In Case You Missed It - Dec 21

You don't have to be a Jedi to be a hero! #TheForceAwakens https://t.co/nm46PIcOzy (photo: EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT) pic.twitter.com/qUz8TxAmAy

— American Red Cross (@RedCross) December 18, 2015

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 121 adults and 46 children following 71 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• This weekend, our #GetAlarmedNYC team partnered with the Tzu Chi Foundation to install 161 free smoke alarms in Brooklyn.
• Big thank you to our Metro NY North volunteers who helped families displaced by a fire in Peekskill, N.Y. this Saturday.
• All week, as part of an end-of-the-year recap, we counted down our most-read blog posts of the year. See the full list here!
• Last week, our Hell’s Kitchen (NYC), Hawthorne (Westchester) and Mineola (Long Island) offices each hosted quarterly “All-Hands” volunteer meetings. Click here for some photos from the Manhattan event.
• Are you following us on Instagram? Be sure to check out our “Images of 2015” photo series we are featuring all month. Follow @redcrossny to view the daily posts.
• On Tuesday, we posted our most recent #MyRedCrossLife profile: Red Cross volunteer Rahim Chagani from Rego Park, Queens. 
• Early last week, we posted a recap of the Red Cross response to the massive fire that tore through several Bronx homes a few days earlier. Additionally, several news outlets continued their coverage of the incident and our assistance.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Jan. 9: Our #GetAlarmedNYC campaign needs volunteers to support daily installation teams every week. The campaign also needs volunteers to support our upcoming Mega Event in Harlem. Sign up for a Home Fire Campaign shift today (link for Red Cross Volunteers).

Best of 2015: Red Cross NY's 6 Most Read Blog Posts of the Year

From science fiction Sharknados to real-life heroes, the Greater New York Red Cross has captured many stories in 2015. As this year comes to a close, we remember some of the happy, funny, heroic, inspiring and informative moments we shared in 2015 by counting down our most read blog posts of the year.

#6: Moving Forward in Carrefour-Feuilles, Haiti (August 2015)
As part of a trip to Haiti earlier this year, our own Michael de Vulpillieres toured Carrefour-Feuilles, one of the communities in Port-au-Prince most affected by the 2010 quake. Last July, de Vulpillieres shared his account of that visit and of the impact of American Red Cross-funded programs in Haiti.

#5: Honoring our Heroes: Blake Farber (October 2015)
See how Blake Farber took action last March after the East Village building explosion, and became a real-life hero. In October, we recognized him at our annual Honoring Our Heroes gala.

#4. Best (and Safest) in Show (February 2015)
February's annual Westminster Kennel Club show reminded us that preparing for disasters is important for your entire family, especially for our pets who can’t prepare for themselves. P.S. This winter don't forget to plan for your pets too!

#3. 13 Things You Did Not Know About the Red Cross in NYC and Beyond (May 2015)
From Ghostbusters to the Titanic to blackouts, this post might teach you a few things about the Red Cross.

#2. Lessons Learned: 6 Steps You Can Take to Prepare For and Survive Sharknado 3 (June 2015)
In preparation for the release of the third installment of this SciFi blockbuster this past June, we asked the important question, "how does one prepare for a Sharknado?"

#1. Remembering 9/11 - The First Few Hours of the Red Cross Response (September 2015)
We looked back at the early hours of the Red Cross response that continued for years after and involved more than 57,000 volunteers and employees from across the country.

In Case You Missed It - Dec 14

Red Cross Volunteer Jennifer MacNeill shares her #MyRedCrossLife story.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 100 adults and 32 children following 44 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Friday, Red Cross intern Silvana Espinoza shared a blog post about volunteering in her own neighborhood.
• Late Thursday night into early Friday morning, a massive fire ripped through multiple row houses on Valentine Ave. in the Bronx, leaving more than 80 residents homeless. In response, the Red Cross opened a reception center to provide emergency services for the displaced residents. Of the nearly 30 families who registered with us Friday, 19 needed emergency housing that the Red Cross provided.
• Continuing with our ongoing #MyRedCrossLife Instagram series, we featured Red Cross volunteer Jennifer MacNeill who shared with us why volunteering is so important to her.
• On Thursday, the Roslyn News ran a profile of new Long Island board co-chair Palmira Cataliotti.
• On Wednesday, the Greenwich Sentinel featured a Metro New York North Red Cross event in which board members assembled comfort kits for wounded soldiers in VA Hospitals.
• Also on Wednesday, the Long Island Red Cross held its winter volunteer appreciation event.
• Last week, Elsie Rodriguez and her mother, who lost their Brooklyn apartment of 40 years to a fire, shared with us the impact of Red Cross assistance
• Earlier this month, Congresswoman Grace Meng supported the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign at P.S. 174 in Rego Park (Queens). School children wrote cards to active service members and veterans.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Dec 14, 16, 18: Red Cross blood drive; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Dec 13-15: The American Red Cross will have a booth at the National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC), which is an annual conference that brings together service providers, policy makers, researchers and business leaders from around the country to discuss issues concerning immigration, inclusion and integration.
• Dec 19: If you want to give back to the community and join the#GetAlarmedNYC Home Fire Campaign, attend the Home Fire Safety Academy. Trainings teaching everything you need to know to be a part of this lifesaving effort are taking place on Dec 19. Submit your application today.

Getting Alarmed In My Own Neighborhood

By Silvana Espinoza, American Red Cross

In late September, I was given the opportunity to “ride-along” with Red Cross volunteers during a disaster response shift, an experience that provided me with better insight into the values and work of the Red Cross. A month and a half later, in mid-November, I saw firsthand another part of the Red Cross mission, the #GetAlarmedNYC campaign. The event took place in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, a few blocks from where I live. The Red Cross’ goal that day was to install hundreds of free carbon monoxide and smoke alarms in area homes. Not only did the experience allow me work with many other dedicated volunteers to help save lives, but it allowed me to do so in my own community.

The event began early Saturday morning at Yankee Stadium. Bronx Council Member, Vanessa Gibson and Josh Lockwood, Regional Red Cross CEO were among some of the speakers who provided encouraging words to Red Cross volunteers. After the briefing session, we were geared up, provided with all the necessary equipment and training to head out into the community.

I was teamed up with Ashley DeLuca, an experienced and enthusiastic Red Cross volunteer who had participated in previous smoke alarm installations in the City. Throughout our 3-hour trip, we visited five different homes. Our job was not only to install free smoke alarms, but to also interact and inform residents about fire safety and prevention. In total, we were able to install seven smoke alarms.

Living only a few minutes away from Highbridge, I was able to value and appreciate the commitment of Red Cross volunteers in trying to create a safer environment for families and residents in my community. About two months ago, a 4-alarm tore through an apartment building just blocks from my home, displacing nearly 60 families. The Red Cross was there then helping victims of the fire, and now they were once again back in the Bronx with an army of dedicated volunteers spreading the message of fire-safety and trying to prevent future fire tragedies from reoccurring.

In Case You Missed It - Dec 7

Red Cross helped dozens of families after a 5-alarm fire in the Bronx.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 109 adults and 51 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Saturday, the #GetAlarmedNYC campaign made its way to Jackson Heights (Queens), where 20 Red Cross volunteer teams canvassed the neighborhood to serve over 700 community residents by installing more than 350 free smoke alarms (photos by Syncere Zakee).
• Saturday also proved to be a busy day for the Metro New York North Red Cross. First up was the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive in Greenwich, Conn. where local police, fire and EMS personnel held a friendly competition to see which group could donate the most units of blood.
• There were also two Holiday Mail for Heroes events that took place later that day in Metro NY North: one at the Jefferson Valley Mall and another at Greenwich Hospital.
• On Thursday, volunteers from the Long Island Red Cross supported the Holiday Mail for Heroes program by sorting cards to be given to service members and veterans throughout the region.
• After a terrible 3-alarm fire gutted three homes on Clove Road in Staten Island late Tuesday night morning, Red Cross volunteers worked late into the night to provide emergency housing and emergency financial assistance to one of those families.
• On Tuesday, the Red Cross met with Manhattan Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright who expressed her appreciation for the Red Cross and its readiness to assist her district in the event of an emergency.
• On Monday, the Red Cross helped dozens of families affected by a 5-alarm blaze on Montgomery Ave in the Bronx. Thank you to all who worked late into the night to support this response.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Dec 7: Red Cross blood drive; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Dec 12, 19: If you want to give back to the community and join the #GetAlarmedNYC Home Fire Campaign, attend the Home Fire Safety Academy. Trainings teaching everything you need to know to be a part of this lifesaving effort are taking place on Dec 12 and 19. Submit your application today.
• Dec 13-15: The American Red Cross will have a booth at the National Immigrant Integration Conference (NIIC), which is an annual conference that brings together service providers, policy makers, researchers and business leaders from around the country to discuss issues concerning immigration, inclusion and integration.

In Case You Missed It - Nov 30

Red Cross on Long Island teaching emergency preparedness to JFK Intermediate School in Deer Park.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 68 adults and 32 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• For the last 10 days, the American Red Cross has been counting down to Giving Tuesday by sharing stories with #GiveWithMeaning.
• On Thanksgiving Day, as part of Daily News' "Voice of the People" column and in the Brooklyn Eagle, Greater New York CEO Josh Lockwood thanked volunteers, staff and supporters by saying "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible people who fulfill the mission of the Red Cross."
• In keeping with the holiday spirit, we wanted to take a moment to recognize some our volunteers who will be spending part of their holiday giving back like Vincent Stephens from Staten Island.
• On the eve of Thanksgiving Day, a two-building fire destroyed 16 apartments in Ossining (Westchester County). The Red Cross was able to provide food, clothes, transportation and emergency housing to some of those families affected.
• On Tuesday, Community Relations Manager Denise Bloise met with Brooklyn Assembly Member Helene Weinstein to provide an update on local Red Cross emergency responses in her district as well as information on emergency preparedness programs available to her constituents.
• On Monday, we posted a photo from a prior Long Island Pillowcase Project event that taught emergency preparedness to over 122 students at JFK Intermediate School in Deer Park.
• Early last week, our Restoring Family Links team participated in "A Family Resource Day" sponsored by city officials and agencies to assist immigrants with services.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
Dec 1: Now in its fourth year, #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Please support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross.
• Dec 3-6: For Long Islanders, we invite you to join us for the 20th Anniversary of Champions for Charity!
• Dec 5: Our #GetAlarmedNYC campaign needs volunteers to support daily installation teams every week. The campaign also needs volunteers to support our upcoming Mega Event in Jackson Heights (Queens) on December 5th. Sign up for a Home Fire Campaign shift today (link for Red Cross Volunteers).

Giving Thanks by Giving Back

As we prepare to gather with friends and family on this special day, we wanted to take a moment to recognize some our volunteers who will be spending part of their holiday giving back. Among those offering their time and assistance today is Vincent Stephens from Staten Island. Prior to his shift, we chatted with him about his volunteer work with the Red Cross and what it means for him to offer a helping hand on a day like today.

Where are you from?

VINCENT STEPHENS (VS): I was born in Brooklyn but moved to Staten Island when I was two. I lived in [the neighborhood of] Sunnyside most of my life. I’ve lived in New Spingville for the past three years.

When did you start volunteering for the Red Cross?

VS: I became a Red Cross volunteer in September of 2012. Basically, I wanted to help people, not only on Staten Island, but all over the City.

What is your role?

VS: I’m a DAT [Disaster Action Team] captain. We help people after fires, vacates and other incidents. I oversee a group of volunteers from Staten Island who take shifts to respond, not only in Staten Island, but also City-wide if need be.

How often do you volunteer?

VS: 16-20 hours a week on average. Usually, two to three full Sunday tours [shifts] a month and two to three Mondays a month. But sometimes, even if I’m not on shift and something happens on Staten Island and I’m available, I’ll offer help so a team from Manhattan doesn’t have to. Often, if we hear or see something going on in Staten island, we’ll call in to see if we can respond.

Have you ever volunteered on a holiday before?

VS: I have. I’ve volunteered Easter Sundays, Thanksgivings and Christmas. 

Why do you volunteer on these holidays? 

VS: It’s particularly important for me to help people get back on their feet and find a sense of normalcy on these days. 

Who will be volunteering alongside you on Thanksgiving? 

VS: Two of my Staten Island DAT team members: Dinali Obeysekera and Chris Hojnacki.

Why do you keep coming back as a volunteer? 

VS: To know that you helped someone get to a better place after losing everything.

Along with Vincent, the following volunteers from across the region are also volunteering today: Janice Barnikel, Bob Brander, Chris Hojnacki, Frank Lossmann, Dinali Obeysekera, Marko Orgega, Dennis Patrikios, Mamadou Sall, Terese Schellhorn.

To learn more about volunteering for the Red Cross click here.