In Case You Missed It

Red Cross Team supporting first responders at Times Square before New Year's Eve Ball Drop. (Photo: Alex Wales)

From Dec 30-Jan 5, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 132 adults and 45 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• The Bronx Times, News12 and CBS2 continued to cover how the Red Cross assisted residents for two weeks after the water main break in mid-December.
• Last Thursday, our team gathered at the New York Stock Exchange to ring the first Opening Bell of 2025 and recognize National Blood Donor Month.
• For the last several weeks, we’ve been sharing clips of the Women in Service we honored at the Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park like Judy Audevard, Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger, Deanne Criswell, Major Ophélie Bernecker and Captain Tina Peña.
• In the hours leading up to midnight on New Year’s Eve, Red Cross volunteers provided hot beverages and snacks for first responders and partners at Times Square.
• Relive the memory of when Red Cross blood donor Josh Dye won a contest to meet the legendary creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov.
• For Clara Barton’s 203rd Birthday, fourth-grader Cara paid homage to the iconic founder of the American Red Cross with this video.
• Two weeks ago, Congressman Jim Himes stopped by our Jill and John Coyle Blood Donor Center in Greenwich to demonstrate how easy and how important it is to donate blood.
• The Boston College Football team stopped by our HQ on their way to the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium to learn hands-only CPR and help put together care packages for veterans.
• We closed out the year remembering what an incredible year it has been and reminding our supporters of the impact they’ve had on the community.

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)

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)

In Case You Missed It

Garden Club of Lawrence decorate holiday wreaths for local
veteran's facilities and senior centers. (Photo: Eric Strausman)

From Dec 2-8, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 232 adults and 58 children following 49 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last night, PIX11 reported on the Red Cross helping families after a fire on Broadway in the Inwood section of Manhattan.
• This weekend, Long Island board member Alexis Morledge and the Garden Club of Lawrence decorated 35 beautiful wreaths to distribute at local veterans' facilities and senior centers.
• Last Friday, ABC7, News 12 and LoHud reported on the Red Cross assisting multiple residents after two large fires in Mount Vernon mere hours apart.
• The Riverdale Press published an article about practicing fire safety during peak season.
• Metro NY North CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley’s latest Greenwich Sentinel column focuses on the spirit of giving back during the holidays.
• Last Wednesday, the Red Cross assisted 6 residents after a fire on Hope Lane on Staten Island.
• We shared a video highlighting how the Red Cross helped families after a fire in Inwood (Manhattan) just days before Thanksgiving.
• Last Monday, Gothamist, 1010WINS, PIX11, NY1 and CBS2 reported on the Red Cross helping displaced residents after a fire on East 82nd Street in Manhattan.
• News12 and the Daily Voice also reported on the Red Cross assisting 8 families after a fire on Downing Street in Yonkers.
• We visited Times Square twice in one day to celebrate the ‘Light The World’ Giving Machine Unwrapping Events in New York City.
• 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.
• Making the Chinatown community safer around Lunar New Year.
• Opening a reception center in Harlem after a major fire.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• 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)

In Case You Missed It

Supporting veterans at the Nassau County Stand Down in Freeport, NY. (Photo: Rick Gunter)

From Nov 25 - Dec 1, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 162 adults and 53 children following 43 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Ahead of Thanksgiving Day celebrations, we reminded our neighbors to stay safe while traveling and cooking.
• Early last week, our Services to the Armed Forces team didn't let rainy weather stop them from supporting over 500 veterans at the Nassau County Stand Down in Freeport, NY.
• Senator Roxanne Persaud is helping to “Sound the Alarm” about home fires with this safety PSA.
• We are so thankful to the students and community of the Archer Street School in Freeport, NY for raising $2400 to support the Red Cross!
• VIDEO: We featured Elias Higgs, a disaster response manager for the Red Cross in New York City, who recently deployed for his first time ever to a national deployment.
• Last Tuesday, CBS2 and ABC7 reported on the Red Cross assisting 3 families after a fire on West 204th Street in Inwood.
• News 12 also reported on another fire on New Jersey Ave in Brooklyn, where the Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 3 families.
• 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.
• Supporting families displaced after a fire at Holland Avenue in the Williamsbridge section of The Bronx.
• Red Cross preparedness volunteer Alex Poku and Pedro the Penguin taught children how to better prepare for emergencies.
• Our annual blood drive at West Point.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• 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)
• Dec 4-8: Our Greater New York Disaster Workforce Engagement team is holding Winter Training Weekend — register here.

In Case You Missed It

The Home Fire Preparedness Team installed 140 alarms in 96 Peekskill homes – in one day!

From Nov 18-24, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 105 adults and 30 children following 46 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• We shared a video highlighting the Red Cross response on November 14 to an apartment fire in Howard Beach.
• Last Thursday, the Red Cross GNY Green Team held its first Red Cross Clothing swap this week, a fun and sustainable way for both staff and volunteers to refresh their gear while reducing Red Cross textile waste.
• Our amazing Home Fire Preparedness Team installed 140 alarms in 96 Peekskill homes – in one day!
• November is National Youth Involvement Month! Isabella from the Scarsdale High School Red Cross Club recently shared a poem about volunteering that we think captures the spirit of youth volunteerism.
• Last week, our new Regional CEO Doreen Thomann-Howe continued her tour of the boroughs and met with the Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• 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)
• Dec 4-8: Our Greater New York Disaster Workforce Engagement team is holding Winter Training Weekend — register here.

In Case You Missed It

NY Islanders owner Jon Ledecky having fun with good Samaritans Anthony Lagos and
Kevin Losee at the Long Island Heroes Celebration. (Photo: Eric Strausman)

From Nov 11-17, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 145 adults and 45 children following 47 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• Last Friday, ABC7, Hoodline, and QNS reported on the Red Cross opening a reception center to assist families after a fire on 151st Avenue in Howard Beach, Queens.
• Last Thursday, News 12 reported on the #LIRedCross Long Island Heroes Celebration where Global Industrial Company, NY Islanders owner Jon Ledecky, and good Samaritans Anthony Lagos and Kevin J. Losee were all honored for their contributions to the community.
• For Veterans Day, we recognized five amazing Red Crossers who have also served the country through the armed forces: Scott Piper, Jason Lyons, Frantz Metellus, Ramon Barreras, and Mauricio Serrato.
• Red Crossers marched in Veterans Day parades held in New York City and Greenwich.
• The day after Veterans Day, we held our 6th Annual Women of Service ceremony in Central Park to honor extraordinary women who have served our country and our local communities. More photos of the event can be found here.
• We are very proud of pet-therapy volunteer Sicario for being a part of the Operation Good Boy and Walmart campaign. 🐶

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Nov 21: Join us for a special event to benefit the Red Cross and experience an exclusive preview our curated collection at Pologeorgis in Greenwich, CT.
• Dec 4-8: Our Greater New York Disaster Workforce Engagement team is holding Winter Training Weekend — register here.

In Case You Missed It

#LIRedCross volunteers assisted residents after a fire in a Roslyn Heights apartment complex. (Photo: Vivian Moy)

From Nov 4-10, the Red Cross in Greater New York provided emergency assistance to 102 adults and 29 children following 41 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities. (See below)

Last Week in Review

• On the anniversary of the November 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed the small California town of Paradise, we shared our special two-part podcast episode devoted to remembering one of the deadliest wildfires in California history.
• The Staten Island Advance reported on the Red Cross assisting two residents after a fire on Token Street last Wednesday.
• Last Tuesday, #LIRedCross volunteers took care of some grateful residents and their pets in the aftermath of a fire in their #RoslynHeights apt complex.
• Senator Patricia Canzoneri Fitzpatrick is helping the Red Cross “Sound the Alarm” about home fires with this PSA.
• The Norwood News reported on the Red Cross assisting 4 families after a fire on Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx.
• The Queens Chronicle reported on Tuesday that the American Red Cross responded to a fatal fire in Jamaica the previous weekend.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• JOIN OUR TEAM! We have an opening on our development team for a new Regional Director of Development, Individual and Foundation Partnerships. This role leads the team responsible for increasing the American Red Cross’s capacity for engaging with major donors and foundation partners throughout the GNY Region.
• Nov 12: Extraordinary women who served our country and our local communities will be honored at an annual “Women of Service for America” tribute ceremony at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 11am. The event will be livestreamed on Facebook Live.
• Nov 14: Get hyped with this sizzle reel for the upcoming Long Island Heroes Celebration where we will be honoring Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the New York Islanders, Global Industrial Company and Good Samaritan heroes Anthony Lagos and Kevin J. Losee.
• The Long Island Heroes Celebration silent auction is open!! Place your bids for exciting activities, trips, capes and more!!