JetBlue Volunteers Partner with the Red Cross during Red Cross Month

JetBlue has continued to rise to the occasion when it comes to partnering with the American Red Cross to help residents of the Greater New York region.

This past March, which was Red Cross Month, a time when the accomplishments of the American Red Cross are recognized, along with the accomplishments of the organization’s remarkable volunteers, members of JetBlue’s all-volunteer Ready Team stepped up to help the Greater New York Red Cross help others.

 “JetBlue continues to be a strong partner, not only in deploying employees to help when disaster strikes, but on day-to-day regional needs,” said Marcela Espinoza, Greater New York regional director of volunteer and youth services. “Last month they assisted at three events so that people affected by Superstorm Sandy and people affected by home fires could take the critical first steps on the road to rebuilding their lives.”

The first event took place on March 19, when 18 Ready Team members came to JetBlue Headquarters in Long Island City to assemble 200 personal hygiene comfort kits containing toothpaste, toothbrush, combs, shampoo and other essentials. Red Cross disaster responders will distribute these kits to people displaced by fires and other emergencies.

The next event, dubbed a “muck out,” took place March 28. Eight JetBlue volunteers travelled to the Rockaways to assist Sandy affected residents. Activities included removing sand and debris, discarding damaged furniture and appliances, tearing out soggy drywall and insulation, vacuuming and more.

“The Muck Out highlighted the true meaning of caring as our volunteers assisted families who suffered such loss in the wake of Hurricane Sandy,” said Athena Amideneau, JetBlue Analyst, Care & Emergency Response, who oversees the Ready Team.

Finally, on March 26, in just four hours, 11 JetBlue volunteers reached out to more than 1,200 Red Cross volunteers by phone, reminding them to update their profiles on Greater New York’s new volunteer management system, Volunteer Connection.

“Once again, JetBlue proved its dedicated support of the Red Cross,” said Espinoza. “We would not be able to fulfill our mission were it not for committed partners like JetBlue, whose employees give their time and energy to help those in need.”