City Council Speaker Honors Volunteers and First Responders

The evening of April 9, about a dozen Greater NY volunteers who participated in the East Harlem explosion response attended a reception at City Hall held to thank first responders, elected officials, city agencies, community groups and non-profits like the Red Cross who were part of the relief effort.

The event was sponsored by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the City Council. This tribute, fittingly, took place during National Volunteer Week. 

Here are some photos from the event.

Speaker Mark-Viverito (middle, between volunteer Arturo Guzman and Nancy Soto) extended heartfelt thanks to all who participated in the response. “This evening is to thank and celebrate all of you,” she said. “You have the full appreciation of City Council.”

Mayor Bill DeBlasio said he applauded the incredible efforts of the charities that participated in the response, including the Red Cross. “The Red Cross volunteers,” he said, “started their response immediately following the explosion.”

 “This is a well-deserved honor for our amazing volunteers who worked so hard, for so long, to help so many in East Harlem,” said Josh Lockwood, Regional CEO, Greater NY Red Cross. 

Red Cross Helps East Harlem Residents Return to Their Apartments

Over the past several days, the Red Cross has provided move-in assistance kits containing non-perishable food, cleaning supplies and more to 41 families that have returned to their homes more than two weeks after the East Harlem explosion. Here are some images of that part of the relief effort, which has been ongoing since March 12.

Below, resident George Alexander thanks the Red Cross for its help.