In Case You Missed It - Dec 3

American Red Cross helping Boy Scout Crew 105 and Pack 25 with First Aid Training

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 146 adults and 37 children following 53 disaster responses. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review

• Local Red Cross volunteers from Greater NY continue to help those left homeless by the tragic wildfires in California. Thank you to our Red Crossers including Vivian Moy (Public Affairs) and Hannah Simpson (Disability Integration) for providing support. 
• Yesterday, Metro New York North volunteers opened a Reception Center and provided emergency assistance to 15 families (30 adults, 9 children, and 5 dogs) who were displaced by a fire in Yonkers. 
• Red Cross volunteers also provided comfort and care to 9 adults, 5 children, and 1 dog displaced by a fire in Brentwood yesterday. 
• Red Cross volunteers teamed up with partner MIRA USA in Newburgh on Saturday to install free smoke alarms in 60 homes. 
• On Saturday, American Red Cross held a First Aid Merit Badge Training and Certification for Boy Scout Crew 105 and Pack 25 at the Brentwood Public Library. 
• The Red Cross Club at Deer Park High School recently held a fundraiser for hurricane relief during which they raised over $1,300! Keep up the good work Deer Park! 
• Thank you CBS New York and CBS Cares for partnering with the American Red Cross for a holiday card signing event to express gratitude and holiday wishes to our service members. 
• On Monday, we visited NYC Councilman and Red Cross Sound the Alarm partner Robert Holden to record this fire safety message! 
• Local Red Crossers including Cedric Davoren are continuing to deliver hope and help to those affected by Super Typhoon Yutu in the islands of Saipan and Tinian (Northern Mariana Islands). 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Volunteer Screener, Disaster Action Team Member, Recruitment Support Member, Mass Care Team Member.  Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• Dec 3, 4, 7, 9: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. on Dec 3rd, 4th, and 7th, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 9th at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today! 
• Dec 13: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons at their Holiday Soirée: a night of conversation, drinks, live music and general holiday cheer at the beautiful and historic Players Club in Gramercy Park. To purchase tickets, click here! 
• Apr 15: Would you like to run the Boston Marathon for a good cause? Join the American Red Cross Runners on a Mission at the 2019 Boston Marathon. Be a part of our team and run to help deliver hope to those in their greatest time of need. Apply on our website: www.redcross.org/teamredcrossboston or email teamredcrossboston@redcross.org

Notes From the Field: the Camp Fire

by Michael de Vulpillieres, American Red Cross in Greater NY

Standing outside a shelter for wildfire evacuees on my first full day in Butte County, Calif., I met a couple from the town of Paradise who were forced to flee their home 36 hours earlier. Holding back tears, the husband detailed his traumatic escape while he showed me photos of the apocalyptic scenes he witnessed driving to safety. Despite losing his house and all his belongings, all that mattered to him was that his family was safe.

Throughout my deployment to Northern California I heard similarly harrowing stories every day. Maybe it was my Red Cross jacket but residents were very forthcoming about their ordeal. A man in line at Starbucks told me about his evacuation and how he knew to begin franticly loading up his car after hearing the fire which he said sounded like a freight train in the canyon just behind his house. A woman at a gas station, also left homeless by the fire, explained to me how her son ran nearly five miles to safety through thick black smoke after abandoning his car because traffic was at a standstill. An elderly woman I met at a shelter shared with me how she was forced to flee alone in her car, and how her terrifying drive to safety surrounded by flames took hours.

All the evacuees I met were still in shock and all but a few held out any hope that their houses were still standing. Many knew the fate of their homes because they were engulfed in flames by the time their cars reached the end of their driveways. That’s how quickly the fire moved.

A few days into my deployment, I saw firsthand the destruction that these families fled days earlier. Accompanied by officials from Cal Fire, my team visited the town of Paradise. What we witnessed was surreal and disorienting. Neighborhoods were barren, full of homes burned to their foundations, charred appliances and vehicles, melted metal and glass, pockets of smoldering ash. Occasionally we’d come across a sign of life and color, like a fully intact child’s toy.

None of the families I personally met lost loved ones to the fire, thankfully. But that is not to say that the anxiety and scope of loss was not palpable. In front of each shelter were bulletin boards containing lists, names and photos of missing individuals. There were also notes posted to these boards speaking directly to the missing: “I love you” “we miss you.” It was heartbreaking to see those boards fill up day after day.

But my time in California was also marked by moments of hope. Shining a light through the smoke and darkness was the generosity that poured in from near and far. I traveled from New York City to work with the Red Cross and met many fellow team members, mostly volunteers, from local communities, several who lost their homes, as well as from dozens of states across the country. Each day they worked tirelessly to help: providing shelter, meals, water, emotional support, health assistance, reunification and so much more.

And there were countless other individuals and organizations large and small providing just about anything you could imagine for the survivors: food, coffee, internet service, face masks, wifi, phones, clothes, music performances, services/supplies for pets, hay for rescued livestock, rides to the doctor, a room in their homes.

After I explained to an evacuee at a shelter where the meals were came from, the man looked at me, deeply humbled, and asked, “Why can’t we be this kind to each other every day?”

In Case You Missed It - Nov 26

Long Island Red Crossers handing out supplies to homeless veterans at the Freeport Armory

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 120 adults and 43 children following 52 disaster responses. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review

• Throughout the past Thanksgiving week hundreds of Red Cross volunteers, including local team members Garrison (from our reunification team) and Hannah (disability specialist), were on the ground providing shelter, food, and comfort to those affected by the California wildfires. 
• Our Communication Officer Mike de Vupillieres, who was recently stationed in Butte County, California shared a video of wildfire evacuee Klyda Flanders. Klyda, who lost her Paradise home to the blaze, shared with Mike the harrowing experience of fleeing in her car to safety and recognized all those who helped her since. 
• Yesterday, Red Cross volunteers Litt Anderson, Gary Porto, and Ruben Santiago from the Metro New York North Chapter provided emergency assistance to four families displaced by a home fire in Peekskill. 
• Several of our team members from Greater New York are helping deliver hope and help after Typhoon Yutu struck the U.S. commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. We are grateful for their service! 
• Watch a special Thanksgiving message from our Regional CEO Josh Lockwood. Thank you to all the Red Crossers who spent their holiday volunteering! 
• On Wednesday our emergency preparedness team was at Staten Island Technical High School providing life-saving training to their entire student body of over 1300 students. Thank you to Councilman Steven Matteo for his partnership and for inviting the Red Cross to his district. 
• We stand in solidarity with Cruz Roja Mexicana Sede Nacional who lost a volunteer during an aid distribution last week. Six other Red Crossers were injured in the attack. Aid workers around the globe face increasing threats to their safety. Humanitarians are not a target.
• Tuesday in Long Island Red Cross volunteers handed out supplies to homeless veterans as part of our Services to the Armed Forces program. This included hand-woven blankets that volunteers have been working on for the past year for this occasion. 
• Red Cross volunteers, in partnership with Councilman Donovan Richards, the FDNY, the FDNY Foundation and National Grid installed nearly 200 life-saving smoke alarms in the Rockaways on Monday. 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities 

• Nov 26, 27, & 30: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today!  
• Nov 27: Celebrate Giving Tuesday and donate to the American Red Cross. Your gift makes a difference. Without you, our work simply would not be possible. 
• Dec 13: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons at their Holiday Soirée: a night of conversation, drinks, live music and general holiday cheer at the beautiful and historic Players Club in Gramercy Park. To purchase tickets, click here! 

In Case You Missed It — Nov 19

Red Cross volunteer providing care and comfort to Bonnie who had to evacuate her home in Paradise, California

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 86 adults and 36 children following 49 disaster responses. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review

• Local NY Red Crossers are on the ground in Northern California at shelters for wildfire evacuees to manage food and supplies and provide mental and physical health services. Our Greater New York Communications Officer Mike de Vulpillieres is stationed in Butte County and shares about the devastation. Watch here to learn about a couple’s harrowing escape from the flames and the support they’ve received after the fire destroyed their home. If you or someone you know is looking for a loved one, please click here to access the Red Cross Safe and Well website.
• On Saturday, MNYN Red Crossers responded to a fire on Gold Street in Yonkers, providing emergency assistance to 10 adults and 2 children. 
• Local Red Crosser Cedric Davoren continues to provide relief efforts to those affected by Super Typhoon Yutu in Saipan and Tinian. Client services and disaster assessment are working to see as many people as possible. The Army partnered with the Red Cross to assemble Disaster Emergency kits and deliver supplies to the people of Tinian. 
• On Thursday, Red Cross held its Sunrise to Save Lives breakfast to support the Red Cross Measles Rubella Initiative. Thank you to program manager James Noe for educating and informing about this important initiative. 
• Thank you Councilman Robert Holden for inviting the American Red Cross to partner and work together to provide vital Home Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness services.
• Last Monday, Red Cross partnered with Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation to install smoke alarms and raise awareness about the importance of working smoke alarms and fire safety. 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities 

• Hiring: Response Manager (weekday 12am-8am shift), Response Manager (Wed-Fri 4pm-12am shifts with alternating 12pm-12am weekend shifts)
• Nov 19, 20, 21, & 23: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today!  
• Dec 13: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons at their Holiday Soirée: a night of conversation, drinks, live music and general holiday cheer at the beautiful and historic Players Club in Gramercy Park. To purchase tickets, click here!

In Case You Missed It — Nov 12

Red Crossers honoring our nation's veterans at the NYC Veteran's Day Parade (Photo: Kevin Suttlehan)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 115 adults and 18 children following 60 disaster responses. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review

• Led by Oonagh Tait channeling Clara Bartan, Red Cross volunteers dedicated their Sunday to celebrating our nation’s veterans and marched in the NYC Veteran’s Day Parade. Red Crossers also served hot beverages, water, and snacks to event attendees. Thank you to all veterans and those currently serving! Check out more photos here.
• On Saturday our Home Fire Campaign team and community partners were in Queens neighborhoods, promoting home fire safety and installing free smoke alarms to households. Join the Home Fire Campaign today! 
• Red Cross is on the ground in Saipan and Tinian, providing relief efforts to those affected by a Super Typhoon Yutu. Local Red Crossers like Cedric Davoren are delivering emergency supply kits to clients and are working with Youth Bureau Services for client service centers for the villages. 
• Thank you SOMOS New York for recognizing the work of the Red Cross and Cruz Roja’s team in helping Puerto Rico. We are honored to work with you to continue to build a more robust and resilient Puerto Rico. 
• On Friday, Regional CEO of American Red Cross in Greater New York Josh Lockwood met with Tom Morris Jur from the hit show LivePD to discuss how to grow the Red Cross mission.
• Local Red Crossers including our Communications Officer Mike de Vulpillieres deployed to Butte County, California to open shelters, assist wildfire evacuees, and provide supplies.
• The FDNY Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) recently returned to NYC after a deployment to Florida to assist those affected by Hurricane Michael. In just one week, the team was able to distribute 1,000 kits to hurricane victims to help those who lost power or were without means to cook for themselves. 
• On Wednesday, Red Cross held a Sound the Alarm Pillowcase Project at the Bayview Community Center After School Program. For the next few weeks, Red Cross has partnered with Millennium Youth Development to teach children the essentials of preparing for an emergency. 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• Nov 12, 16, & 19: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today! 
• Nov 15: American Red Cross is hosting Sunrise to Save Lives Breakfast to eliminate measles through improved vaccination coverage. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://501auctions.com/sunrisetosavelives. For questions and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dawn Neilson at dawn.neilson@redcross.org or 516-747-3500 ext. 203. 
• Nov 16: Sign up for a free 2-hour class about the Fundamental Principles that guide the work and decisions of all Red Cross Red Crescent workers. RSVP here or contact Sara Onvani at sara.onvani2@redcross.org. 
• Dec 13: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons at their Holiday Soirée: a night of conversation, drinks, live music and general holiday cheer at the beautiful and historic Players Club in Gramercy Park. To purchase tickets, click here! 

Volunteer Snapshot: Jeff O'Neill

Jeff O'Neil in Mexico Beach, Florida after Hurricane Michael

Jeff O’Neill remembers walking past his local Red Cross in Huntington, Long Island thousands of times before one day deciding to walk in and learn more. 16 years after that fateful decision, O’Neill has not looked back. From working in a mega shelter for victims of Hurricane Harvey to working with Health Services after a devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri, O’Neill has dedicated countless hours helping those affected by disasters across the country. Most recently, O’Neill deployed to Florida for two weeks in response to Hurricane Michael. There, he drove an Emergency Response Vehicle and teamed up with a local volunteer fire department to provide warm meals to residents impacted by this historic storm.

When asked what he’s learned from his 16 years with the Red Cross, O’Neill said:

“I have the best feeling that I’ve had in my life when I’m reaching out and helping somebody else…And the Red Cross has given me the opportunity to be on that path, to find those people that need help. Like a lot of the things the Red Cross has done for me, nothing is huge. There’s been no great flash of light; it’s just been little, little things where I can see somebody feel a little bit relieved in a crazy situation. And if I can help be a part of that, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had.”

O'Neill after the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado

O'Neill and fellow volunteers in Florida responding to Hurricane Michael

Mexico Beach, Florida

Red Crossers team up with Lanark Volunteer Fire Department after Hurricane Michael

In Case You Missed It - Nov 5

Red Cross offered emergency preparedness training to students of New Dorp High School on Staten Island 

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 96 adults and 27 children following 33 disaster responses. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (see below)

Last Week in Review

• Special thank you to all the Red Crossers who volunteered at the TCS New York City Marathon yesterday, serving as medical spotters at the finish line. And thank you to all the runners who ran to benefit the Red Cross! 
• On Sunday, our very own Craig Cooper (LI volunteer) was on the monthly Red Cross feature, ‘Weather Red Report,’ on The Weather Channel. Craig provided tips on how to prepare for a winter emergency. He also reminded viewers to check the batteries on their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 
• On Friday, we teamed up with Council Member Steven Mateo to provide emergency preparedness training to thousands of students at New Dorp High School on Staten Island. Thank you to the New Dorp HS staff for welcoming our team to help Staten Island prepare! 
• On our most recent installment for “Three Questions” we featured longtime Red Cross staff member Francisco Resto who currently serves as a disaster responder on the 10:00 P.M. to 6:30 A.M. overnight shift. 
• Congrats to Arturo Guzman who just celebrated thirty years of Red Cross volunteer service! And on Saturday, he deployed to Florida to support Hurricane Michael relief efforts! 
• On Thursday, our Sr. Director of Government and Community Relations John Waldman joined NYC Department of Buildings at their Full Scale Exercise with New York City Fire Department. 
• MNYN volunteers provided emergency assistance to ten adults displaced by a home fire in Mt Vernon on Tuesday. 
• For Halloween, the Red Cross ECC shared this spooky story of a little ghost that haunts our offices at night. 

Upcoming Events & Opportunities

• Nov 6, 9, & 12: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today! 
• Nov 15: American Red Cross is hosting Sunrise to Save Lives Breakfast to eliminate measles through improved vaccination coverage. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://501auctions.com/sunrisetosavelives. For questions and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dawn Neilson at dawn.neilson@redcross.org or 516-747-3500 ext. 203. 
• Nov 16: Sign up for a free 2-hour class about the Fundamental Principles that guide the work and decisions of all Red Cross Red Crescent workers. RSVP here or contact Sara Onvani at sara.onvani2@redcross.org. 
• Dec 13: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons at their Holiday Soirée: a night of conversation, drinks, live music and general holiday cheer at the beautiful and historic Players Club in Gramercy Park. To purchase tickets, click here!