NYC Volunteer Summer Social 2013

More than 185 New York City Red Cross volunteers, employees, and their guests picnicked and played at the 2013 Volunteer Summer Social, held at Riverside Park in Manhattan the evening of July 26.

Volunteers from a wide range of departments attended: disaster responders, Mass Care volunteers, blood drive volunteers, and Ready When the Time Comes volunteers, including the Purple Pro Team. Youth volunteers turned out in force from Hunter College High School, Frank Sinatra High School of the Arts, Brooklyn Tech and Bayside High School. A dozen Sandy volunteers were also on hand; they were immediately recruited into various Greater New York departments.

The evening’s activities included hearty picnic fare, a tug-o-war contest, face (and arm) painting, a potato sack race, board games, a Mass Care challenge, and numerous raffles and giveaways.

In true Red Cross fashion, attendees not only had fun but engaged in some community outreach. At the registration table, many passers-by asked for and were given information on volunteering and being prepared for a disaster. Upcoming blood drive information was also distributed.

Thanks go to Volunteer Services and Emergency Services for their hard work in planning and carrying out this successful social. See more photos here.