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.