In Case You Missed It - Jan 9

Long Island Red Crossers going out to install free smoke alarms on a chilly morning.

Over the last 7 days, the Greater New York Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 138 adults and children following 41 local disasters. Here are some highlights from last week and a preview of upcoming activities (see below).

Last Week in Review

• Early Sunday morning, Greater NY Red Cross CEO Josh Lockwood sat down with NBC New York's Rana Novini on Today in New York to discuss the urgent need for blood donations. The segment also marked National Blood Donor Month which runs through January 31.
• Also on Sunday, three Red Cross volunteer teams spread out across 21 Long Island towns to help make their communities safer by installing free smoke alarms.
• On Saturday, Red Cross Volunteer Celia Vollmer helped the Girl Scouts of Troop 909 in Brentwood, N.Y. earn their First Aid Badge by teaching them basic first aid skills.
• It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of Christopher Sewell, beloved LI Red Cross volunteer. On Friday, many Red Crossers paid their respects and took time to remember his legacy at his burial service. Our hearts go out to all who knew and loved him.
• Video: During these cold temperatures, the Red Cross urges families to take these precautions when heating their homes to reduce the risk of a home fire.
• On Wednesday, many Red Cross Disaster and Mental-Health Volunteers were mobilized following the LIRR train derailment in Brooklyn to provide support and services as needed.
• Also on that day, the Long Island Red Cross was at the scene of fatal fire in Amityville to provide emergency relief and emotional support to affected families.
• For our #MyRedCrossLife Instagram series, we continued to focus on the youth leaders of our Red Cross Clubs. Last week, we featured the story of Sarah Zeng's first contact with the Red Cross in China.
• Did you know that the Red Cross helps reconnect family members separated by war and natural disasters? On Tuesday, we posted Red Cross volunteer Stan Frank’s in-depth blog post about our Restoring Family Links program and how it operates.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

• Jan 11, 16: Red Cross blood drive: 2 to 7pm: 520 West 49th Street, Manhattan. Schedule an appointment to donate today.
• Jan 21: #GetAlarmedNYC is coming to Sunset Park, Brooklyn to help make the community safer one home at a time. Volunteer to help out, or sign up to get a free smoke alarm installed in your home.
• Jan 28: Want to become a part of the Red Cross Movement and change the world one community at a time? Register for a FREE orientation and learn about the many ways you can impact your community and make new friends by volunteering with the American Red Cross.