Recap: East Georgia Chapter's Show and Inspire Open House Tour

On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, the local East Georgia Chapter of The American Red Cross held its first Show and Inspire Open House Tour. Tour participants were able to get a first-hand perspective of what life looks like serving as an American Red Cross volunteer. Participants were also able to tour the chapter office and speak with veteran volunteers including Red Cross staff.  In addition, Mr. Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of the chapter, shared his first-hand experiences he has witnessed over the years serving not only as Executive Director but also as an ordinary citizen trying to make a difference in the lives of others confronted with unfortunate situations.

Mr. Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter

One of the tour’s key speakers was Ms. Dana Jenkins, a volunteer for the American Red Cross who selflessly donates her time to help the local chapter. Dana volunteers at the University of Georgia home football games. She is prepared to help out the Red Cross in any way she can--whether that’s giving CPR to another individual, taking care of someone who has become dehydrated or even assisting someone who has been bitten by mosquitoes!  Dana says she has had many different and unique roles on football Saturdays, but she would not change her experience for the world. “If you think you’re going to be able to watch the game, then you’ve been mislead,” says Dana. “We’re all here to work.”

Ms. Dana Jenkins, a Red Cross Football volunteer

Another highlight of the Show and Inspire Tour was Executive Director Jeff Taylor’s presentation about the Students for The American Red Cross (SARC). For the academic year of 2011-2012, SARC had an ambition of growing from a group of just 10 members to over 150 members. Within just one month, SARC has grown to over 60 active student volunteers! On behalf of the entire Red Cross staff, we are very excited about this upcoming year and anticipate nothing but the best from our university students. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to the chapter. (For more information, or if you are a student interested in becoming involved with SARC, please visit http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/SARC.htm or e-mail sarc@uga.edu with any questions.)

At the end of the tour, guests were able to ask any questions they may have had as well as find out more ways in how to become involved with the Red Cross. Each tour participant learned exactly what it takes to volunteer some of their time to the organization. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, please visit our website at http://eastgeorgiaredcoss.org or call (706)-353-1645.  

Were you unable to attend the open house? Here are some informative key facts from the afternoon:

• In the United States, there are over 500,000 volunteers who are trained to work with the American Red Cross.
• At the East Georgia Chapter alone, 8,500 citizens and residents of the local area were trained in life-saving skills in the year 2010.
• There are 650 Red Cross Community Chapters across the United States.
• Just this past month (September), 1,600 American Red Cross volunteers assisted and helped New York residents after Hurricane Irene.
• Did you know that the American Red Cross does not receive government assistance?
• The Red Cross is called upon for some of the most unique things. For example, Executive Director Jeff Taylor informed guests that Red Cross volunteers had to milk dairy cows in upper New York state!

Thank you to everyone who came to our open house tour. A BIG thank-you goes out to our chapter staff!

Guests enjoying refreshments and conversation in the Public Affairs Office

By: Helen Farmakis, Public Affairs Intern

It Takes a Village | Update from the field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front line

Hurricane Irene’s furry and flooding were more than enough for New Yorkers, but when Tropical Storm Lee blew through the Southern Tier of New York only nine days after Irene, dumping more than eight inches of rain, you have a recipe for disaster.

Binghamton, New York suffered the effects of the double-dip storm waters in unprecedented ways.  With the torrent came the immediate evacuation of 20,000 residents and the need for a very fast response by the American Red Cross.  Binghamton University stepped up immediately and made their Event Center available to the Red Cross, along with local and state agencies, to make ready for a flood of residents seeking safe haven. 

When 1,800 area citizens sought shelter, literally from the storm, critical partnerships with the American Red Cross, bonded together to create not only a “mass shelter” on the grounds of Binghamton University, but a temporary residence that provided safe, secure and substantial refuge for the citizens of Binghamton and the surrounding region.  The American Red Cross works hard throughout the year, throughout every state, to make sure that we have partnership agreements and relationships in place. When all of our partners work together for the humanitarian and compassionate care for all citizens, the results are a marvel and inspiration to behold.

Upon arrival to the nerve center of the mass shelter operation within the Event Center, I discovered the fruits of collaboration to be remarkable and effective.  I walked into the gigantic even center and saw scores of Red Cross volunteers busy caring for the residents with excellent care, offering hope, health services, and mental health services, hot meals, and snacks, activities for children, cots and blankets. Soon I was led into command center where the Red Cross Shelter Managers joined ranks with the University Law Enforcement Officers, local and state Law Enforcement Officials, Incident Commanders, Public Information Officers, County Health Officers, volunteer medical professionals, and members from the New York Fire Department.  The professionalism of the collaborative efforts between all agencies worked seamlessly;

I now realize first hand why the Red Cross Community Chapter Disaster Service Directors all across the country work so hard to develop lasting and growing relationships with key stakeholders in every community. It really does take a village to offer the best in care and protection of our neighbors, and the American Red Cross volunteers understand and appreciate this at every level.  The Red Cross appreciates the support and the privilege of partnership, particularly observed in Binghamton, NY, but known across the country.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

American Red Cross Spontaneous Volunteers | Update from the field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front line

Disaster Strikes without warning, but when it does, at a moment’s notice throughout the world, American Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond. Red Cross volunteers are trained, re-trained and always certified; this is what they sign up for and are eager to do – volunteer!

Matthew, a spontaneous volunteer, from Vestal, New York.

But what do you do when a major disaster strikes and “Spontaneous Volunteers” start showing up wanting to do something to help?  You quickly discover their interests and match them up with the needs that exist.  This is precisely what I found when I met a Vestal, New York family, serving hot meals in the Event Center of Binghamton University, right alongside of our deployed Red Cross volunteers. A mom, 15-year-old son, Matthew, an aunt and their family friends were all pitching in to serve dinner for our 500 shelter residents.  As I listened to their stories of volunteerism within the community, I quickly learned that, “this is what we do when you grow up in this community; you step in and serve because you love your town, you love the people and you never know when you may be on the receiving end of kindness.”

Spontaneous volunteers are incredible, and they are a vital supplement to the regular Red Cross volunteer team.  Matthew shared with us that all of his friends have been helping out in the community, cleaning out flooded homes, raking yards and helping with their parents in the Red Cross shelters.  Matthew also shared that the work of volunteerism can get in the way of regular fun, and he was glad.  He said, “Today I called around to my friends to see if they wanted to play a little pick-up football, but we couldn’t because everyone was too busy serving others. It was really cool to see that happening.”

A short distance from this family we found two students attending Binghamton University busy at work in their new Spontaneous Volunteer roles; mopping the floors in the gigantic Event Center.  Alec and Chelsea shared, “We saw what had happened along the Susquehanna River, the neighborhoods that were devastated, and the growing population at the Event Center, and we imagined ourselves in their position and knew that we had to help support the Red Cross and bring hope to the shelter residents.”

Many of the trained and certified American Red Cross volunteers began their tenure with the Red Cross as Spontaneous Volunteers.  It is important to know that American Red Cross community chapters across the country always welcome new volunteers and the contagious spirit of volunteerism.

---------------------------------------------
Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief


Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

Students Serve Binghamton Shelter | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front line

Students Serve Binghamton Shelter

September 12, 2011

The Binghamton University Event Center is not only filled with 500 residents this morning, it is also filled with student volunteers.  The students and young adults have come out in great quantity from the ranks of the American Red Cross volunteer base, from the ranks of the AmeriCorps volunteer team, but also from the Binghamton University student body. In fact, so many volunteers from the student body have come to serve that rotating shifts have been established well into the week.  The students are eager to serve and are grateful to join the efforts of the American Red Cross.

Ross Youmans, and Environmental Science graduate from this past May shared his motivation for serving: “This is my community, the flood hit here and I wanted to help.” Serena Karsou, Editor of the University paper, “Pipedream,” stated that, “the student volunteers have been training for disaster relief and are comfortable with the tensions related to disaster. Our students are great when it comes to talking with the shelter residents, keeping them occupied, and offering hope.”  Freshman, Henry Meyer, had a very practical outlook about serving in the shelter.  “I (Henry) came with my freshman friends to volunteer and we all felt that serving was a better idea than watching TV and having a few days off from school….I like to help people.”

The University student volunteers and student Red Cross volunteers are joined by the AmeriCorps volunteers who have been long-time partners with the American Red Cross.  These students take 10 months off from school, or post-graduate time, to develop leadership skills, to serve in disaster relief operations, and to prepare for a lifetime of service and leadership.  Patrick Skovira has just signed up for a second term of service with AmeriCorps and will be a Team leader during his second deployment. Patrick stated, when asked about why he serves, “For the experience of being able to help others and for the experience I will gain for other fields of work.  I love the opportunity through AmeriCorps and love the partnership with the Red Cross.”

One other group of student volunteers on the shelter floor are those serving through the Harper Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service. After 6 months of training, 120 hours of class work and a New York exam, these students are on the front line of first responders for the student body living on campus and off-campus; and right now, for our residents in the Event Center.

What does all of this mean?  At times of devastation and despair, we should all be encouraged that our youth, (those currently in college and those who have recently graduated), are ready to serve, and the residents of the shelter love not only their service, but their youthful energy and inspiration.  As one shelter resident observed, “They are our future, and they are our present; they are our countries hope and we ought to be proud”

---------------------------------------------
Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief


Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

Extraordinary Partnerships: The American Red Cross and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Kitchens | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines

Extraordinary Partnerships:
The American Red Cross and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Kitchens
September 9, 2011

At 2:30 AM an additional partnership between Albany, NY and Binghamton, NY was from the American Red Cross and the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Kitchen. This is not a new partnership for anyone related to Disaster Relief, but a 2 AM wakeup call, followed by the outdoor kitchens at the Arlington Baptist Church outside of Albany being fired up at 2:30 AM, for a most extraordinary Disaster Relief
Operation.

The Binghamton, NY American Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation escalated in response to 8 plus
inches of rain and an historic flood level of the Susquehanna River. The sudden and urgent need to shelter thousands of residents evacuated from their homes and in need of food, created a feeding need that had to be met. Over the next 6 hours, the Southern Baptists prepared 5,000 boxed lunches and an additional 5,000 hot meals, to be transported by the American Red Cross Emergency, to those in greatest need.

I arrived at the outdoor kitchen at 8:30 AM and found a flurry of activity as the final preparations were
made to transport the 10,000 meals. When asked why the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Kitchen
partners with the Red Cross, Kitchen Manager, Karen Warren stated, “When we come into an area where people are hopeless, and they see then they see people out there who love them, they gain hope because someone cares. Nothing is better than knowing you have done some good.”

American Red Cross Kitchen Manager, Bobby Roberts, runs a tight ship but with a great southern humor. Bobby comes to the Hurricane Irene American Red Cross relief operation in Northeast New York from Columbia, SC. Bobby has been serving through the Red Cross for many years and gains satisfaction in knowing that the most important basic needs of people, devastated by disaster, are being met through the Red Cross and our partners.


---------------------------------------------
Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief




Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

Forklifts lift Spirits for American Red Cross Volunteers | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines

Forklifts lift Spirits for American Red Cross Volunteers

September 8, 2011

On a day of historic rain fall from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee, American Red Cross volunteers, Civil Air Patrol volunteers, and Americorps volunteers, all rejoiced when Gary Farrigan, Territory Sales manager of Tri-Lift, Inc., arrived to the Northeast New York American Red Cross warehouse with 3 forklifts. This donation from Tri-Lift not only makes lifting of heavy bulk items for the disaster relief operation easier and more efficient, but they also lifted the spirits of our volunteers who have been managing all deliveries, supplies and shipments by hand.

Ken Warkentin has been a Red Cross volunteer since Hurricane Katrina and he is serving this operation as the warehouse manager. When the donation of the forklifts became a reality, Warkentin stated, “the generous donation from Tri-Lift takes chaos out of chaos when managing Bulk Distribution for a major Disaster Relief Operation.”  The arrival, on the day after 8 new inches of rain to the greater Albany area created massive flooding throughout the region, “boosts morale for our volunteers.” Warkentin continued by stating, “the donation of the warehouse, and now the donation of 3 forklifts, will allow our volunteers to see the fruits of their labor, which in turn raises their spirits and motivates them to extend their service which now exceeds 10 days of relentless work.”

Gary Farrigan could not have been more pleased and honored to make the forklifts a reality. Farrigan shared, “We (Tri-Lift, Inc.) have customers in all of the devastated areas and we wanted to donate something that would really help.”  When Farrigan presented the keys to the volunteers in the warehouse, cheers and applause erupted.  On a dreary day of floods, Tri-Lift, Inc. became a hero to the American Red Cross. As one Americorps volunteer shared, “I had no idea that 3 forklifts could lift more than bulk items; we are lifted in spirit and we are thankful.”

---------------------------------------------
Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief


Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/redcrossega and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.

A safe place to go when our whole world has been turned upside down... | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines

Brenda Ell and her 3 foster children know the Fonda Fultonville Central School in Fonda, NY better than they thought. For the second time in a week, the Ell's have been evacuated from their home in nearby Fultonville, but have found safe haven in the American Red Cross shelter. Brenda and the children are grateful for good food, a cot, and with help from the school Superintendent, the auditorium was turned into a children's movie theater. 


When asked what happened to their home in Fultonville, we learned that a mudslide into their home had caused their evacuation. Brenda and her husband have a second home, but unfortunately it sits on the river bank in Binghamton where record flooding is causing massive evacuations. The impact of Hurricane Irene and the latest flooding from Tropical Storm Lee, is leaving behind a mammoth foot print. Brenda shares, "The American Red Cross and all the volunteers have given us a safe place to go for comfort when our whole world has been turned upside down."


---------------------------------------------
Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines of Hurricane Irene Disaster Relief




Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of East Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross is currently on the front lines of the Hurricane Irene aftermath in upstate New York. For daily updates from the field, follow Jeff on Facebook at Red Cross East Georgia and on Twitter @RedCrossEastGA or @taylorjeff7.

Thank you to our volunteers and donors--you are the lifeline of our organization.