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?