American Red Cross Greater New York Blog

Monday, February 17, 2025

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross assisted families after multiple fires in the Bronx.

From Feb 10-16, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 328 adults and 105 children following 53 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

The Norwood News reported on the Red Cross assisting a resident after a fire on Dekalb Avenue in the Bronx on Sunday.
Last Friday, News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fire on Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights section of Brooklyn.
News 12 reported on the Red Cross providing emergency housing to 22 families after a 3-alarm fire on Ellis Ave.
Hoodline, News 12, and ABC7 reported on the Red Cross assisting 19 adults and 8 children after a fire on Rochambeau Ave in the Bronx.
For Valentines Day, we shared the romantic stories of two dynamic Red Cross couples: Andres Moreira and Jennifer Freda and Stephanie and Yobany Casas.
Last Wednesday, CBS2, Norwood News, News 12, amNY, and NBC4 reported on the Red Cross assisting 6 residents with emergency housing after a fatal fire on Anthony Avenue in the Bronx.
As reported by Patch, Metro NY North CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley was recognized by the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol as their Patrolman of the year for 2024.
Checkout this supercut of blood donors sharing how many times they give and why it’s important to them.
Vivian Moy is one of many local GNY Red Crossers who left the comfort of their homes in order to help fellow Americans in their time of need in Los Angeles.
The National social media accounts for the American Red Cross shared this clip highlighting Frederick Douglass from the Untold Legacy documentary for #BlackHistoryMonth
NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams is helping to #EndHomeFires with this PSA.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Safety Town registration is now open! Hosted by the Metro New York North Chapter right in the heart of Greenwich, Conn, it's the perfect place for your soon-to-be kindergartener to learn and grow. Sign up at safetytown2025.givesmart.com.
Feb 19: Corcoran Centric Realty blood drive in Greenwich, CT.
Feb 22: 2025 Operation 7 Save a Life special to air Saturday, Feb. 22 on ABC7.
We’re hiring: Regional Director, Facilities & Fleet Services
We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Monday, February 10, 2025

In Case You Missed It

2025 DAT Summit

From Feb 3-9, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 171 adults and 49 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

On Saturday, the leaders of this dedicated group gathered for the 2025 DAT Summit to share updates and information, mix and mingle across chapters, highlight best practices and celebrate accomplishments.
We recently discovered this illuminating 1992 documentary from our VHS archives about the history of prominent African American leaders in the American Red Cross and decided to unveil it during #BlackHistoryMonth.
Volunteer Sean McNerney, currently on deployment, shared an update from Los Angeles.
The Staten Island Advance reported on State Sen. Scarcella-Spanton receiving the Red Cross Legislator of the Year award.
Last Wednesday, Assembly member Claire Valdez thanked the Red Cross for assisting residents after a fire on 68th Rd in Ridgewood (Queens). CBS2, Queens Chronicle, and QNS reported on the fire.
Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella met with GNY Regional CEO Doreen Thomann-Howe, the Regional CEO to discuss the ways the Red Cross responds to emergencies and how Borough Hall can help our mission.
Blood donor Dan shared what donating for the first time was like.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Safety Town registration is now open! Hosted by the Metro New York North Chapter right in the heart of Greenwich, Conn, it's the perfect place for your soon-to-be kindergartener to learn and grow. Sign up at safetytown2025.givesmart.com.
Feb 19: Corcoran Centric Realty blood drive in Greenwich, CT.
Feb 22: 2025 Operation 7 Save a Life special to air Saturday, Feb. 22 on ABC7.
We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

In Case You Missed It

Volunteers installed free smoke alarms in Washington Heights homes.

From Jan 27-Feb 2, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 146 adults and 43 children following 60 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

Last Sunday, News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting a family after a fire on Ocean Avenue in Brooklyn.
Heroes in Action! Last Saturday, 27 of our dedicated volunteers installed 120 alarms in 50 homes across Washington Heights as part of our Sound the Alarm campaign, which is celebrating 10 years of protecting families.
News 12 reported on the Red Cross helping a family after a fire on Bainbridge Avenue in the Bronx.
Last Thursday, NY Daily News, ABC7, and News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fatal fire on North Windsor Avenue in Bay Shore (Suffolk County).
Last week, we had two impactful days at the NY State Capital, where nearly 50 Red Crossers, staff, and volunteers united from all corners of our state to engage with over 100 state legislators. Five New York State legislators were recognized for their commitment to the Red Cross mission. The Brooklyn Eagle reported on Sen. Scarcella-Spanton being one of the legislators honored.
We are grateful Asw. Carrie Woener invited our biomedical services volunteers to the New York State Assembly Chamber to recognize all they do to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Did you catch our #LongIsland CEO on Island Outlook? Hear Jose talk about the Red Cross and all that is happening on Long Island and across the country.
Teacher and Red Cross volunteer Mrs. Brienza met with Student Council members from Boyle Road Elementary School to teach them about the Red Cross organization.
Lyn Kobsa and Aubrey help close out National Blood Donor Month by sharing why they donate.
Pet Therapy Dog Maple helped lower blood pressures and bring smiles to the cadets and blood donors at the West Point Blood Drive.
We celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Home Fire Campaign during Community Risk Reduction Week with this special tribute video.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Feb 6: Join the Youtube Premiere watch party for #Blackhistorymonth The Untold Legacy: A History of Black Involvement in the American Red Cross.
Feb 22: 2025 Operation 7 Save a Life special to air Saturday, Feb. 22 on ABC7.
We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

In Case You Missed It

From Jan 20-26, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 237 adults and 75 children following 72 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

Last Saturday, New 12, ABC7, CBS2, NY1 and FOX5 reported on the Red Cross assisting displaced residents after a fire on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn.
Last Friday, ABC7 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fire on 60th avenue in Flushing, Queens.
For Community Risk Reduction Week (Jan 20-26), take a listen to Jason Lyons, one of our Community Disaster Program Managers, as he shares some preparedness tips with All Of It With Alison Stewart.
Let’s hear it for Greenwich Country Day School! Recently we celebrated our exceptional partnership with GCDS — 21 years of hosting blood drives and saving lives!
We share this video highlighting the Red Cross response to the Allerton (Bronx) fire on January 10.
Brown University School of Public Health spotlighted Online MPH student Sean MacLean’s work with the Red Cross.
Last Wednesday, our regional CEO, Doreen Thomann Howe, and our team met with Garrison Commander Col. Melissa Cantwell and her team to discuss how we can support the wide variety of military personnel and their families who come to Fort Hamilton and use their facilities for training and other activities.
ABC7 and News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting 13 residents after a fire on E 38th Street in Brooklyn.
Last Tuesday, News 12 reported on the Red Cross opening a reception center to assist 11 households after a fire on McLean Ave in Yonkers.
Continuing our National Blood Donor month video series, volunteer EMT Karen and Scout master Carl share why they donate blood.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our AmeriCorps team and FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker fanned out across upper Manhattan to help install free smoke alarms and make homes safer from home fires.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Don't let the blood supply go downhill! More blood & platelet donors are needed now. When you come to give Jan. 27-Feb. 28, the Red Cross will send you a $15 e-gift card to a merchant you choose. Make your appointment to create a flurry of hope: https://rcblood.org/4hbLJeT
We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Monday, January 20, 2025

In Case You Missed It

MLK Day Saturday of Service with 43 volunteers from the Red Cross, MIRA USA,
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the United Federation of Teachers.

From Jan 13-19, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 247 adults and 77 children following 53 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

Great #MLKDAY Saturday of Service, with 43 volunteers from the Red Cross, MIRA USA, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and the United Federation of Teachers fanning out across East New York in Brooklyn to install free smoke alarms and provided fire safety information in 53 homes.
News 12 reported that the Red Cross is still providing housing to displaced residents of the Allerton fire as they transition to longer-term recovery plans.
News 12 reported on Stew Leonard's, American Red Cross, Yonkers FD raising donations for wildfire victims.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Council Member Pierina Sanchez thanked the Red Cross and other city agencies for helping 21 households who were displaced after a fire on Heath Ave in the Bronx last Wednesday, as covered by the NY Daily News, FOX5, ABC7, Norwood News and News 12.
Continuing our National Blood Donor month video series, Officer Diaz and Jim O’Brien share why they donate blood.
Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez thanked the #LIRedCross for assisting over 20 families after a fire in Central Islip. Newsday, News 12 and Patch reported on the Red Cross setting up a reception center.
We wished our volunteer Vivian Moy safe travels as she headed to California to support the ongoing Red Cross response to the wildfires.
A week after the wildfires in California started, our regional CEO Doreen Thomann-Howe joined CBS New York to provide an update on our ongoing efforts to ensure no one faces this heartbreaking time alone.
News 12 spoke with local volunteer David Gonsalves who is in Los Angeles for the Red Cross to help people impacted by the wildfires.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

TYPE O DONORS: We need your help to meet patient needs! O+ is the most transfused blood type & can be used by patients of any Rh-positive blood type. O- is the universal blood type & is often used in emergencies. Don't wait. Make an appointment to donate: rcblood.org/appt
We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Monday, January 13, 2025

In Case You Missed It

Regional CEO Doreen Howe speaking at the public information briefing for the Allerton Bronx apartment fire.

From Jan 6-12, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 451 adults and 116 children following 69 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

Over the weekend, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, NYC Emergency Management, FDNY and the Mayor’s Office gave updates on how the Red Cross opened a reception center and worked with partners to help the displaced residents after a major apartment fire in the Allerton section of the Bronx.
NY1 , News 12, ABC7, NY Times, CBS2, FOX5, Bronx Times, PIX11, Norwood News, People, NY Daily News, NBC4, Gothamist, and 1010Wins, among other outlets, all reported on the Red Cross response after the Allerton fire.
Last Saturday, Newsday reported on the Red Cross assisting a family after a fire on Woodlawn Rd. in West Hempstead.
Last Thursday, News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting families after a fire on Ocean Ave in Brooklyn.
Our Regional CEO, Doreen Howe, joined NY1’s Annika Pergament on "The Rush Hour" Thursday to talk about how New Yorkers can help those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
For National Blood Donor month, Alex shared why she continues to donate blood.
News 12 reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Miller Ave. in East New York.
We continued to look back on last November, when we honored extraordinary women who serve our country and our local communities like Meridith Maskara at the Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park.
Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter welcomed three board members.
Assemblymember Karines Reyes is helping to #EndHomeFires by recording PSAs for “Sound the Alarm” in English and in Spanish.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Kick off 2025 with a blood, platelet or plasma donation! When you come to give with the Red Cross Jan. 1-26, you'll automatically get a chance to score a getaway to #SuperBowl LIX. Schedule your appointment to give now: https://rcblood.org/3WbDQLZ
We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:

Monday, January 6, 2025

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Team supporting first responders at Times Square before New Year's Eve Ball Drop. (Photo: Alex Wales)

From Dec 30-Jan 5, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 132 adults and 45 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

The Bronx Times, News12 and CBS2 continued to cover how the Red Cross assisted residents for two weeks after the water main break in mid-December.
Last Thursday, our team gathered at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the first Opening Bell of 2025 and recognize National Blood Donor Month.
For the last several weeks, we’ve been sharing clips of the Women in Service we honored at the Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park like Judy Audevard, Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger, Deanne Criswell, Major Ophélie Bernecker and Captain Tina Peña.
In the hours leading up to midnight on New Year’s Eve, Red Cross volunteers provided hot beverages and snacks for first responders and partners at Times Square.
Relive the memory of when Red Cross blood donor Josh Dye won a contest to meet the legendary creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov.
For Clara Barton’s 203rd Birthday, fourth-grader Cara paid homage to the iconic founder of the American Red Cross with this video.
Two weeks ago, Congressman Jim Himes stopped by our Jill and John Coyle Blood Donor Center in Greenwich to demonstrate how easy and how important it is to donate blood.
The Boston College Football team stopped by our HQ on their way to the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium to learn hands-only CPR and help put together care packages for veterans.
We closed out the year remembering what an incredible year it has been and reminding our supporters of the impact they’ve had on the community.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Every day the Red Cross of Greater New York responds to 8 -10 disasters across the boroughs. If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference, join our Volunteer Disaster Response or Home Fire Campaign teams.
We are looking for volunteers in the following roles: