In Case You Missed It

Mount Vernon leaders and Red Cross responders reflect on the community
mobilization after the 5-alarm fire on Cottage Avenue.

From Mar 2-9, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 176 adults and 47 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• As you turned your clocks forward for daylight saving time, did you remember to test your smoke alarms?
• Saturday night, News12 and Patch reported on the #LIRedCross helping 2 adults and 4 children after a fire on Sunrise Lane in Levittown (Nassau County).
• Last Friday, News12 and Hoodline reported on the Red Cross helping 2 residents after a fire on Moore Street in Bushwick (Brooklyn).
• News12 reported on the #LIRedCross honoring five coaches who leapt into action to help save a student who went into cardiac arrest during tryouts with the Lifesaving Award.
• Last Wednesday, we held a powerful panel discussion with Mount Vernon leaders and Red Cross responders to reflect on the response to a devastating five-alarm fire on Cottage Avenue/Park Avenue in November 2025 - and the community mobilization that followed.
• On Tuesday, for Women’s History Month, we brough together three distinguished leaders who have shaped emergency response efforts at the local and national levels to discuss women in emergency management as part of our ongoing “We Were There” series of panel discussions.
• NY1 and New12 reported on the Red Cross helping 27 displaced residents after a fire on Davidson Avenue in the Bronx.
• The Babylon Beacon reported on the #LIRedCross helping 19 adults and 2 children after a fire on Great East Neck Road in West Babylon (Suffolk County).
• In this video reel, Emma explains that she knows that people around the world have traumas and she can help them by donating blood.
• News12 covered our Red Cross Month flag raising and proclamation in Greenwich.
• Last Monday, Bronx Borough President, Vanessa Gibson thanked first responders and the Red Cross for helping residents after a fire on Asch Loop. News12 reported on the disaster.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• March is Red Cross Month: Celebrate the people who power the Red Cross mission — join us all month with a variety of events as we Share the Red. Full schedule is available on Volunteer Connection.*
• Mar 18: Get ready to honor Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway, Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Major League Baseball at the upcoming Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
• Mar 28: Sound the Alarm on Long Island: We will be working with four elected officials to install free smoke alarms and fire safety education to the communities surrounding Brentwood.*

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

In Case You Missed It

From Feb 23-Mar 1, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 160 adults and 56 children following 48 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping nine adults and a child after a fire on Courtlandt Ave in the Melrose section of the Bronx.
• We posted this video short on how our regional Client Care Manager, Mauricio, helps people take the first steps towards recovery after disasters.
• VIDEO REELS: Andrew and Caroline gave these incredible reasons for donating blood.
• Last Wednesday, Patch reported on the #LIRedCross being on scene to help residents after a fire on Edi Ct in Plainview (Nassau County).
• Last Tuesday, our Disaster Action Team on Long Island together with Suffolk County FRES, opened a temporary reception center at Our Lady of Grace Church to provide a warm space for the displaced residents from a fire in West Babylon. Newsday, CBS2, Babylon Beacon and ABC7 reported on the fire.
• We posted this video highlighting how the Red Cross helped 376 residents after a gas explosion on Bivona Street in the Bronx on Jan. 24.
• Stephanie Dunn Ashley’s latest column in the Greenwich Sentinel encourages readers to sign up for CPR training for heart health month.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• March is Red Cross Month: Celebrate the people who power the Red Cross mission — join us all month with a variety of events as we Share the Red. Full schedule is available on Volunteer Connection.*
• Mar 3: Join us for another We Were There panel discussion as we celebrate Women’s History Month and hear from three incredible women who have found success in emergency management and response. Register on Zoom here.
• Mar 18: Get ready to honor Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway, Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Major League Baseball at the upcoming Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders at the scene of carbon monoxide leak in Brooklyn. (Source: ABC7)

From Feb 16-22, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 137 adults and 39 children following 46 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Meet Team Red Cross runners Kelly Spencer and Jaimie Harden who are running the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon to benefit the mission of the Red Cross.
• In this video short, Rabbi Roberts explains how he feels lucky to have the skills to help people recover after disasters.
• Last Wednesday, ABC7, Brooklyn Paper, Hoodline, reported the Red Cross helped residents after a carbon monoxide leak on Humboldt Street in Brooklyn.
• We posted two videos of power red blood donors, Gloria and Tim, explaining why they donate.
• Last Tuesday, ABC7, News12 and Larchmont Loop reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Lester Avenue in Mamaroneck (Westchester County).
• We posted this video highlighting the Red Cross helping 15 families (29 adults and 9 children) after a fire on School Street in Yonkers (Westchester County) on Jan 16.
• The Regal Eagles and Beth Page Red Cross club collaborated to hold a CPR training event for students.
• News12 reported that 9 fires in 3 days in Nassau County highlighted the need for more volunteers, featuring our Long Island CEO, Jose Dominguez.
• News12 reported on the #MetroNYNRedCross helping a family after a fire on Crest Drive in Tarrytown (Westchester County).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Final days! Hurry in to give blood by Feb. 28 and get a $20 e gift card to a merchant of your choice. It’s a crucial time to roll up a sleeve and help patients who rely on generous donors like you. Help end the blood shortage — book now.
• March is Red Cross Month: Celebrate the people who power the Red Cross mission — join us all month with a variety of events as we Share the Red. Full schedule is available on Volunteer Connection.*
• Mar 3: Join us for another We Were There panel discussion as we celebrate Women’s History Month and hear from three incredible women who have found success in emergency management and response. Register on Zoom here.
• Mar 18: Get ready to honor Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway, Peanuts Worldwide LLC and Major League Baseball at the upcoming Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross responders helping families in East New York after fire. (Source: News12)

From Feb 9-15, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 361 adults and 81 children following 101 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on Decatur Street in Brooklyn late Sunday.
• For Valentines Day, we are shared the love stories of these three Red Cross couples: Mary and Michael Dywer, Nancy and Rick Stein and Brandon and Sasha.
• Meet Team Red Cross runners Brian Mejia, and Megan Serke who are running the TCS NYC Marathon to benefit the mission of the Red Cross.
• News12 spoke with Long Island chapter CEO Jose Dominguez about the recent uptick in fires on Long Island during this extended winter.
• Last Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 4 residents after a fire on New Jersey Avenue in East New York (Brooklyn).
• Each February, our team joins the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund to build Steph's Comfort Kits.
• Last Thursday, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 6 residents after a roof collapse on Middle Street in Haverstraw, NY.
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping residents after a fire on Foster Avenue in Kensington (Brooklyn).
• Newsday, Patch and Long Island Press reported on the #LIRedCross helping 5 residents after a fire on Oak Avenue in Hempstead, NY (Nassau County).
• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 5 adults and 2 children following a fire on Jacobus Place in Marble Hill (Manhattan).
• We posted this video reel highlighting the Red Cross helping 57 residents after a fire on 48th Street in Sunset Park (Brooklyn) back on Jan. 13.
• VIDEO: As an EMT, Kaia knows how much a blood donation can help someone in a hospital or in EMS.
• Last Wednesday, we recorded an upcoming PSA with Councilman Phil Wong to promote fire safety and Get Alarmed NYC.
• Last Tuesday, Metro New York North Chapter CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley joined Congressman Mike Lawler and representatives from volunteer organizations from across the Hudson Valley to celebrate the introduction of a resolution to recognize 2026 as the Year of the Volunteer.
• News12 and Brooklyn Paper also reported on the Red Cross helping 8 residents after a fire on Van Siclen Avenue in East New York (Brooklyn).
• News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 15 residents after a fire on East 163rd Street in Concourse Village (Bronx).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• At the Red Cross, Black history is made fresh daily — & is saving lives. Through the Sickle Cell Initiative, Black communities are reversing declining blood donation trends & strengthening community health. Learn more & sign up to give blood at rcblood.org/37RKNdI.
• Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.*
• Mar 18: Get ready to honor Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, Postal Worker Chris Perez, Ted Hathaway and Major League Baseball at the upcoming Red Cross Heroes Gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

In Case You Missed It

Regional CEO Doreen Howe speaking on the importance of blood donation on Operation 7: Save a Life.

From Feb 2-8, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 383 adults and 112 children following 99 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• This weekend, the Emmy-award winning WABC-TV special, Operation 7: Save a Life, hosted by Bill Ritter, premiered and its third segment focused on the need for more blood donation by highlighting the touching story of how blood transfusions saved the life of cancer patient, Todd.
• News12, The Daily Voice and LI Herald reported on the #LIRedCross being on scene to help 3 families after a fire on New Bridge Rd in East Meadow (Nassau County) late Saturday night.
• Last Friday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping households after a fire on Pennsylvania Ave in East New York.
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 13 residents after a fire on Anderson Ave in the Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx.
• Meet Andrew Saetern and Kajal Parmar who will be running on Team Red Cross for the TCS NYC Marathon to benefit the mission of the Red Cross.
• As temperatures dropped, we shared more safety tips to stay safe and warm during the extreme weather conditions.
• VIDEO: Disaster Health Services volunteer, Chris Kalish didn’t expect to see this from people at shelters recovering from disasters.
• We also are shared this video short highlighting the Red Cross helping 21 adults and 8 children after a fire on Flushing Ave in Ridgewood (Queens) back in January.
• Last Wednesday, the LI Herald reported on the #LIRedCross helping 2 families after a fire on Downhill Ln in Wantagh, NY.
• Last Tuesday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping two families after a fire on Mile Square Rd in Yonkers.
• News12 also spoke with Nick and Rebecca from our own Metro NY North Disaster Action Team about the need for more volunteers at the chapter due to the spike in fire during the recent cold weather.
• At the start of #BlackHistoryMonth, we celebrated the African American leaders who paved the way for future team members and relived history from this 1992 documentary recently uncovered from our VHS archives, The Untold Legacy of Black involvement in the American Red Cross.
• In this video reel, Christian shared that he donates blood because of his son who has a blood disorder.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help the Red Cross tackle a severe blood shortage & get rewarded. Come to donate blood or platelets Jan. 26-Feb. 28 and receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in thanks. Your donation helps ensure lifesaving care isn’t delayed. Book today!
• Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.*

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Responders helping residents after a fire in Borough Park (Brooklyn).

From Jan 26-Feb 1, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 185 adults and 48 children following 75 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Since early morning Monday, ABC7, CBS2 and News12 reported on the Red Cross opening a reception center to support over 80 displaced residents after a fire on Grand Concourse in the Bronx.
• On Sunday, the Norwood News reported on the Red Cross helping 3 residents after a fire on Park Avenue in Fordham Heights (Bronx).
• Last Saturday, Newsday and News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 8 adults and 4 children after a fire on Woodbine Drive West in Freeport (Nassau County).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 18 residents after a fire on Glover Street in Westchester Square (Bronx).
• Last Friday, we joined FDNY for NY State Senator Stephen Chan’s fire safety event to help provide the community with information to keep them safe.
• Last Wednesday, News12 reported on the #LIRedCross helping 4 adults and 4 children after a fire on Downhill Lane in Wantagh, NY (Nassau County).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 8 adults and 3 children after a fire on 13th Ave in Borough Park (Brooklyn).
• This past December, when Washington state was struck by historic floods — Greater New York’s very own Deb Bausenwein stepped up to help.
• Watch in this video short how Mary started donating blood when one of her good friends was diagnosed with cancer.
• In this social post, Craig Burdett explains how he grew up donating blood--inspired by his mother who used to drive the whole family to the hospital during snowstorms so they could all donate when it was needed most.
• Red Cross Blood Account Manager, Shilpa Raju, shares this powerful reason to donate blood in this video reel.
• We highlighted in this video short how on Jan. 6, the Red Cross helped 60 residents after a fire on Madison Street in Ridgewood, NY.
• Red Cross Pet Therapy dogs Lulu, Tillie and Brodie attended a Yellow Ribbon event in Tarrytown, New York to support service members and their families as they prepare for reintegration after deployment.
• During a week of extreme cold, we shared 5 things to watch during winter storms through a Roblox animated video.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help the Red Cross tackle a severe blood shortage & get rewarded. Come to donate blood or platelets Jan. 26-Feb. 28 and receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in thanks. Your donation helps ensure lifesaving care isn’t delayed. Book today!
• Feb 7: Watch Operation 7 Save a Life on Saturday, Feb.7 on ABC7 with Red Cross discussing the recent blood shortage.
• Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.*

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.

In Case You Missed It

The Red Cross worked with city agencies to open a shelter for the displaced residents of Bivona Street fire in the Bronx. (Photo: @NYCMayor)

From Jan 19-25, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 463 adults and 192 children following 63 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, the Red Cross opened a shelter at the Rosa Parks Educational Campus to help displaced residents after a fire on Bivona Street in the Bronx. Patch, NBC4, ABC7, FOX5, NY Times, CBS2, Staten Island Advance, amNY, Gothamist, NY Daily News, Norwood News, PIX11, the Guardian and NY1 reported on the disaster.
• Last week, 775 units were collected at the West Point blood drive! Thank you to everyone who donated (and to the therapy dogs for comforting the donors).
• In this viral video short, Mauricio explains he knew he wanted to work in emergency response after helping people after three different disasters on the same day.
• Our most recent Henri Dunant Leadership Award honoree, Julio Medina, was featured on CBS2 for his unwavering commitment to helping those in need!
• In this video reel, we highlight how Azhar didn’t miss a single one of the 6 donations you can make in a year — at a time when our national blood supply has dropped by 35%.
• Did you miss the winter storm preparedness tips we offered ahead of the storm?
• ABC7 spoke with Regional CEO Doreen Howe about the impacts the severe blood shortage is having.
• We posted this video reel highlighting the Red Cross helping over 90 Bronxites after a fire on Findlay Avenue on January 5th.
• Last Tuesday, QNS reported on the Red Cross helping 3 families after a fire on 89th Avenue in Woodhaven (Queens).
• News12 also reported on the Red Cross helping 14 residents after a fire on Glebe Avenue in Westchester Square (Bronx).
• Last Monday, News12 reported on the Red Cross helping 2 families after a fire on East 169th Street in Concourse Village (Bronx).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Help the Red Cross tackle a severe blood shortage & get rewarded. Come to donate blood or platelets Jan. 26-Feb. 28 and receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of your choice in thanks. Your donation helps ensure lifesaving care isn’t delayed. Book today!
• *Feb 21: Get Alarmed NYC comes to Central Harlem in Manhattan! Sign up here to help drive, educate or install.
• June 15: Registration is now OPEN for Safety Town 2026! Calling all rising kindergarteners in Greenwich and beyond! Join us for a fun-filled week of safety education, hands-on learning, and meeting real-life community helpers.

*Must be Red Cross volunteer with Volunteer Connection account to register.