New York Red Cross Supports Louisiana Relief Efforts

In response to the historic flooding in Louisiana, Red Cross Chapters across the country, including Greater New York, are pitching in to assist this massive relief effort, the largest since Superstorm Sandy. Currently, more than 40 local volunteers and staff members have deployed to the flood-ravaged areas. Additionally, a 24 hour call center has been set up at Greater New York HQ to relay vital information from flood survivors to volunteers and agencies on the ground in Louisiana.
Here are some photos and other short stories about our continued efforts to support the people affected by this disaster. This page will be updated regularly.

Monday, August 29 | FDNY DART Team, New York, N.Y.

Great 2 see our @FDNY team featured on @NY1 "#RedCross Sends 2nd Wave of Vols 2 Help Flood Victims" https://t.co/HzEN5KWCgA @DARTFDNY

— NY Red Cross (@redcrossny) August 30, 2016

Father/son team Irving DeShields Jr and Sr two of six members of our @FDNY volunteer team in Louisiana. @DARTFDNY pic.twitter.com/YxhunQnJAF

— NY Red Cross (@redcrossny) August 30, 2016

Wednesday, August 24 | Doreen Brienza, Long Island, N.Y.



Wednesday, August 24 | Maria Millan, Long Island, N.Y., Elba Alvarez, Manhattan, N.Y.


Wednesday, August 24 | Lilliam Rivera Cruz, Bronx, N.Y.

A Hell's Kitchen @redcrossny call center is fielding relief requests from victims of flooding in Louisiana: https://t.co/Acf3yXrgxF

— Chelsea Now (@ChelseaNowNYC) August 25, 2016

Monday, August 22 | Lilliam Rivera Cruz, Bronx, N.Y.

Lilliam Rivera-Cruz, one of many Red Crossers taking a shift today at our NYC #Louisiana flood relief call center. pic.twitter.com/EyWc3yQtgX

— NY Red Cross (@redcrossny) August 22, 2016

Saturday, August 20 | 

Here’s How You Can Help Louisiana Flooding Victims https://t.co/i2LioIGvFr

— CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) August 20, 2016

Saturday, August 20 | Craig Cooper, Smithtown, N.Y., Mary Farrell, Wantagh, N.Y., Debbie Hayden, Garden City, N.Y.

Nice @LIRedCross feature this AM in @newsday. https://t.co/JUdGANg6hp #LouisianaFlood

— LongIsland Red Cross (@LIRedCross) August 20, 2016

Saturday, August 20 | Katey Walsh, Manhattan, N.Y.


Friday, August 19 | Paul Nulty, East Setauket, N.Y. 

@LIRedCross volunteer Paul Nulty starts his deployment to help Louisiana Flood survivors. pic.twitter.com/5BryT6xRfX

— Elizabeth Barker (@LizBarkerNY) August 19, 2016

Friday, August 19 | Mary Farrell, Wantagh, N.Y.

LI Red Cross Health services volunteer Mary Farrell (L) currently in Baton Rouge,
stands alongside fellow volunteers from Tennessee, Las Vegas and Pennsylvania

Thursday, August 18 | Richard Sanford, Brooklyn

Long time volunteer Richard Sanford assists a flood survivor at the call center here in NYC.

#NYC #RedCross Volunteers Aiding #Louisiana Flood Victims: https://t.co/QhCH6Cv52Y

— NY1 News (@NY1) August 19, 2016

Wednesday, August 17 | Marko Kokic, Manhattan

 

Monday, August 15 | Craig Cooper, Smithtown, N.Y.

@redcross vols support feeding at Baton Rouge River Center shelter #LaFlooding donate txt lafloods to 90999 pic.twitter.com/gCmmt9S1Au

— Craig Cooper (@CraigCooperARC) August 16, 2016

Sunday, August 14 | Craig Cooper, Smithtown, N.Y.

Heading to Louisiana to assist those affected by severe flooding. pic.twitter.com/zYRIYTEqPX

— Craig Cooper (@CraigCooperARC) August 14, 2016

In Case You Missed It - Aug 29

© 2016 Nasdaq, Inc.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 71 adults and 41 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• It’s been all hands on deck here in Greater New York as our local chapters continue to support the relief effort in Louisiana. 
• More local Red Crossers deployed to the region to assist with the historic flooding that devastated parts of the state, while others who are already on the ground have reported back with some of their experiences.
• A call center here at Greater New York HQ has been hard at work relaying calls and taking some of the strain off the local chapter responding to this historic weather event.
• On Thursday the American Red Cross was invited to ring the opening bell at NASDAQ to raise awareness about this disaster and let people know how they can help. 
• On Saturday, the Red Cross responded to a fire in New Rochelle that left a family of four adults and two children homeless. 
• Last Thursday we provided a sneak peek of a scene from the Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ feature film SULLY featuring Red Cross volunteers! Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes images and photos. The film will be in theaters 9/9/16.
• On Wednesday, the Red Cross provided assistance following a deadly Yonkers fire that displaced nine families and sent eight residents to the hospital. Fios 1 provided coverage of the blaze. 
• We spotlighted volunteer Hector Pereira on Instagram as part of our #MyRedCrossLife series.
• Following last Wednesday’s devastating earthquake in Italy, our colleagues at the Italian Red Cross mobilized a massive relief effort.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Sep 1, 2 & 6: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Sep 17: Save the date for Radiation Situation: A Red Cross Simulation. The Greater New York Region will host its annual Full-Scale-Exercise on Saturday, September 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Red Cross volunteers and staff are highly encouraged to participate and will have a choice of roles and locations throughout the Greater New York and North New Jersey Regions. Sign up today! 
• Sep 22: Seats are filled are filled for “Born on the Battlefield” and registration is closed. This class is an introduction to the Geneva Conventions and how the International Committee of the Red Cross has historically played a role in war zones.

Profile of a Red Cross Volunteer

Colin Blair, a Red Cross Volunteer from Scotland

By Stan Frank, American Red Cross

On his way back home to Scotland after working in Australia, Colin Blair made a detour to visit his fiancé in New York City. While in New York, he researched volunteer opportunities where he could put his accounting and organizational skills to good use. The Red Cross turned out to be the ideal place.

“I was immediately struck by the broad scope of things the Red Cross did and how open-minded they were to new ideas,” said Colin.

In Australia, Colin had worked for three years at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a global accounting firm known for its expertise in managing large corporate projects and also at a fast-growing entrepreneurial logistics business for two years.

When he learned that the New York Red Cross Chapter’s goal for the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign was to install 100,000 smoke alarms in the five boroughs over the next 2 years, he knew he could use his experience to help plan, execute and control the ambitious program.

Over several months, Colin developed the infrastructure to dramatically scale up the program. To accommodate and effectively manage the 15,000 appointment requests received, Colin focused on how to improve the volunteer and resident experience and automate key processes. He did this by adapting an existing communications platform to schedule and manage smoke alarm installation appointments more effectively. As a result, Red Cross volunteers are able to spend more time out in the field than in the office.

Thanks to Colin, Red Cross leadership and the large number of Red Cross volunteers who responded to the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign’s call for help, the plan has proven to be very successful. To date, nearly 30,000 smoke alarms have been installed and the NY Chapter is well on its way to meeting its overall objective!

“I believe it is important for everyone to include volunteering in some way as part of their life," he said. "Working on the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign and helping prevent possible deaths and injuries has been the most satisfying thing I have ever done.”

Colin and his fiancé returned to Scotland this summer before getting married in September.

Good luck, Colin, and thanks from the New York Red Cross!

In Case You Missed It - Aug 22

Displaced Louisiana residents receive aid at a Red Cross shelter. (Photo by Red Crosser Marko Kokic)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 158 adults and 58 children following 47 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).


Last Week in Review

• For more than a week, the Red Cross has been providing immediate relief to communities across Louisiana devastated by historic flooding, the worst US natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy. 
• Since last Sunday, Greater New York Red Cross volunteers and employees have been hard at work assisting the people affected by the flooding. So far 32 Red Crossers have deployed to Baton Rouge. 
• On Saturday, Newsday (login required) featured our Long island volunteers. 
• Check out our blog to see updates from our team members on the ground in the Gulf. 
• On Friday a 24-hour call center was been set up at Greater New York Red Cross HQ to reduce the call volume to the affected areas. NY1 and CBS Local reported on their efforts. 
• Practice makes perfect! On Sunday the Long Island Red Cross hosted the Regional Logistics Team for their Fundamentals Drill. These drills help ensure we are ready for any kind of region-wide disaster. 
• On Saturday, #GetAlarmedNYC was in Jamaica, Queens where they helped save lives by installing free smoke alarms in local homes. 
• On Thursday the Red Cross assisted nearly 50 people displaced by a large fire in Staten Island. The Staten Island Advance and CBS New York (among others) reported on our relief efforts. 
• On Monday, Red Cross volunteers aided nearly 90 Yonkers residents who were forced from their homes by a four-alarm fire. A temporary shelter was set up nearby. Lohud and FiOS1 provided coverage of the devastating blaze and our response. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Aug 23, 25 & 29: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today. 
• Aug 23-28: Calling all golf lovers! Barclays is looking for support at the PGA tour playoffs from August 23-28 in Farmingdale, LI. Signing up gets you full admission to the tournament for you and a guest. Learn more about this great opportunity. Don't forget to select American Red Cross as your affiliation when you register! 
• Sep 17: Save the date for Radiation Situation: A Red Cross Simulation. The Greater New York Region will host its annual Full-Scale-Exercise on Saturday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Red Cross volunteers and staff are highly encouraged to participate and will have a choice of roles and locations throughout the Greater New York and North New Jersey Regions. Stay tuned for more information.
• Sep 22: Born on the Battlefield is a three hour introduction to the history of the Geneva Conventions as well as the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Interested? Sign up today!

In Case You Missed It - Aug 15

The Red Cross is currently assisting thousands displaced by flooding in Louisiana.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 147 adults and 63 children following 56 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• The American Red Cross is helping thousands of people in Louisiana affected by devastating flooding, likely the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012.
• In response to this historic flooding in Louisiana, on Sunday two GNY Red Cross staff members deployed to the area to help with the relief effort. More will be travelling there in the coming days.
• On Saturday, the Red Cross assisted four Brooklyn residents displaced by a home fire.
• Last week, the Long Island Business News featured our new Long Island Chapter CEO, Neela Lockel. 
• On Thursday, New York Red Crossers headed to a Mets game for the Greater New York Red Cross staff retreat. Thanks to Coca Cola for donating tickets. Check out pictures from the event here
• On Wednesday, our #GetAlarmedNYC program headed to the Bronx to install free smoke alarms. Check out our Instagram feed from the event.
• On Tuesday, the Red Cross assisted eight families who were affected by a home fire in the Wakefield section of the Bronx.
• Earlier this month a group of young Long Island swimmers swam for charity as part of their “Swim-A-Cross” program. The Long Island Herald highlighted the event last week.
• It’s hot out there! Make sure to check out our heat wave safety tips for ways to keep yourself and your family safe from the heat. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Aug 17, 21 & 22: Red Cross blood drive: 1 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Aug 16, 18: The 3rd Annual Youth Leadership Summit is a full day of trainings/workshops for Club Leaders, Members and Advisors to help prepare them for the next academic year. Red Cross Youth will receive training in topics such as Red Cross 101, Volunteer 101, Leadership Styles, Conflict Resolution, Event Planning and more! 
• Aug 20: #GetAlarmedNYC is coming to Jamaica, Queens. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home. 
• Aug 23-28: Calling all golf lovers! Barclays is looking for support at the PGA tour playoffs from August 23-28 in Farmingdale, LI. Signing up gets you full admission to the tournament for you and a guest. Learn more about this great opportunity. Don't forget to select American Red Cross as your affiliation when you register! 
• Sep 17: Save the date for Radiation Situation: A Red Cross Simulation. The Greater New York Region will host its annual Full-Scale-Exercise on Saturday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Red Cross volunteers and staff are highly encouraged to participate and will have a choice of roles and locations throughout the Greater New York and North New Jersey Regions. Stay tuned for more information.

In Case You Missed It - Aug 8

August 6th was American Red Cross Day at Yankee Stadium.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 105 adults and 54 children following 51 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• The Greater New York Red Cross chapter, along with our community partners, was honored by the New York Yankees for the work Red Crossers have been doing for the #GetAlarmedNYC campaign. Nationally, the program has saved over 100 lives.
• #GetAlarmedNYC was in Brownsville on Saturday installing smoke alarms and saving lives. 
• GNY Red Cross CEO Josh Lockwood spoke about the need for nonprofits to be prepared for disasters at the Human Services Council panel on Wednesday.  
• Red Crossers assisted 3 families affected by a fire in Flatbush, Brooklyn early Wednesday morning. Volunteers were able to provide emergency funds and basic necessities for the families, as well as housing for 2 of the families.
• In our latest #MyRedCrossLife Instagram profile, Red Crosser Jessica Howells discusses the community feel at the Greater New York Red Cross chapter.
• Red Crossers helped spread information about emergency preparedness at National Night Out events throughout the region on Tuesday. National Night Out is a night to promote community relations with local police departments.
• The latest #HopeStartsHere episode dropped on Tuesday. The video focuses on programs that improve health and employee recognition.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Aug 10, 12 & 15: Red Cross blood drive: 1 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Aug 10: Youth members of the Red Cross Club of Hunter College will be out in the Bronx installing free smoke alarms in the community that were made by appointment as part of the #GetAlarmedNYC program.
• Aug 16, 18: The 3rd Annual Youth Leadership Summit is a full day of trainings/workshops for Club Leaders, Members and Advisors to help prepare them for the next academic year. Red Cross Youth will receive training in topics such as Red Cross 101, Volunteer 101, Leadership Styles, Conflict Resolution, Event Planning and more! 
• Aug 20: #GetAlarmedNYC is coming to Jamaica, Queens. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home. 
• Aug 23-28: Calling all golf lovers! Barclays is looking for support at the PGA tour playoffs from August 23-28 in Farmingdale, LI. Signing up gets you full admission to the tournament for you and a guest. Learn more about this great opportunity. Don't forget to select American Red Cross as your affiliation when you register! 
• Sep 17: Save the date for Radiation Situation: A Red Cross Simulation. The Greater New York Region will host its annual Full-Scale-Exercise on Saturday, September 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Red Cross volunteers and staff are highly encouraged to participate and will have a choice of roles and locations throughout the Greater New York and North New Jersey Regions. Stay tuned for more information.

In Case You Missed It - Aug 1

Children of the Pierce Country Day Camp swam laps to raise funds for the Red Cross. (Photo: Lori-Ann Pizzarelli)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 39 adults and 9 children following 33 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• In anticipation of Syfy’s Sharknado 4 that came out on Sunday we created a PSA, blog post and Instagram videos to help individuals prepare for a Sharknado or any other disaster that may come their way. 
• Longtime Red Cross volunteer Christophe Lobry- Boulanger spoke to our fire safety interns about education, mission and purpose on Saturday. 
• The Pillowcase Project, a program that aims to educate children on emergency preparedness, was at Pouch Day Camp to teach preparedness tips to dozens of children on Thursday. 
• Red Cross volunteers assisted four people displaced by a fire in East Meadow on Long Island. The Red Cross provided temporary housing and emergency funds for basic necessities. 
• Working with Councilman Deutsch, Red Crossers provided fire safety instructor training to his staff on Wednesday. 
• In our latest #MyRedCrossLife Instagram profile, Red Crosser Francisco Gonazlez reflects on a time the Red Cross helped him receive information about a family member’s passing while serving in the military. 
• The roller derby #BloodforLife blood drive continues into this week. Gotham Girls and Suburbia Roller Derby hosted drives last week.
• The annual Swim Across was held on Monday at the Pierce Country Day Camp. Swim Across is a fundraiser where kids swim laps to raise money for the Red Cross.
• Last week we posted a web story about our response the previous weekend to a massive fire in Hempstead, N.Y. that left more than a dozen families homeless.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities 

• Aug 2, 4 & 5: Red Cross blood drive: 1 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Aug 6: Orientations for volunteers are coming up! Sign up here to attend the next one. 
• Aug 6: #GetAlarmedNYC is coming to Brownsville, Brooklyn. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home.
• Aug 23-28: Calling all golf lovers! Barclays is looking for support at the PGA tour playoffs from August 23-28 in Farmingdale, LI. Signing up gets you full admission to the tournament for you and a guest. Learn more about this great opportunity. Don't forget to select American Red Cross as your affiliation when you register!