Fair. Red Cross volunteers can register to support the event here.*
• Join us for tabletop exercises! These discussion-based simulations ask participants to analyze and describe their actions in a disaster scenario and are open to Red Crossers of all experience levels: Metro NY North (9/25 from 6p-9p, register here).*
• Oct 4: Get Alarmed NYC: Bronx - NYC Home Fire teams & FDNY are working together to host monthly Mega Installation events. This event will be targeting the neighborhoods of Fordham, University Heights, Morris Heights and Mount Hope.*
• Oct 22: Get ready for our 2025 #LIHeroes Celebration, where we will celebrate Long Island heroes who embody the Red Cross humanitarian mission.

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

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders on-scene at a fire on Nelson Avenue in the
Bronx to help displaced residents. (Source News12)

From September 8–14, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 168 adults and 46 children following 37 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• On Sunday, our team was excited to participate in the sixth annual Mexican Independence Day Parade in Port Richmond on Staten Island.
• Over the weekend, pet therapy dogs, Buddy and Penelope (with their owners), attended the Paws Crossed Event in Yorktown Heights, alongside our partners, Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause.
• Last Friday, News12 and the Norwood News reported on the Red Cross being on-scene to assist residents after a fire on Grand Concourse in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx.
• Also on Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 3 families after a fire on Livonia Ave in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn.
• In this short video, Jeff feels #blessed to be able to donate blood for others who need it.
• On the anniversary of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, #neverforget those we lost and those who served on that fateful day.
• Say hello to John Coyle, one of our dedicated Team Red Cross runners for the 2025 TCS NYC Marathon!
• Last Tuesday, News12 and Hollywood Unlocked reported on the Red Cross helping 6 families after a fire on Nelson Avenue in the Bronx.
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on St. John’s Place in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.
• Red Cross volunteer, Mitchell, explains how he felt "unbelievable" after helping people on his first disaster deployment in this viral short video.
• Last Monday, ABC7, News12 and Hyperallergic reported on the Red Cross helping 18 families on Hawthorne Street in Brooklyn, as the community rallies together to support those impacted.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Sep 21: Join us at Long Island Family Day 2025 on September 21 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum for entertainment, activities, and more.
• Sep 27: Get free training and resources to help you stay ready at the East Harlem COAD Community Readiness Fair.
• Join us for tabletop exercises! These discussion-based simulations ask participants to analyze and describe their actions in a disaster scenario and are open to Red Crossers of all experience levels. There will be one exercise in each chapter: NYC (9/17 from 6p-9p, register here), Long Island (9/18 from 6p-9p, register here), and Metro NY North (9/25 from 6p-9p, register here).

In Case You Missed It

Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos teamed up with the Red Cross and FDNY
to install free smoke alarms in Manhattan homes.

From September 1–7, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 118 adults and 36 children following 40 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 teamed up with Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos and the FDNY to install free smoke alarms in Upper Manhattan homes as part of the start of the Get Alarmed NYC program.
• Earlier in the week, Assemblyman De Los Santos also promoted the Get Alarmed NYC event with this PSA in both English and Spanish.
• Actress Sarah Zinsser shows that donating blood doesn't need to be dramatic 🎭 (but can be a little silly) in this viral short video.
• Last Friday, Metro NY North CEO, Stephanie Dunn Ashley and our Government Relations team caught up with Port Chester Village Manager Stuart L. Rabin to discuss our mission work and how we can better align with our partners to deliver vital services during the most critical and dire times.
• Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for proclaiming last Thursday as National Blood Donation Day.
• Last Wednesday, Newsday reported on the Red Cross helping 5 residents after a fire in Hempstead (Nassau County).
• This video reel highlighted the Red Cross helping 27 adults and 2 children with emergency aid after a fire on E 95th Street in the Upper East Side of Manhattan on August 15.
• Last Tuesday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 residents after a fire on Sterling Place in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn.
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Vanderbilt Avenue in Island Park (Nassau County).
• Meet T'Sean Laws, one of our incredible #TeamRedCross runners for the 2025 #TCSNYCMarathon! You can support him here.
• Get prepared for emergencies with these safety tips for National Preparedness Month.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Sep 10: SAF - Montrose (Westchester) VA CLC MUSIC FESTIVAL Recreation Therapy Service Assistance Requested.*
• Sep 11: 9/11 Memorial support in Greenwich, St. Albans, Staten Island*
• Sep 13: Get hands-on experience as a shelter worker in a no-fault learning environment of In-Person MNYN Shelter Simulation.*
• Sep 13: Join us for a fun and informative Pets and Service Animals Fair in Madison Square Park with expert tips, Go Bag demos, emergency planning, dog licensing, adoption info, free gear, and more.
• Join us for tabletop exercises! These discussion-based simulations ask participants to analyze and describe their actions in a disaster scenario and are open to Red Crossers of all experience levels. There will be one exercise in each chapter: NYC (9/17 from 6p-9p, register here), Long Island (9/18 from 6p-9p, register here), and Metro NY North (9/25 from 6p-9p, register here).*
  

    * For Red Cross volunteers with Volunteer Connection accounts.