New Options for Investment

Nearly a month ago, on May 15, The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter kicked off its Annual Sponsorship Campaign for the new fiscal year. The campaign is the first of its kind offering community leaders the opportunity to make a yearly investment in the Red Cross. Athens, Georgia has the highest number of non-profits per capita in the country which certainly influenced the campaign's design. Athens residents may bypass frequent mailings, emails, and other notices from the Red Cross by making an investment with the East Georgia Chapter once a year.

Its goal is to raise funds to help prepare the fourteen counties in the chapter's jurisdiction in the event a natural disaster strikes. Employees and volunteers understand the great impact floods, fires, and storms have on lives and an investment with the Red Cross gives them access to the supplies, food, and services needed in order to respond when a disaster strikes.

This year our teams of volunteers and staff helped 200 families whose lives were affected by a disaster. The Red Cross also provides critical training in CPR, first aid, and other safety and health practices to equip our communities with the knowledge needed to be better prepared in case of an emergency.

Participants in the Annual Sponsorship Campaign have four investment options: platinum corporate sponsor, gold corporate sponsor, silver corporate sponsor, or bronze corporate sponsor. More information regarding these options and the Annual Sponsorship Campaign are located at the link below.

http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/AnnualSponsorshipCampaign.htm

Here Comes the Heat: Get Prepared with Red Cross Safety Tips

If you haven't already, get prepared to endure the sweltering heat of Georgia summers!

According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat was the number one weather-related killer of 2010, which caused more fatalities than floods, lightening, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold.

The American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter encourages everyone to take precautions to avoid any tragedies caused by our scorching Georgia heat.

Simple measures can be taken to protect yourself and your families from heat related incidents.

Follow these Red Cross safety tips:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.
• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. Click here for classes being offered at the East Georgia Chapter.

Prepare yourself for a safe summer in the sun!

At the Races...

Last weekend volunteers, staff, and interns of the East Georgia Chapter joined forces with Pro Stock Racer Steve Johnson at the National Hot Rod Association dragway race in Commerce, Georgia to raise money for disaster relief operations throughout the southeast.

For three days, they stood in the heat and rain collecting donations and listening to stories from people affected by the tornadoes last month. With their tent erected on the main road to the entrance, they were in prime location to speak to race fans as they passed by.

Steve Johnson and his crew were set up on the opposite side of the venue. Not only did Johnson and crew promote American Red Cross by sporting the logo on their jersies and on the motorcycle, but they also collected donations. Furthermore, those jersies were sold to corporate backers and the money went straight to the relief efforts.

On Saturday, Johnson and other pro racers signed autographs in front of the American Red Cross tent. Johnson used a matress as a makeshift table, but it served a point. A sign that read "if you have one of these stop and donate" sat atop the matress to remind passerbyers that some people affected by the tornadoes don't have their own mattress, much less a home. It worked. People stopped to donate even if they didn't want an autograph.

All in all, thanks to the tireless efforts of Johnson and the East Georgia Chapter volunteers and staff, $11,000 was collected from donations alone in three days. ($600 was raised in one hour on Sunday!) It will certainly go far in the relief efforts.

Volunteers Help with Relief Efforts in Morgan Co.

For nearly two weeks, volunteers from the East Georgia chapter have been involved in the FEMA disaster relief efforts in Morgan County.

From 7 am until 7 pm every day since May 7, 2011, volunteers represented the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter alongside other local, state, and national organizations including FEMA, GEMA, and Family and Child Services. Together, they have helped the lives of county residents most affected by the tornadoes last month.

Volunteers have been active everyday distributing comfort kits and information to residents in need, visiting homes hit by the tornadoes, manning a table for 12 hours in the relief center, and following up on previous cases to determine the degree of assistance needed or wanted. These are just a few of the many duties involved in the relief efforts.







Fortunately, the need for assistance has substantially decreased; volunteers and government officials agree that organizations may be able to withdraw their relief efforts as early as this weekend and close the relief center as well. This has not been made official and some say that the efforts could continue into June.

Whether the efforts shut down in a couple of days or continue for another month, volunteers at the East Georgia Chapter remain committed to helping those in need.

*pictures are of volunteers Kim Moore, Janell Ward, and Susan Bell who participated in the relief efforts on May 11, 2011. Moore and Bell visited 4 homes and created new cases for all. Ward visited 6 homes previously contacted and no new cases were created.

National Volunteer Week 2011

National Volunteer Week was April 10-16, 2011, and the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter celebrated at its monthly volunteer meeting! Chapter volunteers were surprised by a 10-foot long banner featuring each of their names (we have more than 70 superstar volunteers!), a cake, and tabletop decorations--all in a superstar theme.

This great group of volunteers gives generously to their own communities throughout the 14 counties the East Georgia Chapter serves, as well as other communities around the state and Southeast, that are affected by disasters.

To find out more about how these awesome people are serving the East Georgia Chapter, check out our new Twitter account or visit us on Facebook!

Volunteers Laura Gutsmann and BJ Brown were deployed to the Disaster Relief Operation in North Carolina with Red Cross an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV). The ERV is used to conduct mobile feeding throughout the areas affected by the tornado and to distribute bulk items like shovels, tarps, rakes, etc.

Disaster Relief Hero

Amanda Logan has been a disaster services volunteer through Walton County for more than four years. She is always willing to go out to a disaster regardless of whether it’s day or night. Amanda’s compassion for others and willingness to serve, makes her a very special person. She has personally responded to more than 50 single family fires in the Walton County area in the past year. In the middle of January, Amanda responded to a fire in Loganville involving a family of five. Their house and their possessions were totally destroyed in the fire. The American Red Cross met their immediate disaster needs by providing a hotel for the family. Unfortunately, they had no resources for permanent housing. Amanda, knowing of their needs, contacted a personal friend and found a place that the family could call home.

In addition to her disaster response skills, Amanda has served as a Disaster Action Team captain. Over the past year as captain, she has led, trained, and mentored a team of 15 disaster volunteers. She also participates in disaster training exercises and helps raise funding for the Walton County area. As the mother of two small children, she still manages to find time to give to the American Red Cross. Her generous spirit and willingness to drop everything when the need arises makes her a true disaster relief hero.

Congratulations Randy Rigney

The East Georgia American Red Cross would like to recognize Randy Rigney for his 10 amazing years of service with the Red Cross Disaster team. He volunteered his time as a DAT member, staffing for disaster relief operations, training and mentoring volunteers, and wherever else his expertise has been needed. Rigney has helped over 1,000 families that suffered a divesting loss due to fire, tornado, flood, or hurricane. His giving spirit has even landed him in the disaster relief operation for the tornadoes in Enterprise, Alabama and in Athens, GA assisting the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. In 2009 Rigney received the Disaster Relief Hero award, recognizing all of his hard work and dedication with the American Red Cross.

Wishing him well at his retirement gathering is former chapter executive Jennifer Pennington, who was also with the East Georgia Chapter for 10 years.

RMS Has Caught the Giving Bug

The six grade social studies classes at Russell Middle School donated $643.05 to assist with the relief effort in Haiti. The children had been learning about the small country when the earthquake hit and wanted to try and help. East Georgia Chapter Board Chairman David Waters accepted the check and personally thanked C.J. Cook, a student who made a donation of $100.

School isn’t what it used to be……It’s better!

Hull-Sanford Elementary is a learning institution in Madison County teaching more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic. These educators are also teaching their students selflessness and compassion.

For two weeks the teachers in each grade have been sharing photos and stories while explaining to the children what has happened in Haiti. This spiraled into a fundraiser, with children bringing in whatever they could to donate to the Haiti relief efforts. Collectively this school raised a whopping $806.

In a school were the ages range from 5 to 10 years old, one would assume the money came from the children’s parents but that wasn’t the case at all. Brothers Zac Collins and Christopher Collins donated the money they received for Christmas. “It’s important because it can help save lives and families,” said Christopher.

And the giving didn’t stop there. Kindergartner Garrett Gilreath emptied out his piggy bank and put every penny into the Haiti Relief Fund. Even as we were taking the picture above Garrett was digging in his pocket and trying to donate his snack money.

Braves are up to Bat for Haiti

The Atlanta Braves' Troy Glaus, Matt Diaz, Clint Sammons, Eric O'Flaherty, Frank Wren and Glenn Hubbard made an appearance at Academy Sports and Outdoors February 10, 2010 to sign autographs for their biggest fans as part of their Braves Caravan tour around the state. They were also there to help assist the East Georgia American Red Cross in raising money for the Haiti relief efforts.

And what Braves event would be complete without the loveable mascot Homer?! As the Braves were signing autographs, Homer collected donations from the line of fans that wrapped around the store.

The celebrity line-up didn’t end there; we also had an all-star turnout from the volunteers at the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, who also collected donations for Haiti and eagerly answered questions for aspiring volunteers.

If you didn’t make it to the event but are still interested in volunteering for Disaster Services have no fear. You can get information by calling the East Georgia Chapter at 706.353.1645 or by visiting http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/.

Are you as Generous as a 5th Grader?

The boys and girls of Oconee County Elementary School proved to be in a class of their own by donating $1100 for the Haiti Relief fund. On the day of the fundraiser the students wore their pajamas to school and their hearts on their sleeves. Ms. Evilsizors 4th grade class brought in the most money, winning the much coveted ice cream party. This money will help to fund the Red Cross in providing food, shelter, and medical supplies to the impoverished island of Haiti.


“The students felt deep pain for the children and other victims of Haiti. PJ day was a way to raise money quickly and the students themselves could participate” said OCES paraprofessional Elizabeth Marbut.

If these children have you giddy to give, you can donate to support the relief effort in Haiti at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Mobile donors can text “Haiti” to 90999 to make a $10 contribution. A $10 donation can provide a family with two water cans to store clean drinking water, a blanket appropriate to the climate or other supplies to give people the ability to cook for their families.

Congratulations Stacy Creighton

Congratulations are in order for Stacy Creighton, a nursing student at the Medical College of Georgia and a Red Cross volunteer. She was the recipient of one of the 2009 Mattie J.T. Stepanek Caregiving Scholarships from the Rosalyn Carter Institute for Caregiving! Check out the story.




If you are interested in attending the family caregiving seminar November 10, 2009 please call the chapter @ 706-353-1645.

30 and 2 to save you

The heart is an amazing muscle. Don't believe me?

Experts estimate that your heart beats about 100,000 times in one day and about 35 million times in a year. During an average lifetime, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times.

That is a lot of beating. The next question is, "What happens if it stops?" A stopped heart will not lead to a good day.

Assuming that you were next to someone who was having a heart problem, there are a few steps you can take to care for a person.

You would check to be sure the scene was safe. Next you would check the person. Ask "What is the problem here?" and "Is the person showing signs that could indicate a heart attack?"

If the person was having a heart related emergency, you would then call the local emergency number (911) and let EMS know that you were with a person who was having heart problems.

Last, you would care for the person. If the person was unconscious and not breathing you would administer CPR.

Since you have already taken CPR through the Red Cross , you are confident of your skills. But in that moment you may panic. Just remember 2 breaths and 30 compressions. Continue until EMS arrives.



I found this handy chart on this link. You should share this information with everyone you know. 30 and 2 could save you.

Weekly Worldwide Wrap-Up

A consolidated report from the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-size news

SENEGAL: Severe flooding has affected hundreds of people, spreading sewage and sorrow across the suburbs of Dakar. Red Crossers have been providing supplies like mosquito nets, tarps, mats, jerry cans, blankets, water, purification tablets, soap and detergents.

MALDIVES: The British Red Cross has completed construction of 250 new homes, allowing survivors from Vilufushi island, which was completely destroyed by the 2004 tsunami, to finally return home.

PERU: The mortal remains of the 28 people who disappeared 25 years ago have been returned to their families. The ICRC arranged for transportation for the families and coffins and providied the families with emotional support.

INDONESIA: Last year the Canadian Red Cross gave disposable cameras to 41 tsuanimi-affected children in Indonesia and asked them to photograph their friends, family, home,villages, schools and things that made them happy. The result is this amazing photo gallery.

Source: American Red Cross Chat

Watching Little Ones Requires Professionalism!

So you think you know.... but you have no idea.

Babysitting may sound easy; but it actually takes a lot of knowledge, training, and effort to watch the little ones. From writing a resume and interviews with parents to responding in emergencies and performing first aid, a Red Cross babysitter knows all!

The Red Cross Babysitter's Training is offered for teens between ages 11 to 15, providing the skills and confidence to become a great babysitter. Plus, you can learn how to become a good leader, role model, and decision maker.

So, come on and join our next training class on September 19th or check our schedule for upcoming classes! Bring your friends and siblings. Parents, encourage your teens to get trained. Who knows? You may become famous for being the Best Babysitter on the Block!


Check this out: Gaelan Connell, a teen star starring role in the latest tween megamovie Bandslam, is a Red Cross Babysitter too!

Executive Director Meets Music Sensation!

Coming to you live in Walton County.... Britney Spears! Well, not exactly, but you can see some similarities to her, right?

This is actually a photo of the Walton Regional Medical Center CEO, Gary Lang. For the past few years, Gary and others have put on a show for the Walton community to celebrate the Walton County United Way fundraising campaign kick-off. This year's theme is "Under the Big Top."

Nancy Kinsey, campaign chair, sums it up. “Sometimes we feel like we have our heads in the lion’s mouth,” said campaign chairman Nancy Kinsey, fully getting into the circus theme as other members of the campaign arrived in full big top gear. “But we have some amazing agencies in Walton County, walking a high-wire act above us to help those in need. The United Way is the safety net for those agencies and the people they help."

Thank you to all of the hard-working individuals at the United Way that raise funds to support the Red Cross and other important agencies!

Did you know...

The East Georgia has awsome volunteers! Last year disaster volunteers contributed over 20,000 volunteer hours. Check out some of them responding to a disaster scene.

If you would like to find out what volunteering with the Red Cross is all about, check out our website at http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org and click on Volunteer Opportunities.

Keep checking our BLOG site for more info.

Have you visited Red Cross?

One of our volunteers came across a town by the name of Red Cross.

A town named Red Cross exists in North Carolina located to the east of Charlotte in Stanly County. Ruth and I went through it a couple of weeks ago, and luckily I had a camera. Now I have the proof of its existence. The town has existed for only seven years and the reason for its naming I do not know. Nevertheless, this water tank is very visible from the highway, and it caught me by surprise having been reared about 50 miles away.

Bag Lady

I was so excited this week when the shipment with my new Red Cross Bag finally arrived at the office. I have been salivating over them since they were released a few months ago. This handy little pouch can be ordered with or without the first aid kit included.



It is great because while sporting the RC logo, it has three sections and the middle one has an inner zipper for the first aid kit. This is more divisions than some purses!

I went for the empty option; I had plans for it.

I started thinking about the all the possible uses of this wonderful little bag. I have listed them in case anyone would find it helpful but know that this is only scratching the surface:

children's toys
coupons
dentures
first aid kit
jewelry
Journey’s greatest hits on cassette*
makeup
markers
medication
mid afternoon snack
nail care set
office supplies
pocket change
power tools
Red Cross certification cards
small dogs
smuggled candy for the movies**
sunglasses

The possibilities are really endless. I’ve opted to use mine as a makeup bag. If you would like to put your creative storage skills to good use please let us know. You can be a Red Cross bag lady (or gentleman) too.

* You know you have one
**I am not endorsing this action

Don't be LOST on your CPR Skills

My obsession with LOST started about the middle of Season 3. With only one season left, I decided that it would be good if I started at the beginning and got 'caught up' on all the episodes.

It was to my utter horror one day to watch as one of the main characters performed CPR on an unconscious person.



What is he doing? He would not have passed a Red Cross CPR class.

If you would like to learn how to perform CPR correctly we have classes every week. We can't guarantee that you will ever be plane-wrecked on an island in the pacific where you can put them to good use, but maybe you can help save a life here at home.