In Case You Missed It

#LIRedCross pre-positioned disaster relief items to enhance chapter readiness. (Photo: Ronnie G. Rigos)

From July 7 – July 13, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 158 adults and 54 children following 37 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• On Thursday, News 12 reported on an apartment fire in Woodlawn Heights neighborhood of the Bronx, where the Red Cross provided aid to six adults.
• Our regional CEO, Doreen Thomann Howe, presented David Fales with the Certificate of Personal Action after he jumped into action to perform abdominal thrusts and save a life.
• The #LIRedCross pre-positioned metal containers to secure various disaster relief items, such as blankets and folding cots, enhancing and maintaining readiness posture.
• Juan explains the surprising health benefits of donating blood in this Instagram reel.
• We spoke with New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, delving into the essential efforts of the American Red Cross and the dedication of our incredible volunteers.
• We posted a viral video that showcased the Red Cross providing emergency housing, financial aid, comfort items, water, and snacks to three residents, following a fire in the Belmont neighborhood of the Bronx on May 31.
• Late last Monday, Norwood News reported on the Red Cross assisting ten adults and eight children following a fire in Fordham Heights, Bronx.
• Additionally, on July 6th, News 12, Brooklyn Eagle, and Brooklyn Paper reported on the Red Cross assisting 10 people with emergency assistance, after a 2-alarm fire in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help: Summer challenges can quickly cause blood & platelet reserves to drop. We're urging all donors to give blood or platelets now to keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood is most needed right now. You can help! Book an appointment ASAP: https://rcblood.org/appt
• Jul 16: Metro NY North Youth and Young Professionals Committee is holding a summer social at Shreve, Crump & Low (125 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Young professionals are invited for drinks and discussions. RSVP to vanessa.broskie@redcross.org
• Jul 28 – Aug 1: The Red Cross, in collaboration with State Senator Bill Weber, is hosting a Blood Drive challenge in Rockland County.
• Jul 31: Greenwich Battle of the Clubs blood drive will be held in the Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room.

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 10 families after a fire in Marble Hill. (Source: ABC7)

From June 30–July 6, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 181 adults and 30 children following 46 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Late last night, News 12, Hoodline, and CBS 2 reported on the Red Cross providing emergency housing to 21 adults and eight children, after a fire in the Marble Hill neighborhood of the Bronx.
• The SAF team of the American Red Cross National Capital and Greater Chesapeake Chapter partnered with the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter to provide donations of toys for pediatric patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
• News 12 reported on blood shortage in the tri-state area amid decline in donors.
• Last Tuesday, we spoke with New York State Assemblyman Jordan Wright to share the story of the Greater New York chapter and the incredible impact of volunteers.
• Metro NY North CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley is out with her regular column in the Greenwich Sentinel to highlight the importance of donating blood this summer.
• Eddie has a special reason for donating, which he shares in this video reel.
• Last Monday, ABC7 reported on the Red Cross providing temporary lodging and assistance to 24 people after a fire in the Soundview section of the Bronx.
• We posted a YouTube short highlighting a 2-alarm fire in Harlem on May 31, where the Red Cross assisted 25 adults and 11 children.
• We also highlighted a fire in East New York on June 12 with an Instagram post; the Red Cross provided emergency housing and financial aid to 10 residents.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Enjoy sunshine vibes & saving lives! Come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 1-14 & get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while they last. You can personalize these one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker. Book an appointment: https://rcblood.org/40dHHw4
• Jul 16: Metro NY North Youth and Young Professionals Committee is holding a summer social at Shreve, Crump & Low (125 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich, CT) from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Young professionals are invited for drinks and discussions. RSVP to vanessa.broskie@redcross.org 
• Jul 28 – Aug 1: The Red Cross, in collaboration with State Senator Bill Weber, is hosting a Blood Drive challenge in Rockland County.
• Jul 31: Greenwich Battle of the Clubs blood drive will be held in the Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room.

In Case You Missed It

#LIRedCross opened a shelter for displaced residents after a fire in Baldwin, NY. (Photo: Margaret Sukhram)

From June 23-29, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 203 adults and 59 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Over the weekend, Newsday, News 12, Long Island Life and Politics, ABC7, Patch, Daily Voice and LongIsland.com reported on the #LIRedCross opening a reception center and then transitioning to a shelter to assist the residents impacted by the fire on Merrick Road in Baldwin, NY (Nassau County).
• Last Friday, News 12, CBS2, ABC7 and Hoodline reported on the Red Cross assisting 6 residents after a fatal fire on Jesup Place in the Bronx.
• Rachel R. recently welcomed our volunteers into her home as part of our Sound the Alarm home fire safety program.
• FDNY Deputy Chief, Michele Fitzsimmons, spoke on what motivates her advancement and work in emergency management in this video clip.
• Last Thursday, NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera sponsored a blood drive at Fordham University.
• We posted this video highlighting a Memorial Day fire where the Metro NY North Red Cross assisted 13 adults and 2 kids after a 2-alarm fire at Bari Manor in Croton-on-Hudson (Westchester County).
• Last Wednesday, the Daily Voice reported on the #MetroNYNRedCross assisting residents after a fire on Nepperhan Ave in Yonkers, NY.
• We published this article on how youth sports coach, Dominick Vulpis, saved the life of one of his former athletes, Michael McManamon, who was choking during dinner.
• During the heatwave, 4-legged Red Cross volunteer, Mayhem, reminded everyone to never leave your pets in the car on a hot day.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:
• Sheltering Services Volunteer - NYC
• Disaster Action Team Specialist - New York City WEEKDAY DAYTIME
• Home Fire Campaign Team Member - New York City (DRIVERS ONLY)
• Enjoy sunshine vibes & saving lives! Come to give blood, platelets or plasma July 1-14 & get an exclusive pair of Red Cross x goodr sunglasses, while they last. You can personalize these one-of-a-kind shades with a blood type sticker. Book an appointment: https://rcblood.org/40dHHw4

In Case You Missed It

#LIRedCross volunteers at the NAACP Islip-Smithtown Branch Juneteenth Celebration.

From June 16-22, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 105 adults and 31 children following 33 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Sunday night, ABC7, NBC4 and NY Post reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a major 5-alarm fire on Devoe Terrace in the Bronx.
• #LIRedCross volunteers participated in the NAACP Islip-Smithtown Branch Juneteenth Celebration!
• On World Sickle Cell Day, we held a blood drive at our chapter HQ that collected 75 units of lifesaving blood. 28 units of those units were collected in support of our Latino/African American blood initiatives, helping build a more diverse and reliable blood supply for all patients in need.
• Our Long Island CEO, Jose Dominguez, and Director of Service to the Armed Forces, Lallita Maharaj, were thrilled to attend the 2nd Annual Gala for our incredible partner General Needs Ltd., a true beacon of hope for homeless veterans.
• We posted this video short highlighting the Red Cross assisting 6 residents after a fire on 9th Avenue in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn.
• The first Deputy Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management, Christina Farrell, wants mission-driven people in emergency management.
• Disaster Action Team member, Abby, says volunteering makes you feel like you’re part of the community in this viral reel.
• Photographer extraordinaire, Bob Capazzo, posted these lively photos from the Red Cross Ball Committee Wrap Up Party at Sasha's Barn in Cos Cob, CT.
• We celebrated Mary Wickham as the 2025 Betty Rasmussen Service Above Self Award honoree in this post.
• Carla found out something special when she donated blood in this video short.
• Metro NY North Red Cross CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley’s latest Greenwich Sentinel column offers tips on beating the bugs this summer.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• We’re hiring: Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer/ Corporate Giving
• We are actively looking for volunteers in the following roles:
• Sheltering Services Volunteer - NYC
• Disaster Action Team Specialist - New York City WEEKDAY DAYTIME
• Home Fire Campaign Team Member - New York City (DRIVERS ONLY)

In Case You Missed It

Celebrating Fort Hamilton’s Bicentennial Anniversary

From June 9-15, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 119 adults and 27 children following 35 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Yesterday, the SAF team attended Fort Hamilton’s Bicentennial Anniversary celebration!
• Over the weekend, Ronnie and the logistics team were setting up for the upcoming Safety Town, a week long program that teaches awareness and accident prevention skills to local children entering kindergarten or first grade.
• Last Thursday, the Norwood News reported on the Red Cross assisting 6 adults and 4 children after a fire on West 232nd Street in the Kingsbridge section of the Bronx.
• The Brooklyn Paper and News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a 2-alarm fire on Chestnut Street in East New York.
• The Greenwich Sentinel expressed gratitude in this op-ed for being recognized for its community contributions by both the American Red Cross and the Rotary Club of Greenwich.
• The first Deputy Commissioner of NYC Emergency Management, Christina Farrell, reflects on her 22 years at the city agency in this video short.
• This video highlights the Red Cross helping 4 families after a fire in the Fordham section of the Bronx on May 22.
• Blood donor Abby explains how donating blood a simple and easy way is to make a difference in your community in this video reel.
• We celebrated Barbara Schumacher as the 2025 Jean MacArthur Volunteer of the Year Award honoree in this post.
• Disaster Action Team volunteer Kenny Jean explains DAT and likes to seeing people's reactions when the Red Cross comes out to help.
• Fort Hamilton thanked us for providing CPR, AED, and NARCAN training to MWR and installation Soldiers and Staff last Monday.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• SAVE THE DATE Oct 22: This fall, we will recognize heroic individuals and compassionate leaders who embody our humanitarian mission at the Long Island Heroes Celebration. Join us for a morning of breakfast and inspiring stories, as well as one-of-a-kind auction items.
• We’re Hiring: Sr. Volunteer Engagement Specialist
• June 18: International Humanitarian Law 101: Torture & Armed Conflict
• June 19: International Humanitarian Law Discussion: Leadership in Climate Change: Preparedness, Networks, and Extreme Heat

In Case You Missed It

Long Island Hurricane Press Conference

From June 2-8, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 182 adults and 38 children following 40 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, over 75 team members, staff, and volunteers worked together to ensure preparedness and efficiency in our operations in the regional full-scale exercise.
• News 12 reported on the Red Cross over a dozen residents after a fire on Villa Avenue in the Bedford Park section of the Bronx.
• Former FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell shared why it's never too late to join emergency management in this video short.
• NY1, Hoodline, CBS2 reported on the Red Cross assisting families after a fire on Lafayette Avenue in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood of Brooklyn on Wednesday.
• Last Tuesday, News 12, Mid-Hudson News, CBS2, and the Rockland County Times reported on the Red Cross setting up a reception center at the Nyack Senior Center to assist 13 families after a fire at the Nyack Plaza apartment building.
• Congratulations to our Metro NY North Chapter associate board member Jason Wein on being recognized with the William H. Spurgeon, III Award.
• Last April we collected 81 units of lifesaving blood at the New York International Auto Show. This highlight video captured the amazing event!
• Councilmember Pierina Sanchez thanked the Red Cross and other city agencies for assisting residents after a fire on Andrews Ave South in the Bronx. News 12 reported on the fire.
• We celebrated volunteer Carol Mills for receiving the 2025 Harriet Demarest Congeniality Award in this post.
• Last Monday, the #LIRedCross, Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman and partners from across Long Island joined together in a press conference to talk about steps the organizations have taken to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• SAVE THE DATE Oct 22: This fall, we will recognize heroic individuals and compassionate leaders who embody our humanitarian mission at the Long Island Heroes Celebration. Join us for a morning of breakfast and inspiring stories, as well as one-of-a-kind auction items.
• We’re Hiring: Sr. Volunteer Engagement Specialist
• June 13: Ft. Hamilton is celebrating its 200th birthday with vendors, food trucks, fireworks and live music. Open to the Public with Registration. Free for DoD & ID card holders as well as Club Members.
• June 19: Blood Drive Sponsored by Delta Airlines at 520 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org (Use Sponsor Code: DeltaNYC)

In Case You Missed It

LI Red Crossers marched in the Brentwood Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade. (Photo: Celia Vollmer)

From May 27-June 2, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 122 adults and 34 children following 25 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting 2 families after a fire on Andrews Avenue South in the University Heights section of the Bronx.
• 1010Wins, Patch, NY Daily News and ABC7 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fire on W. 135th street in Harlem on Saturday.
• Last Friday, Turner Construction and the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces partnered to hold a BBQ, plant flowers and clean the courtyard for the vets at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx.
• News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fire on Washington Avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx on Thursday.
• #LIRedCross volunteers marching at the Brentwood Puerto Rican Hispanic Day Parade.
• We shared this clip of former FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell talking about the importance of representation in emergency management leadership at our last panel discussion.
• Lt. Col. Andrew Bigelow explains how easy it is to donate blood in this viral video short.
• Last Wednesday, News 12 reported on the Red Cross assisting residents after a fire on Lenox Road in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.
• Red Cross volunteers got to tour the USS New York docked next to the Intrepid Museum thanks to the Service to the Armed Forces department.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• June 5: American Red Cross Greater New York Region New York City Chapter to Host 2025 Annual Meeting.
• June 7: Participate in the Disaster Cycle Services Full Scale Exercise
• June 13: Ft. Hamilton is celebrating its 200th birthday with vendors, food trucks, fireworks and live music. Open to the Public with Registration. Free for DoD & ID card holders as well as Club Members.