In Case You Missed It - Jan 4

Red Cross staff and volunteers in Times Square before New Year's celebration providing support to thousands of police, fire and emergency responders with coffee, hot chocolate, tea, snacks and smiles. (Photo: Vivian Moy)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 101 adults and 37 children following 39 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• On Sunday, the Red Cross assisted one family with emergency housing and funds after a deadly fire in the Bronx.
• Also on Saturday, the Red Cross volunteers helped eight families in Newburgh, N.Y. after a fire destroyed their homes.
• Last Thursday, we closed out the year by sharing our photos of the year collection in two parts: January to June and July to December.
• Need help coming up with some worthwhile New Year’s resolutions? Our volunteer Rachel Coleman has you covered with this blog post on becoming a superhero.
• We also recently published a Q&A on our blog with Jackson Heights residents Sangeeta Roy and Alexander Gonzales, who recently had free smoke alarms installed in their homes by the Red Cross.
• The staff and volunteers of the Greater New York Red Cross wished everyone a “happy holidays” (to the song of the year, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars).
• Right before Christmas, we shared the latest photo and story of our #MyRedCrossLife Instagram series on dedicated volunteer Patty Jones.
• We also took a look back on a very busy year here at the Greater New York Red Cross. Thanks to all who have allowed us to help so many in 2015!
• Continuing on our look back at the year that was, in late December we shared our most viewed blog posts of 2015.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Win a Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit by taking the online emergency preparedness training. You’ll be automatically entered to win. This contest is open to residents of New York City, Long Island, Orange, Sullivan, Rockland, Putnam and Westchester Counties. Four winners will be chosen each month (notified via email).
• Jan 4, 6, 8, 9: Red Cross blood drives; 1 to 7pm; 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Jan 5: The #GetAlarmedNYC program is holding its Home Fire Safety Academy Technician Training.
• Jan. 9: #GetAlarmedNYC comes to Harlem to install free smoke alarms in the community. Schedule an installation appointment here. The campaign also needs volunteers to support this event. Sign up for a Home Fire Campaign shift today (link for Red Cross Volunteers).