In Case You Missed It

News 12 spoke with Sickle Cell Warrior Ashley Flowers about the importance of donating blood.

From January 22 to 28, the American Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 183 adults and 50 children following 59 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from the past week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Over the weekend, NY State Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz attended a blood drive in the Riverdale section of the Bronx hosted by the Red Cross Youth Club at Horace Mann High School.
• News 12 spoke with Metro NY North Red Cross CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley and sickle cell warrior and blood donor ambassador Ashley Flowers about the importance of giving blood during the current national shortage.
• News 12 reported on how members of the Delta Sigma Theta Bronx Alumni Chapter joined up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive Friday.
• The Long Island Herald reported on how the #LIRedCross assisted residents after disasters throughout January.
• Last Thursday, our interim CEO Celena Sarillo joined our NYC Disaster Action Team members for a response shift last night.
• Last week, we shared this viral video of our Regional Disaster Program Officer, Dario Diaz, explaining why volunteers should deploy to large-scale disaster relief operations outside of Greater New York.
• Lisa Prindle, with her mom, shared how many times they’ve donated blood to encourage others to give during the current national blood shortage.
• CBS NY, News 12 and the Gothamist reported on a fire on Boynton Ave in the Bronx where the Red Cross provided 5 families with emergency housing.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• In 2024, resolve to gift your skills through pro bono work. During large disasters, the Red Cross is looking for licensed mental health professionals to support the emotional health of individuals, families, and communities. Sign up to volunteer with us!
• Feb 5-8: Mark your calendars for the upcoming Red Cross Blood Drive at West Point Military Academy.
• Feb 21: Join us for a virtual Volunteer Info Session to learn more about how you can make a difference in your community and help people when they need it the most.
• Mar 6: Join us in Manhattan as the American Red Cross recognizes civic leaders and heroic individuals who embody our humanitarian mission at the annual Red Cross Heroes Gala.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross responded to a fire on Holland Avenue in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx.
(Photo: Síle Moloney/Norwood News)

From January 16 to 22, the American Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 249 adults and 77 children following 51 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from the past week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• #LIRedCross volunteer and Brentwood resident Celia Vollmer was featured as a Hometown Hero in Newsday.
• The Norwood News reported on a fire last Thursday on Holland Ave in the Bronx where the Red Cross assisted 3 families.
• Last Wednesday, CBS NY spoke with disaster responder Franddy Rodriguez supporting residents after a floor collapse in Queens Village.
• Last Tuesday, News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting 20 families in the Tremont section of the Bronx.
• On the 15th Anniversary of the Miracle on the Hudson, Red Crossers celebrated with passengers of Flight 1549.
• Last Monday, #LIRedCrossers responded to an electrical fire in Centereach where they assisted four families displaced from their home.
• A big THANK YOU to our volunteers who have deployed to help our neighbors in New Jersey after winter storms brought flooding to several parts of the state.
• The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Patch and Brooklyn Paper reported on our team working with the FDNY and FDNY Foundation to install over 100 free smoke alarms in Brooklyn for #MLKDayofService.
• Last week, the #LIRedCross held a Shelter Simulation training at Brentwood Union Free School District to learn how to manage a shelter in a disaster.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• What’s one goal you’d like to achieve this year? How about giving a few hours of your time to help people in your community by signing up to volunteer with us!
• Jan 27: Come join us at the In Person Volunteer Open House to discuss our open volunteer positions, answer questions and assist with the volunteer application process. Snacks will be provided after the presentation.
• Feb 5-8: Mark your calendars for the upcoming Red Cross Blood Drive at West Point Military Academy.
• Mar 6: Join us in Manhattan as the American Red Cross recognizes civic leaders and heroic individuals who embody our humanitarian mission at the annual Red Cross Heroes Gala.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders assist residents after a tree collapsed on a Queens home.

From January 8 to 14, the American Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 146 adults and 45 children following 52 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from the past week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• CBS2 reported on a tree falling on a Queens home where the Red Cross provided assistance to 11 individuals, including emergency lodging.
• Last Saturday, #LIRedCross volunteers were out installing smoke alarms and providing fire safety education in the community.
• It was a #FantasticFriday in the Greater NY Region as we welcomed three of our national leaders for a special Town Hall Meeting.
• In her latest column in the Greenwich Sentinel, Metro NY North Chapter CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley encouraged all generations to work together and roll up their sleeves to donate blood.
• Last Wednesday, our SAF team brought lightly-used donated coats from Greenwich, CT to Veterans in Westchester County.
• The Bronx Times reported on a retaining wall collapse last Wednesday on Anthony Ave. where the Red Cross provided 12 adults and 3 children with emergency housing.
• Amidst a series of winter storms impacting the region, Long Island CEO Jose Dominguez talks to News12 Long Island about how to prepare for winter weather.
• In this new article published last week by Red Cross volunteer Barbara Gaynes, you can read about the work of DAT members through the experiences of residents who received their help.
• News12 Westchester, NY1 and CBS 880 radio covered the ongoing blood shortage, which includes a 20-year low in blood donors.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• What if in 2024 you can make a difference for people on the worst day of their lives? From a single-family fire to large-scale hurricane or flood, Recovery Care Caseworkers meet the disaster-caused needs of individuals and families by matching Red Cross assistance and community resources to their needs.
• Jan 27: Come join us at the In Person Volunteer Open House to discuss our open volunteer positions, answer questions and assist with the volunteer application process. Snacks will be provided after the presentation.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross volunteers Jonathan Liles and Mary Cueva pack up smoke alarms in preparation for a Home Fire Campaign installation appointment in the Bronx. (Photo: Frederic Klein)

From January 1 to 7, the American Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 128 adults and 54 children following 47 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from past week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• January is National Blood Donor Month, and Bronx mom Irene Guanill hosts three blood drives per year with the Red Cross in honor of her late son, Jason, who loved to donate blood.
• News12, NY1, and other media outlets shared that the Red Cross is experiencing a blood shortage, as the number of people donating blood is the lowest it's been in 20 years.
• Our Long Island CEO Jose Dominguez attended the Long Island Association State of the Region event alongside our board member Ming Chiang of Hello Taiwan last Friday.
• Our Greater New York Disaster Action Team had quite a long day of activity on New Year’s Eve. Read about it here.
• Last week, we published an article about volunteer Jonathan Liles’ second shift as a Home Fire Campaign installer.
• Last Wednesday, the Bronx Times and CBS2 reported on the Red Cross providing emergency assistance to a family after a tragic fire on Barnes Avenue in the Bronx.
• News12 reported on a fire in the Highbridge section of the Bronx where the Red Cross helped 5 displaced families.
• The Rockland Report posted an article about the Metro NY North Chapter announcing its 2024 Red & White Ball Co-Chairs, Committee, and Honorees.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• EMERGENCY BLOOD SHORTAGE: The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels. Your blood or platelet donation is needed now to help alleviate the shortage and ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not delayed. Don’t wait – sign up to donate.
• Jan 12: Join national Red Cross leaders Brad Kieserman, Jennifer Pipa, and Koby Langley at a Special Town Hall Meeting. They will provide an update on operations across the country, share their vision for 2024, and answer your questions. RSVP via this link.
• Jan 27: Come join us at the In Person Volunteer Open House to discuss our open volunteer positions, answer questions and assist with the volunteer application process. Snacks will be provided after the presentation.

In Case You Missed It

Red Crossers rang in the New Year at Times Square by supporting first responders. (Photo: Eric Strausman)

From December 26th to Jan 2nd, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 225 adults and 68 children following 53 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from that past two week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Red Crossers rang in the New Year at Times Square by supporting first responders from the afternoon to the ball drop at midnight!
• Earlier in the evening, PIX11 interviewed Red Cross responder Sean Patrick McNerney about how the Red Cross was assisting residents on Schenck Boulevard in East New York after a fire displaced 80 residents.
• As with every Christmas Day, we also celebrated the birthday of our iconic founder Clara Barton.
• Long Island Disaster Action Team member Mitchell Ostrover spoke with News12 after a December 28 fire in Roslyn.
• On December 21, our NYC Disaster Action Team responded to a fire on 9th St in Brooklyn and provided emergency assistance to 4 families.
• On December 20, the Greater New York Red Cross opened up a Service Center to assist 88 households after a 5-alarm fire on 39th street in Sunnyside, Queens. See news coverage from CBS2, FOX5, ABC7, PIX11, USA Today, and more.
• Hear why Raymona Dawkins volunteers with the Sound the Alarm program.
• Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton helped “Sound the Alarm” about home fires with this PSA.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• New Year, New Goals! Add volunteering to your resolution list by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Get started by learning about our most-needed volunteer positions, here.#ResolveToVolunteer
• Jan 3: Don’t wrap up 2023 without signing up to give blood or platelets! You can help give a patient hope for a brighter 2024. Join us for the Do It for Jason blood drive on January 3 or schedule your blood or platelet donation for another day.
• Jan 12: Join national Red Cross leaders Brad Kieserman, Jennifer Pipa, and Koby Langley at a Special Town Hall Meeting. They will provide an update on operations across the country, share their vision for 2024, and answer your questions. RSVP via this link.
• Jan 27: Come join us at the In Person Volunteer Open House to discuss our open volunteer positions, answer questions and assist with the volunteer application process. Snacks will be provided after the presentation.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross responded to the partial building collapse in the Bronx. (Source: News 12)

From December 11th to December 17th, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 220 adults and 71 children following 39 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from that past week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Saturday night after the fire on Caryl Ave in Yonkers, the American Red Cross worked with officials from the City of Yonkers to open an emergency shelter at the Peter Chema Sr. Community Center to support any residents needing a warm place to go and to connect with Red Cross caseworkers.
• Earlier in the day, the Metro NY North team was simulating an emergency shelter operation at the Rockland County Fire Training Center to help responders prepare for disasters that displace many residents, such as the one in Yonkers later that day.
• Over the weekend, some of our #MetroNYNorth Service to the Armed Forces team helped place wreaths on the graves of fallen heroes with Wreaths Across America.
• It was a beautiful day on Saturday to help make homes safer against the risk of fires on Saturday. Red Cross volunteers alongside FDNY & FDNY Foundation installed free smoke alarms and educated our Upper Manhattan neighbors about fire safety.
• Throughout last week, the Red Cross responded to the partial building collapse in the Bronx and supported the nearly 200 residents who were displaced by helping operate a service center at Bronx Community College. Red Cross efforts were covered by the New York Times, USA Today, New York Daily News, amNY, Univision, CBS2, NBC4, FOX5, ABC7, PIX11, News12, and others.
• The Red Cross responded to a fire on Staten Island on Friday, covered here by Gothamist.
• Last Friday, our Service to the Armed Forces team spent the day at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn delivering 12 resiliency workshops to services members and contractors on base.
• ABC7NY’s Bill Ritter reported that FDNY and the Red Cross are teaming up to install free smoke alarms in NYC homes and raise awareness for fire safety, showing FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh personally installing smoke alarms alongside Red Cross workers.
• Metro NY North Chapter CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley and board members spread holiday cheer to first responders in Greenwich, Conn.
• The Long Island Chapter gathered to recognize amazing Disaster Cycle Services volunteers, including some who helped provide mental health services to students after the tragic bus crash involving Farmingdale High School.
• Last Tuesday, we joined with Brooklyn State Senator Iwen Chu to discuss fire safety and preparedness while she introduced new legislation to address lithium-ion fires in residential buildings, reported by News 12.
• Long Island Chapter CEO Jose Dominguez sat down with Connoisseur Media for an interview, discussing holiday safety tips, what it means to volunteer, Taylor Swift, and more.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• Year in Review 2023: As we close out 2023, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season, and invite you to review some of our region's proudest and most memorable moments.
• Dec 20: Does war stop during the holiday season? Can enemies put down their guns and play a game of soccer? Join the American Red Cross IHL Program to explore some extraordinary moments in history when the guns of war have fallen silent during the holidays.
• Jan 12: Join national Red Cross leaders Brad Kieserman, Jennifer Pipa, and Koby Langley at a Special Town Hall Meeting. They will provide an update on operations across the country, share their vision for 2024, and answer your questions. RSVP via this link.

In Case You Missed It

Red Crossers went to Stuyvesant High School to teach Hands-only CPR
(Photo: Sean Patrick McNerney)

From December 5th to December 11th, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 100 adults and 48 children following 42 local disaster responses. Here are some highlights from that past week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• We partnered with Congresswoman Grace Meng to make a PSA about our Sound The Alarm program to end home fires in New York City.
• Red Crossers taught nearly 500 future leaders how to do Hands-Only CPR at Stuyvesant High School last week.
• Last Thursday, lohud.com published a special op-ed by Metro NY North CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley about how the climate crisis is amplifying the need for blood donations and disaster volunteers.
• Our Senior Disaster Program Manager, Brian Gerber, shared a touching mission moment from Hurricane Ida in a clip we shared last week.
• We shared this clip last week of when we honored Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom at the Women Who Serve America event in November for her lifetime of service.
• Last Monday, a 4th grade student made a thank you card for our volunteers Barbara and Helene who gave Pillowcase Program presentation at South Salem Elementary School.
• News12 Westchester covered a fire in White Plains where the Red Cross provided assistance to 7 people.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• 📢 Calling all Gamers 📢 This holiday season to help ensure that no family faces a disaster alone, join our Gamers vs Disasters fundraiser. Gamers can now join our #RescueRoyale, a charity based stream-a-thon, to help assist people affected by disasters big and small.
• Year in Review 2023: As we close out 2023, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season, and invite you to review some of our region's proudest and most memorable moments.
• Dec 14: Give the gift of time! Join us on Microsoft Teams to learn about our most needed volunteer opportunities and how you can sign up to join us.
• Jan 12: Join national Red Cross leaders Brad Kieserman, Jennifer Pipa, and Koby Langley at a Special Town Hall Meeting. They will provide an update on operations across the country, share their vision for 2024, and answer your questions. RSVP via this link.