In Case You Missed It: Feb 25

Chapter Youth Council members show off their poster to promote understanding of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 151 adults and 47 children following 54 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Red Cross volunteers recently gathered at Primrose Elementary School with first graders to build Stephanie Crispinelli Comfort kits that will be distributed to children effected by disasters. Yesterday, we posted this video of the event. Thank you to the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund and to all the amazing volunteers for coming out. 
• On Wednesday, Councilman Mark Gjonaj recorded a fire safety PSA for his constituents.
• Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried organized an emergency preparedness presentation for the NYS Assembly.
• On the same day, we held a Missing Maps event for our youth volunteers to help map unmapped communities around the world for humanitarian organizations to better meet the needs of the most vulnerable. 
• Wednesday afternoon, ABC7 reported that Red Cross responders aided the residents displaced by a 4-alarm fire that tore through a 7-story building in Manhattan. 
• On Tuesday, the Long Island Red Cross held a Mass Care Workshop at the Brentwood Public Library to learn the ins and outs of providing food during a large disaster. 
• On Monday morning, we hosted a training session on the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement at our headquarters. Thank you to all who attended. And special thanks to International Services Department’s volunteer, Steven Houser, for facilitating the discussion. 
• The same morning, the Red Cross on Long Island opened a reception center for residents evacuated due to a police incident in Westbury. 
• News 12 reported that Red Cross volunteers assisted six families displaced by a 3-alarm fire in Wakefield. 
• About a week ago, our Chapter Youth Council hosted a very successful Raid Cross: a role-playing simulation activity that helps students understand the basic rules of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Volunteer Screener, Home Fire Campaign Team Member, Disaster Action Team Member, Recruitment Support Member, Recovery Caseworker. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• Feb 26, 27, & Mar 1, 3: Red Cross blood drives will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Greater NY Red Cross building located at 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today!
• Feb 28: The Studley School of International Affairs is hosting a conversation entitled, Becoming Humanitarian: The Making of an ICRC Delegate (6 to 8 pm.). The discussion will feature former ICRC delegate and current fellow at the New School for Social Research, Monique J. Beerli. 
• Mar 2: Want to become one of our amazing volunteers? We are hosting an Open House event with free trainings and fun activities. Join us from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in our NYC headquarters. 
• Mar 2: A Citizen’s Preparedness Corps Training will be held in Little Neck where New Yorkers can be prepared for both natural and man-made disaster. The two-hour training sessions will be facilitated by the National Guard, as well as American Red Cross volunteers who have worked with the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Visit prepare.ny.gov to sign up. 
• Mar 16: Learn about the mission and vision of the American Red Cross and the many volunteer opportunities that are available for you on Long Island. Join us in our Mineola office from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to learn more!