In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Home Fire teams installing free smoke alarms in Queens over the weekend.

From Dec 9-15, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 192 adults and 45 children following 73 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• News 12 reported on the #MetroNYNRedCross working with Yonkers OEM to open a shelter for residents displaced by the fire on Maple St in Yonkers. Hot meals and 29 overnight stays were provided throughout Saturday and Sunday nights.
• The cold weather did not stop our dedicated volunteers from working to #EndHomeFires in Elmhurst, Queens on Saturday!
• American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter spent the day and night on Friday writing almost 900 holiday cards to say thank you to local first responders and veterans at the Montrose VA.
• After a fire in Brooklyn on Thursday, PIX11 shared that the Red Cross responded to offer help to impacted residents.
• This year's Battle of the Badges Blood Drive held on Dec 7 in Greenwich was an incredible competition between our brave police, fire, EMS, and — for the first time — dispatchers!
• We shared the inspiring story of Clive Dawkins, a former Red Cross preparedness volunteer who found himself needing help himself after a home fire.
• Earlier this month, we held our latest 'We Were There' discussion series on the experiences of some of our workforce who have deployed to Disaster Relief Operations.
• As the holidays draw near, we start to look back on 2024 and reflect on the moments that capture the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross.
• FDNY DART presented Kathie Cayton with an award of appreciation.
• After being together for 24 years (and counting), Craig and Jose were able to donate blood together for the first time thanks to more inclusive FDA guidelines on blood donation.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Every day the Red Cross of Greater New York responds to 8 -10 disasters across the boroughs. If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference, join our Volunteer Disaster Response or Home Fire Campaign teams.
• We are looking for volunteers in the following roles: 
• Mass Care Team Member, 
• Emergency Response Vehicle Driver (NYC)
• Disaster Action Team Specialist (NYC) OVERNIGHT SHIFTS PRIORITY
• Disaster Health Services Team Member (NYC) Certified Professionals Only
• Disaster Mental Health Team Member - Licensed Certified Professionals Only
• Disaster Services: Spiritual Care Volunteer - Certified Professionals Only
• Video Editor
• VHS Historical Video Digitizer (NYC)