#GivingTuesday: Donate to Help Disaster Victims in Greater NY and Across the Country

Cassandra Philip among the 8000+ residents of
Greater NY that turned to the Red Cross so far this year

After disasters upended the lives of tens of thousands of people this year across the country, including more than 8000 here in Greater NY, the American Red Cross asks everyone to help provide emergency relief for future crises by donating at redcross.org/gift on Giving Tuesday, December 3. 

“Five to 20 times a day here in our NYC, Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley, the generosity of our donors enables us to help someone affected by a disaster — and this year has been no exception,” said Susan Rounds, Interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “Across the country, from flooding to hurricanes to fires, Red Cross volunteers were there every eight minutes when those suffering needed us most in the aftermath of disasters. On Giving Tuesday, please donate and help us provide emergency shelter, food, relief items and recovery assistance for people’s urgent disaster needs.”

HOW TO HELP People can #GiveWithMeaning on Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season by making a tax-deductible donation at redcross.org/gift in honor of loved ones:

• Help disaster victims in the U.S.: A gift of $50 can deliver hot meals for five people or provide blankets for 10 people after a disaster, or a larger donation of $100 can provide a family of two with a full day’s worth of emergency shelter, including meals, snacks, blankets, cots and hygiene supplies.
• Help military members and veterans: A donation of $50 can help connect veterans and their families to critical community services, such as food, housing, mental health support and rehabilitation. A larger gift of $145 can provide hospital kits, filled with toiletries and other essentials, for 20 service members.
• Help save lives internationally: People can support our work with the Measles & Rubella Initiative, which provides vaccinations for children and educates families about the dangers of measles and rubella. A gift of $100 can help provide lifesaving vaccinations for 100 children facing an increased risk of measles and rubella around the world.

Rediscovered Memorial Pays Tribute to WWI Women Who Served

By Daniel Sieberg, American Red Cross in Greater NY 

The foot of the flagstaff memorial to those who served with the Red Cross in World War 1. It reads: 
"In memory of the members of the Overseas Service League who served with the Red Cross during the first and second World Wars."   

For eight decades, millions of New Yorkers and tourists alike in Central Park have visited a memorial to Red Cross volunteers who served in WWI - likely without ever realizing it. Perhaps because it’s “hidden” in plain sight. 

As the first global war escalated starting in 1914 and the U.S. became increasingly drawn in, the Red Cross was still a nascent organization searching for a strong identity but with an influential honorary chairman to help draw attention to its importance: President Woodrow Wilson. 

Whether in the U.S. or the European theater of war, hundreds of women volunteered and served with the Red Cross in WWI from medical care to running canteens to offering civilian aid. 

In 1925, more than six years after the end of WWI, a memorial of 24 trees and a flagstaff in the east side of Central Park in New York was conceived by the Overseas Service League to pay tribute to the number of women who had died (two more trees were added at a later date) - many of whom were members of the American Red Cross. 

From a report in the New York Times, we know a dedication ceremony took place where hundreds of people gathered to honor the occasion, complete with a color guard from Fort Jay, Governors Island. Lt.-Commander Nathan A. Seagle made the principal address and pronounced the benediction. President of the Overseas Service League, Mary Martin, laid multi-colored wreaths on the saplings. Indeed, according to a news report of the day, the entire grove was decorated with wreaths and sprays of poppies, irises, peonies, white lilacs and other blossoms. 

Over time, though, the impact and visibility of the memorial faded. The trees eventually blended into the surrounding foliage, their stories lost to the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest city parks in the world. 

1945. Marseille, France. The Coast Guard lands Red Cross worker
on the Riviera to catch up with the advancing allied forces in Southern France.
Credit: American Red Cross

Earlier this year, after the East Side WWI Centennial Commemoration (ESWWICC) rediscovered this tribute memorial to New York City women veterans, the American Red Cross joined them, the NYC Department of Veteran Affairs, and a cross-section of leading organizations and  elected representatives to bring this important site, also known as the Overseas Service League Flagstaff and Grove, out of obscurity and back to public recognition.

On November 6, 2019, just days before Veterans Day, under a clear autumn sky with a sun that burned shadows onto the paths, a re-commemoration ceremony marked by speeches delivered by more than a dozen non-profit, civic, community and government officials, made clear this site plays a critical and enduring role in reminding us all of the women who served (and continue to serve) their country.

“The American Red Cross began as the vision of an extraordinary woman,” said Susan Rounds, Interim CEO, American Red Cross in Greater New York, at the event. “Clara Barton risked her life to help wounded soldiers from the North and the South during the Civil War, selfless, humanitarian action that laid the foundation for the organization. Far ahead of her time, Clara forged a path for women. It was in this spirit that women volunteered with the Red Cross during World War 1.”

Greater NY Red Cross Interim CEO Susan Rounds speaks at a re-commemoration ceremony
alongside community, civic and local government partners   

Now that it has been brought back to the public eye, the hope is to make this tribute event an annual occurrence. The Overseas Service League Flagstaff and Grove is the only site in NYC that recognizes the women who served in overseas wars. 

And it’s a tribute to women who served that we should all look up to. 

If you’d like to visit the memorial yourself just head to the 69th Street walk entrance on the east side of the park - and find the flagpole, and for the Grove and trees, look to your right and walk the path up to 71st Street 

Three Questions: Raul Rivera Nuñez

By Maria Sievers, American Red Cross in Greater NY

"Three Questions" is an American Red Cross in Greater New York blog series featuring staff, volunteers, and partners who help carry out our humanitarian mission. Through these short interviews, we hope to shine a light on our different programs and get to know those who make this work possible.

Raul (second to the left) with his Red Cross team in Bahamas 

Raul Rivera Nuñez, who currently serves as Regional Director of Planning, Readiness, and Situational Awareness at the American Red Cross in Greater NY, first joined the organization in 2009. During his time here he has been deployed several times to national and international disasters. He recently got back from a 5-week deployment to the Bahamas where Hurricane Dorian devastated parts of the country in early September. He defines this experience as one of the most challenging one he has ever had.

What kind of impact did the storm have?

Hurricane Dorian was one of the strongest to impact the islands. A month after the storm impact, there were still 600 hundred people missing.

You hear stories, unbelievable stories of what people had to do to survive. There was one about this man, that was trying not to get swept out by the storm and a piece of flying debris severed his arm. He lost his arm trying to hang on to a tree, so he didn’t get swept out by the storm.

During my time there I quickly became very impressed with the Bahamian people’s resiliency. They are incredibly resilient, resourceful and very warm, even after having gone through something as traumatic as this. As they share their hurricane survival experiences, they always end the story with an intent of determination, energy, adaptability, courage, among other admirable qualities.

What was your specific role in Bahamas?

I was doing a bilateral role, as a shelter/settlement team member. The American Red Cross and the Bahamas Red Cross had a previous relationship, which was established way before this disaster arrived. Me and two other folks [from the American Red Cross] got deployed to do assessment and recommendations. There were two components: One, how can a shelter experience the increase in the number of evacuees? Second, once the evacuees move on to transitional sheltering, what are some recommendations that they need to have the most positive experience possible? And three, also make recommendations for how the Bahamas Red Cross can be a greater stakeholder in the next disaster relief operation

Day to day I’m doing a lot of coordination, so I definitely need to talk to a lot of people, staying on top of the current developments and what the situation awareness is and just make that as part of our overall report. We are also assisting the cash distribution team, they are distributing cash to the most vulnerable people, so we lend a hand in assisting and setting that up. We are working long hours, I would say at least 12 hours per day.

What do people in the US not know about the situation in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is a bunch of islands, it’s about 700 islands, so the logistics of working here is quite different than working on the mainland or any other type of scenario. Being a chain of islands, there are a limited number of ways that assistance can enter each island, for debris clean-up to be completed, and for how people can get back to assess home damage or do repairs, etc.

Livelihoods have also added complexity to the impact, as a great number of people will not have a job to get back to when they return to their respective islands. All in all, there was the immediate impact trauma that affected the Bahamian people; but also, as time goes by, there will be an longer-term impact on them. It will take time for them to get back to their island, time to get the opportunity to rebuild, time to find/train for a new job, and time to return to some decent level of normalcy.

All of the deployments are different because of the nature of the specific incident, but this one has been one of the most challenging ones.

In Case You Missed It - Nov 25

Judy Audevard and her dog Lulu feature our latest podcast episode 

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 115 adults and 40 children following 38 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Did you listen to our latest podcast episode? It features Judy Audevard, founder and president of the Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause. Learn about how her own pet opened her eyes to the healing power of dogs and how this changed the course of her life.
• Senator Robert Jackson is helping us #EndHomeFires and called on New Yorkers to get free smoke alarms from the Red Cross.
• CBS2 reported on two large fires in the Bronx where Red Cross teams assisted dozens of residents on Monday night (on Roger Place) and on Wednesday (on Baychester Ave).
• Big thanks to Assemblywoman Maritza Davila and Assemblyman Nick Perry for their support! Last week we met with them and discussed emergency preparedness, home fire safety and other critical topics.
• On Wednesday, our Long Island home fire prevention teams, alongside PSEG Long Island, installed more than 250 smoke alarms!
• Flu season is here. Be sure to check out these useful tips to stay safe that we shared last week.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Volunteer Recovery Caseworker, Engagement Volunteer, Disaster Spiritual Care, Emergency Management Agency Team. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• Dec 3: Sunrise to Save Lives Breakfast and Panel Discussion: Help the American Red Cross Long Island Chapter vaccinate 20,000 children on December 3, 2019
• Dec 11: Please join the American Red Cross Young Patrons for a Holiday Soiree to support our Service to the Armed Forces on December 11, 2019.

In Case You Missed It – Nov 18

Red Cross volunteers marched in the 100th NYC Veterans Parade (Photo: Lori-Ann Pizzarelli)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 110 adults and 43 children following 56 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• After a large fire on Ellsworth Ave in the Bronx, Red Cross volunteers provided assistance to seven families on Sunday.
• So proud of our team member Tiara Youmans who is currently in Greece with the IFRC supporting Global Refugee Relief.
• Last Thursday we met with Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright to chat about joint activities and give her an update on our overall organizational state of readiness and service delivery. Big thanks for her support!
• CBS reported, on Thursday, on a fire on Livermore Ave in Staten Island where Red Cross teams assisted 3 adults and 2 children.
• Our volunteer photographer Kevin Suttlehan joined our Bronx Disaster Action Team on Tuesday and captured these great shots during their night shift.
• Veteran’s Day: 
• Red Cross volunteers marched in the 100th NYC Veterans Day Parade on Monday. Pics by Lori-Ann Pizzarelli here!
• We shared the testimony of Carlos Blanco, a retired Bronx veteran who turned to Red Cross after a tragic home fire. 
• On Friday, volunteers from our Long Island chapter, along with PSEG Long Island, honored a 98 year old veteran and installed smoke detectors in his home. 
• Volunteer Elaine Biller shared some memories of her incredible experience in Solferino, this past summer at an annual Red Cross and Red Crescent gathering. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Volunteer Recovery Caseworker, Engagement Volunteer, Disaster Spiritual Care, Emergency Management Agency Team. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• Nov 19: Join us at the NYC Volunteer Fair to learn about how you can get involved with one of our many volunteer opportunities.
• Nov 21: Volunteer fair being hosted at Metro New York North HQ to learn more about volunteer opportunities. 
• Dec 3: Sunrise to Save Lives Breakfast and Panel Discussion: Help the American Red Cross Long Island Chapter vaccinate 20,000 children on December 3, 2019
• Dec 11: Please join the American Red Cross Young Patron for a Holiday Soiree to support our Service to the Armed Forces on December 11, 2019.

NY Red Cross Team Member Travels to Greece for Global Refugee Relief

Tiara Youmans (R) coordinates with a team member from the
Austrian Red Cross at a site in the Greek town of Vagiochori. 

Tiara Youmans first joined the American Red Cross in 2010 as a volunteer in Denver, Colorado. Over the last nine years she has traveled across the US and around the world in support of the Red Cross humanitarian mission. But her biggest challenge since joining the organization lies ahead: a two-month deployment to Northern Greece where she will help provide critical relief to refugees.

Youmans recently traveled to Europe with the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support a Cash Transfer Program that provides refugees with funds to give them a sense of autonomy and dignity as they seek to rebuild their lives. This program, implemented by the IFRC, was established by the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHRC). Youmans is based in Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, and travels regularly to sites in the mountains in the North of the country where of thousands of refugees from South Asia, the Middle East and Africa live.

“I’m really grateful to have the opportunity. I’ve been an International Delegate for the Red Cross since 2015 and I have only deployed once before to Haiti,” said Youmans. “This will be my first time working on a refugee and migrant situation rather than natural disasters.”

This crisis was spurred by the arrival of hundreds of thousands of refugees in Greece back in 2015 (20 times more than the previous year). Though these numbers have gone down since, significant arrivals by land and sea have continued since. The implementation of the UNHCR cash program is one component of the Global Red Cross Red Crescent response to this crisis.

Speaking about her work, Youmans explains: “While emergency supplies are still very important, especially in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, more and more, we are leaning to cash assistance so that the beneficiaries are able to make their own decisions on their recovery.”

Youmans is part of a small roster of highly-specialized and experienced American Red Cross disaster professionals, International Delegates as they are called, who deploy and provide aid during global crises alongside Red Cross and/or Red Crescent team members from the host country and from around the world. Youmans is one of four International Delegates from the Greater NY Region who are trained to deploy in this capacity. In 2016, she deployed to Haiti to serve as a relief delegate following Hurricane Matthew.

In her role at the American Red Cross in Greater NY, Tiara Youmans serves as the Regional Director of Client Services and Recovery.

Memories from Solferino

By Elaine Biller, American Red Cross in Greater New York

Slumbering in the Italian countryside, nestled between rolling hills of vineyards and lakes, lies the sleepy town of Solferino. Like most towns that dot the Italian countryside, Solferino would not attract many visitors, being bypassed for its larger nearby cousins of Verona and Lake Garda. Yet, what makes Solferino stand apart from its rural neighbors is an infamous event that took place on June 24, 1859 that changed the course of world history. A heady reputation afforded Solferino that most people, including many Red Crossers are largely unaware of, that I myself was unaware of until I traveled to Solferino, Italy as part of an unofficial American Red Cross delegation. 

Since 2009, thousands of International Red Cross and Red Crescent members converge to celebrate the largest spontaneous humanitarian effort during wartime; and to celebrate the subsequent birth of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the formation of the Geneva Conventions which sets forth guidelines for the treatment of prisoners, wounded armed forces, and civilians during wartime engagements. Solferino is where the “idea began.”

Henri Dunant witnessed large scale casualties suffered by all countries represented in the conflict during Italy’s struggle for independence. Inspired by the village women from the area who carried water from the village down to the battlefield, and wounded soldiers several miles to nearby churches for medical treatment, Dunant joined their effort. Using his own money Dunant hired wagons, food and medical supplies engaging nearby towns in the relief operation. Dunant also helped convince army leaders to release all medical professional prisoners allowing them to assist the wounded, regardless of the uniform they were wearing. Due to the sheer number of casualties, the military leaders agreed. Thus, Dunant established the first humanitarian relief effort that did not discriminate on the basis of country, culture, race, or religious affiliation during wartime. Upon his return to his home in Geneva, Dunant went on to publish “ A Memory of Solferino” with his own money, and began a series of discussions which led to the establishment of the Geneva Conventions, and the signed treaties with many nations who agreed to follow Dunant’s principals. Dunant proposed the establishment of a voluntary relief organization that would carry out this treaty; whose sole mission was to alleviate the human suffering imposed by war, conflicts and natural disasters without discrimination based on borders, race, gender or religion. 

Henri Dunant’s financed his passion for this cause using personal finances. He went bankrupt yet still published essays persuading a humanitarian agenda for the fair treatment of prisoners of war, abolition of slavery, protection of jewish exiles and a neutral international organization to oversee this all. In 1895, Dunant’s writings were “rediscovered” sparking a renewed interest in his work on a global scale, leading to Dunant being awarded the first Nobel Peace Prize for what is described as “the supreme humanitarian achievement of the 19th century.”

Fast-forward to today when thousands of humanitarians come together in the foothills where this battle took place to honor the great man, his work, and the ongoing relief efforts of the societies, Red Cross and Red Crescent, that he helped create. To be a small part of such a great legacy can not be fully explained in words. Honored to be part of this celebration does not adequately fill out the experience. I will offer some insight fully acknowledging my lack, but hopefully fleshing out enough details to provide a glimpse into this celebration’s meaning. 

Meeting in the town’s piazza, celebrants come together. From a single torch, the light of the flame is passed from each participant until nearly ten thousand torches are lit. With each lighting, we are joined together in unity; passing on the symbol of hope and promise that our societies represent around the world. The light is shared shoulder to shoulder with soon to be new friends represented by almost 150 countries. I was one of about a dozen Americans from the mainland joining another dozen plus Americans stationed in Venice, Italy. With torches held aloft we began the same procession that the villagers took when they came to aid the wounded combatants that fateful day centuries ago. Winding our way through the countryside we walked shoulder to shoulder with Nationals from around the world. Conversations ensued, shirts and pins were exchanged, occasionally a song broke free from the crowd. Singing “Let it Be” with accents from around the globe made this rendition my favorite forever. Let it be. A simple message; let it be- a promise of peace, unity, safety in one’s own country, a promise that every human being is a human being deserving what we each strive for; dignity, clean water, a safe home, no migrant crisis, no world disasters… let it be.

We walked on for over ten miles. Sometimes a hush would come over the crowd. Was it the beauty of the sunset and the glow of torches that wrapped around the winding lanes for miles that brought the throng to quiet mullings? Was the enormity of the experience and the sheer joy of being a participant? Was it the humble thoughts on being a part of the greatest humanitarian relief organization in the world? Was it simply walking beside someone from another nation knowing that due to politics our countries had been in conflict, or were currently in conflict, yet here we walked connecting as citizens of the world believing in something greater? Or was it the knowing that death had devastated this countryside and the bones of so many were still lying in fertile fields? These were my thoughts, I do not know what others mulled as they walked. I do know however that something special was happening in the solitude. Then just as suddenly and as softly as the breeze that caressed the marchers, we were lifted again into celebration and song. We were The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies celebrating our greatest victory together… unflagging compassion, strength in unity and a renewed commitment of the visions put forth by Henri Dunant. As we wound our way back into town we were met by the townspeople with cheers and waving Red Cross banners. Children holding signs for peace brought me to tears. I finished my march weary and speechless. I extinguished my torch and walked the next few steps in darkness, then turning a corner I was met with a giant celebration bursting forth; a band playing and festivities around the campground celebrating the accomplishment of not only the participants but of the societies themselves. 

Solferino is a moment to be experienced. It carries you. It pushes you past beliefs and renews hope. It reminds us that we are one Red Cross and that our work around the world holds the promise that together, and only together, can we can be successful when we walk shoulder to shoulder.

In Case You Missed It – Nov 11

Long Island Red Cross Volunteers in Montauk, as part of the Home Fire Campaign

(Photo: Lori-Ann Spaccarelli-Pizzarelli)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 152 adults and 66 children following 50 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Last Saturday, Red Cross on Long Island Volunteers Vivian Moy, Susie Kalimnios, Dawn Lucas and others installed 57 free smoke alarms in Montauk homes like this one. Good work everyone! 
• Last Thursday marked the one-year anniversary of the Paradise, California #CampFire. We were proud to present a special podcast “Through the Fire” featuring survivors of the devastating wildfire, Abbie Gerspacher-Davis and Mary Petersen Ludwig. 
• Last week, Red Cross volunteers took part in a tribute event for women who served in World War 1, including Red Cross volunteers, at a rediscovered memorial in Central Park. Watch NBC4 news story on the event. 
• Last Wednesday, we host a volunteer fair with over 20 disaster relief organizations in the New York City area. Thanks to our photographer Barry Ritter.
• Red Cross volunteers were on scene of a fire last Wednesday in Yonkers that left six families in need of emergency assistance. 
• Earlier in the week Red Cross teams assisted several families displaced by a fire in Staten Island. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Volunteer Recovery Caseworker, Engagement Volunteer, Disaster Spiritual Care, Emergency Management Agency Team. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org. 
• Nov 13: Join us at the American Red Cross of Long Islands offices to learn about how you can get involved with one of our many volunteer opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided. 
• Nov 14: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons for a night of conversation, drinks, live music and old Hollywood enchantment at the beautiful and historic Players Club on Gramercy Park. The Red Cross Young Patrons provides rising professionals with an opportunity to network with other socially-conscious philanthropists and help leverage the mission of the American Red Cross in the local community. 
• Nov 21: Volunteer fair being held at Metro New York North, to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Bronx Veteran Turns to Red Cross After Tragedy

By Daniel Sieberg, American Red Cross in Greater NY

Carlos Blanco always dreamed of making a difference. And that’s exactly what he did for nearly three decades in the Army serving his country and helping others. But after an apartment fire in his Bronx home earlier this year, it was a team of Red Cross volunteers who were there for him when he needed it most.

During his nearly 30 years with the Army, Blanco experienced countless moments of sacrifice and service. He saw the suffering of others and says he needed to put aside all sense of fear and trepidation to fulfill his missions. He eventually worked as operations sergeant with the NY State Emergency Preparedness team and witnessed the effects of natural disasters firsthand including hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. And he says throughout it all he never felt afraid with his fellow members of the military alongside him. 

After a medical incident sent him to the hospital in 2016, he emerged from that experience with new challenges. He was living alone and approaching retirement. He started to wonder what lay ahead. He embarked on this new chapter in his life at the age of 60 with the intent of reinventing himself, spending some time working with his church, maybe even starting a business within the Latino community of the Bronx where he’d lived for most of his adult life. 

But all those plans were turned upside down the night of September 3, 2019 when he learned of an apartment fire in his home. Blanco himself was actually spending that night in nearby Westchester County watering plants and taking care of the home of a friend. He received a call in the middle of the night alerting him to what had happened - terror gripped his thoughts as he imagined his beloved pets trapped inside. 

“I immediately thought of my little guys,” said Blanco, welling with tears. “I call them my three amigos.” 

Those three amigos were his dog, Teddy, and two cats, Tigger and Simba. As with so many of our animal companions, they had become a stable force in his life; sadly they perished in the fire. For Blanco, it was an overwhelming emotional experience coupled with the loss of material items, his home and a sense of stability. 

When he arrived at the house that morning he encountered the firefighters - but also some unexpected and entirely welcome guests from the Red Cross. 

“Well, you know, I didn’t have to call the Red Cross - they were there,” said Blanco. “Knowing that in times like this - you feel like you stand alone. And what am I going to do, where am I going to live. And here they are.” 

He says he was provided everything he needed in a time of crisis - shelter, some funds on a debit card to buy clothes and food, and unwavering support to help him move forward. 

“People don’t even know how important an organization like the Red Cross can be,” said Blanco. “And what it represents - during people’s worst time - basically is hope. They don’t care who you are - they just know you need help.” 

Blanco is now rebuilding and moving forward with a renewed sense of optimism - appreciative of everything he has in life. And he’s ready to pay it back to others; he says a priority is now completing an application to become a Red Cross volunteer himself. 

“I know I can make a difference,” said Blanco. “Because they made a difference in my life.”

In Case You Missed It - Nov 4

Red Cross Command Center, ERV and Hummer at Touch-a-Truck event. 

(Photo: Lori-Ann Spaccarelli-Pizzarelli)

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 78 adults and 23 children following 56 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Last Sunday, Team Red Cross did a fantastic job at the 2019 TCS NYC Marathon. They ran to deliver hope, raising funds to support our humanitarian mission. Check out runner Allie Taylor as she makes her way through the course. 
•  Last Saturday, Red Cross members and emergency took part in the Touch-a-Truck event in Suffolk County. 
• In our latest blog post, Rockland County couple Linda and Brian MacMullan share with us their experiences in the Red Cross, and how they give back to their community. 
• On Halloween, the Red Cross and the ACSNYC shared important safety tips to help keep trick-or-treaters in New York City safe.
•  Last Thursday, the New York Disaster Interfaith Services held a Disaster Chaplaincy and Spiritual Mass Care Session. One of our Spiritual Care leads Rabbi Stephen Roberts took part in this gathering.
• Last week Community and Government Relations Director John Waldman and Interim CEO Susan Rounds Assemblywoman met with Helene Weinstein to share our organizational state of readiness in the Greater New York Region.
• A sketchbook by cartoonist Mark Fiore captures the many interactions and services available inside a Red Cross evacuation shelter in Sonoma County impacted by the Kincade Fire. 
•  The third episode of our “Humanitarians of NY” podcast is now available! Red Cross volunteer (and former employee) Eli Russ shares with us his journey with the Red Cross and how joining as a youth volunteer in 2009 changed the course of his life. 
•  Last Tuesday, the 2nd Annual Disaster Services Expo was sponsored by the Red Cross on Long Island. We are thankful to the Nassau County OEM for hosting us and helping us maintain a strong community across Long Island. 

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Nov 6: Join us at the American Red Cross in Greater New York volunteer fair from 2pm to 6pm! Explore volunteer opportunities from over 20 of the most prominent disaster relief non-profit organizations in the NYC area.
• Nov 9: The Peekskill Fire Department (Westchester County) will be hosting us for their very own Home Fire Campaign major event! Peekskill firefighters will be joining Red Cross volunteers to install smoke detectors and spread fire awareness throughout the city of Peekskill, NY. The event will be held from 8am-4pm. No prior Home Fire Campaign experience is required. Training will be provided at the event. Register here.
• Nov 13: Join us at the American Red Cross of Long Islands offices to learn about how you can get involved with one of our many volunteer opportunities. Light refreshments will be provided.
• Nov 14: Join the Red Cross Young Patrons for a night of conversation, drinks, live music and old Hollywood enchantment at the beautiful and historic Players Club on Gramercy Park. The Red Cross Young Patrons provides rising professionals with an opportunity to network with other socially-conscious philanthropists and help leverage the mission of the American Red Cross in the local community.
• Nov 21: Volunteer fair being held at Metro New York North, to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
• Dec 3: Sunrise to Save Lives Breakfast and Panel Discussion: Help the American Red Cross Long Island Chapter vaccinate 20,000 children on December 3, 2019
• Dec 11: Please join the American Red Cross Young Patron for a Holiday Soiree to support our Service to the Armed Forces on December 11, 2019.