In Case You Missed It — June 29

Red Cross volunteers worked to distribute care packages to those working at
Coney Island Hospital, as part of the NYC Healthcare Heroes Initiative. (Photo: Sanasa Kaba)

Over the last seven days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 76 adults and 17 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week In Review

• Last Friday, our volunteers worked to distribute care packages to hospital workers at Coney Island Hospital as part of the NYC Healthcare Heroes Initiative.
• The National RedCrossChat blog released a profile of one of our own Disaster Cycle Services volunteers, Hannah Simpson, to celebrate Pride Month. 
• Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins co-hosted a special emergency preparedness presentation for her constituents, alongside MNYN CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley. 
• To celebrate National Bring Your Pet to Work week, Red Cross members shared photos with their furry and feathered friends. 
• Last Thursday, the Greater New York logistics team held a Hands-On Trailer Towing Training Workshop. 
• Red Cross featured volunteer Maria Anguiano’s story; after her parents recovered from COVID-19 with the help of hospital workers, she insisted on supporting the NYC Healthcare Heroes Initiative. 
• Red Cross helped several residents affected by a fire on 140th Ave in Queens. 
• Volunteers from the Greater New York region passed the torch to join in the worldwide celebration of Solferino 2020.
• Last Tuesday, we shared a new podcast episode featuring three experts who discuss kids, coronavirus, and preparedness. 

Upcoming Events and Activities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Blood Donor Screener, Disaster Spiritual Care Team Member, Disability Integration Program Team Member. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• To find a blood drive near you click here.  
• July 8, 15, 22, 29: Pillowcase Project is a virtual online program that teaches children on how to prepare for emergencies. Register for an online session here.  
• June 30: Senator Anna Kaplan is co-hosting a special emergency preparedness presentation for her constituents. Register for the session here. 
• July 9, 14, 20, 21, 23, 28: Prepare, Respond, Recover in a free virtual online training about what you and your community can do when natural and man-made disasters strike. Register for an online session here.  
• June 30: Join us for a Missing Maps event to mobilize volunteers all over the world to build maps that can be used in disaster response, public health campaigns, and other forms of humanitarian assistance. Register on Volunteer Connection here (Red Cross Volunteers Only) 

“Three Questions” with Red Cross Volunteer Maria Anguiano

by Yixuan (Shirley) Luo, American Red Cross in Greater New York

"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.

Maria Anguiano is a Red Cross volunteer from Queens, N.Y. who has been a very active member of our disaster response team. She originally joined us as a member of MIRA USA, a non-profit organization that promotes the social integration of immigrants in the United States. Since the pandemic, she began supporting our different COVID-19 missions including the NYC Healthcare Heroes initiative. When she is not volunteering with the Red Cross, Maria works as a DJ and an event planner. Maria was born in Puebla, Mexico and came to the U.S. when she was eight.

How do you approach your volunteer work as a DAT (disaster action team) responder, helping families recover from fires?

It is an unfortunate situation to see someone who has just lost everything to a fire or learn of a loss of life. Seeing these families in such a situation is difficult. It is even harder to see little kids around. Especially in the wintertime, it is heartbreaking to see that they have nothing, and they are shivering and shaking. Most of them do not know that we, the Red Cross, respond to home fires. When seeing the little kids’ innocent faces…and happiness receiving our Oreos, stuffed animals or other assistance, I feel I am making a difference. More importantly, I realized how beautiful the Red Cross mission is and what the Red Cross is doing — to step up to help those in need.

On top of that, it was also very impactful for me to understand that language is often the biggest barrier in the disaster response. Coming from the Hispanic community, I am able to make Spanish-speaking people feel more comfortable at the scene. I realized that I am able to help the Red Cross to better connect with the Latino community.

How has your Red Cross volunteer work changed since the COVID-19 crisis started?

I am blessed to be part of the whole COVID mission. I have been to the hospitals as much as I can, to hand out supplies to healthcare workers. I am out at the field almost every day, and sometimes, I even do two shifts per day. Sometimes I do JASA [food distribution to elderly NYers] as well, delivering frozen meals to 1200 apartments of the senior housing complex in Far Rockaway. I also helped with The Salvation Army, picking up and delivering pizzas for vulnerable families. Two weeks ago, I was able to help the community of Hempstead where I go to church. We picked up meals and boxes and delivered them to different homes.

How does it feel to be giving back during coronavirus?

Unfortunately, at the same time, my parents were in the hospital because of COVID, and my dad was in a coma, I had to take care of them prior, during, and after the hospital. That period was tough for me, but I am relieved that they are okay now. It was emotional when I saw the hospital workers who helped my parents and I thought I had to give back to them. I was tearing and I genuinely appreciated their efforts. Between their shifts, you can feel that they are tired, drained and they have no energy but are saying “thank you” to us. “No, thank you! Don’t worry, we got a lot of goodies for you,” I said. I am truly grateful for being able to give back to the healthcare workers and being part of the Red Cross mission.

In Case You Missed It - June 23

A moment from our Long Island Red Cross Heroes Among Us Gala,
that celebrated our mission and partners who made our work possible.

Over the last seven days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 93 adults and 62 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week In Review

• We wish Red Cross fathers everywhere a happy Father’s Day!
• To celebrate World Refugee Day 2020 on Saturday, the American Red Cross in Greater New York supported the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and its partnership of amazing organizations supporting refugees to host the 4th World Refugee Day Festival!
• Last Thursday, we hosted a virtual edition of our Long Island Red Cross Heroes Among Us Gala, celebrating our mission and the extraordinary work of our partners who make our work possible. Congrats again to our Heroes Among Us Gala honorees!
• Ming Chiang 
• Beth Page Federal Credit Union
• PSEG Long Island 
• National Grid
• Senator Kevin Thomas and Long Island CEO Neela Mukherjee Lockel hosted our informative emergency preparedness program.
• Red Cross helped families affected by a multiple-alarm fire on E. 142 St in the Bronx. 
• Last Monday, the American Red Cross in Greater New York hosted a press conference at their Mineola office to talk about hurricane preparedness amid COVID-19. Check out this coverage from Newsday and the LI Herald. 

Upcoming Events and Activities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Blood Donor Screener, Disaster Spiritual Care Team Member, Disability Integration Program Team Member. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• To find a blood drive near you click here. 
• June 24, July 8, 15, 22, 29: Pillowcase Project is a virtual online program that teaches children on how to prepare for emergencies. Register for an online session here. 
• June 24: Senator John Brooks is co-hosting a special emergency preparedness presentation for her constituents. Register for the session here.
• June 25: Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins is co-hosting a special emergency preparedness presentation for her constituents. Register for the session here.
• June 30, July 9, 14, 20, 21, 23, 28: Prepare, Respond, Recover in a free virtual online training about what you and your community can do when natural and man-made disasters strike. Register for an online session here. 
• June 30: Join us for a Missing Maps event to mobilize volunteers all over the world to build maps that can be used in disaster response, public health campaigns, and other forms of humanitarian assistance. Register on Volunteer Connection here (Red Cross Volunteers Only)

In Case You Missed It - June 16

Red Cross's mental health tips were featured on Morgan Stanley's billboards in Times Square.

Over the last seven days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 66 adults and 21 children following 35 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week In Review

• Over the weekend, the Red Cross helped 12 residents affected by a fire on Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale NY.
• Last week, Red Cross volunteers distributed care packages to hospital staff at NYU's Kimmel Center, Staten Island University Hospital and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone as part of the Healthcare Heroes Initiative.
• Red Cross’s mental health tips were featured on Morgan Stanley’s billboards in Broadway, Times Square.
• Here is how Red Cross is still carrying out its humanitarian work nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• One of our dedicated volunteers, Christina, delivered 200 pizzas donated by Papa John’s Pizza, to support families served by The Salvation Army in Brooklyn, Queens, and Northport, NY.
• Our Metro New York North Chapter CEO donated blood last Tuesday at The Belle Haven Club, at a drive that our Board member, Janine Kennedy organized. 25 pints were collected, helping 75 patients in hospitals.
• Red Cross’s Metro New York North team hosted Safety Town, helping young kids learn about safety at school, home, and in their communities.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Blood Donor Screener, Disaster Spiritual Care Team Member, Disability Integration Program Team Member, Community Relations Ambassador. Apply today at  www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• To find a blood drive near you click here.
• June 15: The Long Island Red Cross is hosting its annual Gala: Heroes Among Us 2020 virtually this year.
• June 16, 25, 30: Online preparedness: In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is providing free online training on how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. Register for an online session here.
• June 16: The Red Cross and State Senator Kevin Thomas are hosting the virtual event Prepare, Respond, Recover: What to do When Disaster Strikes
• June 17, 24: Pillowcase Project Virtual Sessions: The goal of this program is to help create a generation of children empowered to take action preparing for emergencies. Register for an online session here.
• June 17: Tiffany Circle of Women Leaders presents Delivering Our Humanitarian Mission Through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Civil Unrest, featuring Red Cross President and CEO, Gail McGovern.

In Case You Missed It – June 8

Eight of our Red Cross team members traveled to Texas and Louisiana
when the Tropical Storm Cristobal hit to help those in need. (Photo: Lenia Kiki)

Over the last seven days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 71 adults and  21 children following 36 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week In Review

• The Red Cross strongly rejects hate, racism, violence and bigotry of any kind.
• Last Friday, Lenia Ahmed Kiki and seven other Red Cross team members traveled to Texas and Louisiana to help prepare to support families who may be impacted by Tropical Storm Cristobal.
• Last Thursday, Red Cross helped residents affected by a 2-alarm fire on 158th St. in Manhattan.
• PIX 11 spoke to our interim CEO Susan Rounds about hurricane preparedness and how the Red Cross has adapted to COVID-19.
• The NY Times reported that the Red Cross warns of a staggering drop in blood supplies due to social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer positions: Blood Donor Screener, Disaster Spiritual Care Team Member, Disability Integration Program Team Member. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• To find a blood drive near you click here.
• June 10, 17, 24: Pillowcase Project Virtual Sessions: The goal of this program is to help create a generation of children empowered to take action preparing for emergencies. Register for an online session here.
• June 11, 16, 25, 30: Online preparedness: In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is providing free online training on how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. Register for an online session here.
• June 11: The Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive in Larchmont NY
• June 15: The Long Island Red Cross is hosting its annual Gala: Heroes Among Us 2020 virtually this year.
• June 16: The Red Cross and State Senator Kevin Thomas are hosting the virtual event Prepare, Respond, Recover: What to do When Disaster Strikes
• June 17: Tiffany Circle of Women Leaders presents Delivering Our Humanitarian Mission Through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Civil Unrest, featuring Red Cross President and CEO, Gail McGovern

In Case You Missed It - June 2

DJ David Guetta and NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray came out to support NYC Healthcare Heroes at Harlem Hospital.

Over the last seven days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 62 adults and 17 children following 33 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week In Review

• Last week, Red Cross volunteers continued handing out care packages to hospital workers as part of the Healthcare Heroes Initiative. They were at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx and Jamaica Hospital in Queens. On Friday, we were joined by David Guetta and NYC’s First Lady to hand out bags of supplies to frontline healthcare workers at Harlem Hospital.
• The Red Cross helped transport and distribute countless boxes of food and fresh produce that were donated by No Limit Auto Body to over 100 families.
• Last Thursday, we posted this special “thank you” video from the senior leadership team to show appreciation to volunteers, blood donors and Red Cross supporters.
• We posted a new story on our blog about how Red Cross volunteers Celia and Edras helped bring the community together to help Long Island resident Josselyn and her family recover from home fire amid COVID-19.
• Red Cross team members helped families from home fires in Dix Hill and on Amboy Road in Staten Island.
• Earlier in the week, LI Red Cross CEO Neela Lockel spoke to NPR affiliate WSHU about our virtual Family Assistance Center.

Upcoming Events and Activities

• We are actively recruiting for the following volunteer position: Blood Donor Screener, Disaster Spiritual Care Team Member. Apply today at www.redcross.org/volunteer! For more information, please contact recruitmentgny@redcross.org.
• To find a blood drive near you click here.
• June 3, 10, 17, 24: The goal of the Pillowcase Project Virtual Sessions is to help create a generation of children empowered to take action preparing for emergencies. Register for an online session here.
• June 2, 11, 16, 25, 30: In partnership with New York State, the Red Cross is providing free online training on how to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. Register for an online session here.
• June 11: The Red Cross has scheduled a blood drive in Larchmont NY
• June 15: The Long Island Red Cross is hosting its annual Gala: Heroes Among Us 2020 virtually this year.
• June 16: The Red Cross and Senator Kevin Thomas are hosting the virtual event Prepare, Respond, Recover: What to do When Disaster Strikes