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.

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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.

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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”

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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.

Are You Prepared? September=National Preparedness Month

Would you be prepared if there was an emergency tonight, tomorrow, or next week? This September marks the eighth annual National Preparedness Month which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Their goal, along with other organizations such as the American Red Cross, is to use this month to spread awareness on what it means to be prepared in the face of an emergency and to make sure your answer to the first question is a “yes.”

There are three key steps to being prepared: Build a kit, make a plan, and be informed. An emergency kit should include enough supplies to last three days. These supplies should include one gallon of water per person, per day, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, medications, a multi-purpose tool, personal hygiene items, a flashlight and batteries, and copies of important personal documents. A variety of emergency preparedness kits, first aid kits and other supplies are available at www.redcrossstore.org.

When making an emergency plan, all members of the household should work together so that everyone is informed and ready if an emergency were to arise. The plan should include a location that everyone can meet if you cannot go home. Make sure to include an out-of-area contact person in your plan. Be informed about what types of disasters are most likely to affect the area that you live in and how local authorities will contact you if one were to happen. Watch the news, listen to the radio, and check websites to stay updated about local and national information. Get Tech Ready, is a website recently launched by the Red Cross, FEMA, the Ad Council, and Google Crisis that teaches people how to use technology to prepare and recover from emergencies or disasters.

No one can predict when an emergency or disaster will occur. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to find out what courses you can take to better prepare yourself with knowledge on emergency situations and life-saving skills. Visit http://eastgeorgia.redcross.org/training.htm to find out what classes the East Georgia Chapter offers and spread the word throughout your community to help ensure that everyone has the chance to be prepared for a disaster.

Critical Care and Compassion Offered to Schoharie, NY | Update from the Field: East Georgia Red Cross on the front lines

Critical Care and Compassion Offered to Schoharie, NY

September 10, 2011

A trip to Schoharie, NY on Saturday morning, September 10, nearly two weeks since Hurricane Irene blew through this quiet town, and just two days after 8 more inches of torrential rain from Tropical Storm Lee brought the flood waters of the Schoharie Creek back into every home, flooding every street, and dampening spirits once again, brought several wonderful surprises.

The firs surprise was a long trail of vehicles crawling the 3 miles into the devastated town of Schoharie. Everyone in the cars was in a hurry but nobody was in a rush.  The hurry was the result of anticipation and eagerness to get out of the cars that were filled with neighbors from all over the northeast, eager to park, don their gloves and masks, and begin providing fresh energy to an exhausted and bewildered town.

The second surprise was an aroma of mixed tantalizing smells from countless BBQ pits, grills with hamburgers and hotdogs, and other all-American delicacies.  These were the gifts of nourishment and compassion from the American public, gathered in mass in Schoharie, NY – just another blessing given with love and hope to a town in great need.

The third surprise on my journey, in addition to thousands of spontaneous volunteers offering to clean out homes of unknown neighbors, and in addition to the very welcomed aroma of well-known “comfort foods,” was the presence all over town of the American Red Cross volunteers.  I pulled my car to the shoulder; saw a group of Red Cross First Aid volunteers standing ready to serve, and so I made my way over to greet them.

I learned that the town leaders had made a special request of the American Red Cross, asking us to provide as many of our First Aid volunteers as possible. The town had anticipated a large turnout of these spontaneous volunteers, as well as the subsequent injuries, abrasions, puncture wounds and cuts that would come as a result – and boy did they come.

By 10 AM the fixed location for our First Aid volunteers had already attended to and treated a dozen minor first aid requests, while the “on-foot” First Aid volunteers could barely walk half a block before being stopped by someone needing attention for minor treatment.

Our volunteers come from varying walks of life – Brian has been a Registered Nurse for just two months; a doctor gives his annual vacation leave for service through the American Red Cross; Maggie has been serving the American public through the American Red Cross since Hurricane Katrina in honor of her husband who passed away.

These volunteers inspired me – they made an impact upon me – they reminded me of why I have come to know the American Red Cross to be one of the greatest humanitarian organizations in the world.  I marvel over how excellence in Health and Safety training, followed by a commitment to help people prepare for, prevent and respond to disaster, along with great care, compassion and a hug, can bring a town very needed hope.

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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.


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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.”

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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."


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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.

From Fires to Floods: The American Red Cross Will Be There.

As the saying goes: When it rains, it pours. Or in this case, it floods.

In just a short period of 11 days, the American Red Cross has been flooded with disaster relief needs around the nation. The United States has been hit with everything from hurricanes to tropical storms to tornadoes to floods to even wildfires. These disasters have left families with destroyed homes, if a home at all. People’s lives have been uprooted, making getting the daily necessities, such as clean clothes and food, a struggle for those affected.

The American Red Cross has heard the call and responded. After Hurricane Irene, disaster relief volunteers from all over the nation found themselves all along the East Coast, serving more than 1.6 million meals and snacks and providing approximately 58,000 overnight shelters since August 27. As people begin the grueling and overwhelming task of cleaning up their homes and towns after the hurricane, volunteers have given out more than 516,000 relief items such as hygiene kits, mops, brooms, tarps, work gloves and coolers.

On the other side of the nation, in areas in Texas, Oklahoma and Oregon, the Red Cross has opened shelters to house families that were forced to evacuate because of wildfires. In Texas alone, more than 450 people spent Monday night in 10 Red Cross shelters.

A bit north of these shelters, nearly 100 people in North Dakota continue to rely on the Red Cross for shelter, after disastrous flooding removed them from their homes back in June.

Although it is easy to see that the Red Cross provides survival essentials, such as shelter and food, perhaps the most important thing the Red Cross has to offer is its presence. People displaced from their homes, still reeling from the shock, take comfort in knowing that there are still good people out there, willing to stop everything they are doing and run to their aid. This is what people need the most and this is what the Red Cross stands for.

Be a part of the mission and be there.

**It is already estimated that Red Cross relief services for Hurricane Irene alone will total to $10 to $15 million. Help the cause.**

Volunteers Have Loads of Hope with Tide & The American Red Cross

Nick Lastrina and Daryl O’Neal love to serve and have found their home with “Loads of Hope.” In a partnership between the American Red Cross, Tide and Duracell, these two men have found that by serving those devastated by natural disaster, they have gained much more than they have given.  For Lastrina, this is his fifth major event of the summer, and despite many long weeks away from his home in New Hampshire, helping people is his motivation.

Loads of Hope has one large truck, equipped with washers, dryers and unlimited supplies of Tide detergent.  Currently they are located in the Wal-Mart parking lot, alongside their partner company, Duracell, in Cobleskill, NY. There is a steady flow of citizens bringing all of the salvageable clothes they own in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, and they always leave with “huge smiles and grateful hearts,” according to Lastrina.

Lastrina states, “If they come to the Wal-Mart parking lot, we are simply trying to lighten their load and the American Red Cross partnership allows us to do that.

In addition to the great service that Loads of Hope provides the community, they also employ local citizens wherever they set up their truck. O’Neil commented, “this is just one more way that we are able to give back to the community and help boost the economy after disaster strikes.’

Tide, Duracell and the American Red Cross will continue to meet the needs of those devastated by Hurricane Irene until the job is done.

Duracell partners with the American Red Cross

The Duracell Company, along with Tide's Loads of Hope, has been working side-by-side with the American Red Cross in Cobleskill. “We have had a steady flow of citizens coming to us for batteries.  So far we have given out over 100 cases of “D” batteries and the need continues to exist,” said Eric Cannon of Duracell.

Duracell has had a great partnership with the Red Cross, particularly in determining “where the need is greatest.” One of the considerations in deciding where to send the Duracell truck is determining where access to the truck, Loads of Hope and the Red Cross is greatest: “We don’t want to set up a truck in an area that is protected by the National Guard. If the Guard is not permitting outside citizens to enter a particular town, we won’t set up our truck. It is important that Duracell, Loads of Hope and the American Red Cross are accessible by the greatest population,” said Cannon.

One of the difficulties with the Hurricane Irene operation is that the footprint of the storm was so large; it was difficult to immediately determine where to send the Duracell truck.  Cannon also pointed out that the Red Cross was having a significant and positive impact in Cobleskill; the people in that region seemed to really appreciate what the Red Cross volunteers were providing.

Volunteer's Culinary Group helps feed the masses in New York & New Jersey

Jim Carrigan, an American Red Cross volunteer and lead with Whitsons Culinary Group, drove the first 5 trucks of meals into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  The partnership with the American Red Cross and Whitsons Culinary Group is vibrant and incredible.

Over the past week, in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, Jim and his crew have been serving 10,000 meals per day in Patterson, NJ. He received a call to come help us here in Albany where the Arbor Hill Elementary School already has a contract with Whitsons.  Jim and his local staff prepared 5,000 sandwiches and 16,000 meals today, and though he would like to continue on and provide more for the duration of the Disaster Relief Operation, he is pleased with the Southern Baptist contract that will assume full kitchen work beginning tomorrow.  Jim was heading back to Patterson where they will continue their efforts to provide 8,000 meals resuming Sunday, September 4.

Jim shared, "It was quite a sight this morning when we loaded 15 Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV's) from the loading dock of the Arbor Hill School. We love volunteering for the American Red Cross, and this storm relief operation is much bigger than anyone seems to know."  Jim is committed to the mission of the American Red Cross, as is the entire staff and company at Whitsons Culinary Group.

Jim closed by sending his best wishes and thoughts to all of the American Red Cross volunteers.  Jim concluded by adding, "You have a major work ahead of you in the Greater Albany region, and the country needs to know that the work is far from over."

Hurricane Irene Update

An American Red Cross shelter at Nassau Community College in Long Island, New York

on August 27, 2011

Thousands of people from North Carolina to New England have turned to the American Red Cross for help in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, as flooding, widespread power outages, and wind damage have devastated communities. Since the night before the storm, the Red Cross has operated or supported nearly 500 shelters and provided more than 52,000 overnight stays.

A Red Cross volunteer comforts a Lost Valley, Maryland resident who has survived five floods, with Hurricane Irene being one of the worst, on August 30, 2011.

More than a thousand trained disaster workers, including 76 from Georgia, are engaged in relief operations in a dozen coastal states. Every Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) east of the Rocky Mountains – more than 260 vehicles – has been mobilized to support recovery efforts. Georgia’s entire fleet of ERVs has been deployed, and the Atlanta-based Emergency Communications Response Vehicle, capable of powering essential equipment for a relief operation under disaster conditions, is being utilized in North Carolina.

Ten kitchens, capable of serving about 140,000 hot meals each day, are operating or being set up in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Arrangements have also been made to have approximately 1.3 million meals available in North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and New York through Red Cross partners, and thousands of relief items such as clean-up kits, rakes, ice chests, and tarps have been shipped affected areas.

While many states are still assessing the damage, the Red Cross expects to be helping people in hard-hit areas for the next several weeks.

You can help provide Red Cross relief for the families impacted by Hurricane Irene by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief today. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling, and other emergency assistance. The Red Cross is not a government agency, yet we are guided by a Congressional Charter to respond without hesitation to disasters across the country and around the world. To carry our mission, the Red Cross relies on public generosity.

Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters nationwide each year and spends on average $450 million on disaster readiness and relief. The costs of our comprehensive response to Hurricane Irene have not been fully realized but are anticipated to be in the tens of millions.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Call To Donate: the local chapter at 706-353-1645 and talk to Jeff Taylor, Executive Director
Text A Donation: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 by phone
Mail A Check: Mail a check to
                          American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter
                          490 Pulaski Street
                          Athens, GA 30601
Donate Online: American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter Website

Letter from the New Regional CEO of American Red Cross of Georgia

Dear Red Cross Volunteer,

As I begin my first days on the job as the new Chief Executive for Georgia’s Red Cross, sharing my appreciation for you as a Red Cross volunteer is one of my top priorities. 

Since joining the Metro Atlanta Chapter as an employee in 1986, I have always worked alongside and valued the contributions of our dedicated volunteers. While I came to this new position from my role as the chapter’s Chief Development Officer and have raised tens of millions of dollars for our organization, I know that what we all do together every day is not really just about the money, it’s about people – those we serve and those who serve. Volunteers like you, committed to changing lives and saving lives in our communities across Georgia, are the true heart and soul of the American Red Cross. 

I, too, share your passion for serving the community with my time and talents. Through the years I have been active with the Junior League of Atlanta, provided hands-on service in homeless shelters, and have served on numerous community non-profit boards.

I know that the insights of volunteers are especially valuable, and I welcome yours. Please share them with me and let’s work together to strengthen and grow the American Red Cross for families and neighbors across our state. Now, more than ever, Georgia needs a strong Red Cross led by a cadre of passionate volunteers.

You have my true gratitude for all you have done and continue to do for your community through the American Red Cross. I look forward to working with you in the months and years to come.

With deep appreciation,

Terri Badour Duckett

Regional Chief Executive Officer

American Red Cross of Georgia

Helping our four-legged friends beat the heat too!

Temperatures are reaching into the triple digits this summer and people aren’t the only ones feeling the heat—our four-legged friends need protection from the sun too!

It isn’t just the heat either; humidity can affect pets as well and here in Georgia, the humidity can get really bad.

Both The Humane Society of the United States and HealthyPet.com offer some tips on how your pets can beat the heat and stay safe in summer weather.

Here are some highlights:

 

Never leave pets inside a parked car. Cars act like ovens and even on mild days, the temperature inside the car can climb rapidly and enter into dangerous levels, even with the windows cracked. If you have to run an errand, leave the pet at home!

Provide shade and water outside. If any of your pets are outdoors only, be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cold water and cool, shaded areas to protect the pet from the heat. Doghouses provide shelter from the sun, but not from the heat. Also, avoid leaving dogs chained outside while unattended. Doing so can result in numerous insect bites, dehydration, and heatstroke.

Limit outdoor exercise on hot days. Plan exercise according to the temperature. If it is an especially hot day, let the pets exercise in the early morning or late evening. Between 10 am and 4 pm is the hottest time of the day and exercise during these times should be avoided if at all possible.  

Pets need sunscreen too. This is especially important if the animal is hairless, white or light-colored. They can sunburn just like people and prolonged exposure can result in peeling and even skin cancer. Sensitive areas include the tips of the ears, nose, and the skin around the lips. Be sure to apply sunscreen to these areas when venturing out into the sun. Also, remember that asphalt can get very hot and can burn a pet’s paws so if exercising, keep the pet on the grass or other cool surfaces if at all possible.

Maintain grooming. Fur/hair is meant to protect the animal from the sun and insulate him from the heat, but excessive fur may trap in heat. Brush on a regular basis and consider clipping your pet if the fur is really dense and thick.

Stay updated on vaccinations and medication. Fleas and ticks stay busy in the warm weather and summer is the prime time for heartworm.

Freeze treats for pets. It will help them to stay cool and provide a yummy snack.

Be cautious of the humidity. It can interfere with the animal’s ability to get rid of excess body heat. Unlike humans, animals only perspire around their paws and isn’t enough to keep them cool. Instead they pant, but high humidity limits the panting process. This is especially important for dogs with snub noses, such as pugs and bulldogs, which further prevent them from panting efficiently.

Beware of gardening products and other chemicals. Summer is the peak season for gardening and many pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals are toxic to animals. Some are even fatal. Research different gardening products in order to know which are toxic and which are safe since many pets enjoy chewing plants.

Recognize the signs of a heatstroke. Heatstroke can be deadly for pets too! Some signs of heatstroke are: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and unconsciousness. If you notice any of these signs, move the animal indoors or to a cool, air-conditioned place. Place ice packs or damp towels on their head, neck, and chest or run cold-water all over their body. Call a veterinarian immediately!

For many, pets are considered family members so it's important to treat them like one. Use these tips to better help protect your pets during this crazy hot summer season!

ABC Show & American Red Cross Join Forces

    Volunteers from both Georgia and national headquarters represented The American Red Cross in Morgan County at the site of the popular ABC tv show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on Tuesday. The show will be in Madison, Georgia all this week filming and building a home for the Anaiah Rucker family. 9-year-old Anaiah Rucker pushed her younger sister out of the way of an oncoming truck resulting in the loss of her own leg and kidney. Loretta Berryman, a Morgan County school bus driver, stopped at the scene and performed CPR which saved Anaiah’s life. In honor of Loretta the Red Cross is offering a Citizen CPR course all week at the Morgan County Lion’s Club. Classes are offered at 10A.M., 11P.M, and 2P.M., every day until Friday. The class lasts about an hour and ends with a chance for those who signed up to practice their new knowledge on CPR dummies.

    Before the 1:00P.M class on Tuesday, the Extreme Makeover Home Edition crew arrived to film the class and volunteers. One of the stars of the show, Paige Hemmis came along with the camera crew. Many volunteers were excited to hear that Paige used to be a CPR course instructor. Jeff Taylor, executive director of the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, ended Tuesday’s class by presenting Loretta Berryman with a Certificate of Recognition for Extraordinary Personal Action. 

      

So far the course has been a great success and a wonderful opportunity for the Red Cross. Our volunteers hope that people will continue to sign up all week. Anyone interested in taking the course this week may sign up at the volunteer tent in the Beacon Heights shopping center. Look for the Red Cross tent and volunteers to get on the class list. Make sure to watch for the episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to air in late fall!

Staying Prepared for Hurricane Season

June 1st marked the beginning of 2011’s hurricane season which runs through November 30th. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an above-average
hurricane season with a potential for 12-18 named storms, and the possible development of six major hurricanes. More than 35 million Americans live in regions that could potentially be threatened by Atlantic hurricanes. Although reducing the force of these powerful storms is not possible, the American Red Cross and local communities can minimize their impact. Having a plan of action and being prepared with supplies, tools, and training will enable the Red Cross and the people we help to face this above average hurricane season.

The Red Cross works with its network of partner agencies to assess vulnerabilities and ensure that communities are prepared and ready to respond in case of a hurricane. The Red Cross also works as one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks. We are committed to assisting oversea partners whenever a disaster such as a hurricane strikes. Throughout the past year, the Red Cross has aided communities in Latin America and the Caribbean to prepare for the oncoming hurricane season. A
roster of highly skilled disaster workers are ready to respond overseas and provide assistance to help with relief and recovery.

The 14 counties of the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter may not be in the direct path of a hurricane, but our counties can still be affected by the storm’s aftermath. Any hurricane that strikes the Alabama, Florida, or Georgia coastlines create a domino affect for East Georgia. Whether it is providing volunteers, shelter, food, or other supplies hurricane season affects Northeast Georgia. Hurricanes may also result in tornados and floods across our counties.

Redcross.org supplies free hurricane checklists and instructions that help families and individuals prepare for a hurricane’s impact and recovery after its landfall. The Red Cross has three simple steps to saving lives in the event of a hurricane or other disasters: Get a kit, Make a Plan, Be informed. All information on these three steps are available on redcross.org and through your local Red Cross chapter. Any donations you make help not only our East Georgia Chapter but all chapter across the
nation that may be affected by a hurricane.

Sunflower Farm Festival

The 10th annual Sunflower Farm Festival kicked off Saturday, July 2 in Morgan
County. The festival ran through the weekend and ended on the Fourth of July offering
US Veterans free admission for the day. The festival included an artist market, live
music, tractor rides, local BBQ, homemade ice cream, activities for all ages, and 15
acres of sunflower fields. Attendees could walk through the fields and cut their own
sunflower bouquet for $15 a bucket.

Each year the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter is represented at the
festival by our volunteer first-aid tent. The cause for most visits to the first aid tent are
bee stings. Our fully trained volunteers provide water to prevent dehydration and are
ready to help with any other accidents that may occur.

The Sunflower Farm Festival began in 2001 after it was decided that the beauty
of the fully bloomed sunflowers should be shared with the public. Since then the festival
has grown into a much anticipated yearly event. It is co-sponsored by the Morgan
County Rotary Club.

Although the festival is now over, anyone wishing to visit the farm may do so
daily between the hours of 7 A.M. and 9 P.M. Admission is $2 per person.

Have No Fear in Volunteering

Trying something new is always a task of trepidation. Whether tasting a new flavored cupcake shop, diving into the deep end of the swimming pool, or starting a first day at a new job, it can be scary to jump into something unknown. Like these other anxieties, many people have a natural fear of volunteering for organizations.

Joining a highly functioning group, such as the American Red Cross, that is responsible for keeping people safe and alive can be intimidating for newcomers. Jeff Taylor, Executive Director of the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, understands people’s hesitations to volunteer but wants to remind them that volunteering with the Red Cross is a journey worth beginning. “They will find that serving through the American Red Cross is one of the most rewarding experiences they will ever encounter,” he says.

If fears are rooted in being unsure of how to get involved or even in the possibility of failing as a volunteer, do not worry. Volunteers are sufficiently trained and prepared before they are ever called upon in the field. The chapter offers every new volunteer a support system to guarantee their job understanding and success. As Jeff describes, “They will never be alone. They can wear the training wheels as long as they want.”

Training wheels? Doesn’t sound too bad now, does it?

Fears of volunteering are not completely unfounded but Jeff again affirms that volunteers have rewarding experiences that eliminate all doubt. “I understand fears, but I understand that the rewards far outweigh any fear or apprehension,” he says.

You can do it. You can be trained. You can be that person that is out there in the worst of times, giving others a light to walk to when they are stumbling in the dark. You can be a Red Cross leader, helper, teacher, supporter, and/or organizer. You can be whoever you are now. And by bringing your talents to the Red Cross, you can make a difference.

“When you see a family whose home has burnt to the ground and they’ve lost everything and there is somebody in an American Red Cross vest helping them get shelter, food and comfort,” Taylor says, “As a volunteer I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that family just getting that hug and that thank you.”

If you would like to join forces with the American Red Cross East Georgia Chapter, please call the chapter at (706) 353-1645 or visit the chapter’s website at eastgeorgia.redcross.org/volunteer.htm for more information on how you can become a hero.

2011 Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Banquet

Janis Martinez, this year's guest speaker from the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the Red Cross, and Jeff Taylor, the executive director of the East Georgia Chapter, pose following the 2011 Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Banquet.  

The Red Cross East Georgia Chapter celebrated its many wonderful volunteers at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Banquet on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 with a video and picture slide show, a guest speaker and an awards ceremony.  Janis Martinez, a board member from the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of the Red Cross, attended the banquet as this year's guest speaker and shared her story of survival.  She endured extensive burns as a young girl and attributes her survival to the many donations of blood, plasma, and skin grafts from the American Red Cross.  Her story reminded many volunteers at the banquet of why they do what they do: for the benefit of others. To date, Martinez has donated over 100 pints of blood, and she urges others to donate blood once every 56 days!

This year's award recipients: (right to left) Kathy Coker, Bob Coker, Kathy Wisenbaker, B.J. Brown, Rosemarie Goodrum, Hilary Daniels, Gina Taylor, and Angela Rouse.  Not pictured are Jo Vaughn, David Vaughn and Keener Edison.

As pictured above, this year's awards went to: 

Administrative Office Volunteers of the Year: Rosemarie Goodrum & Kathy Wisenbaker

Biomedical Services Volunteer of the Year: Gina Taylor

Biomedical Services Volunteer Recognition: Keener Edison

Disaster Response Services New Volunteer of the Year: B.J. Brown

Disaster Response Volunteer of the Year: Mary Jane Phillips

Disaster Response Services Mauldin Award: Bob & Kathy Coker

Health & Safety Services Instructor of the Year: Hilary Daniels

Health & Safety Volunteer of the Year: Angela Rouse

Maxine Harper Award: David & Jo Vaughn 

A big thank you goes out to Carrabba's Italian Grill, which supplied a great meal during the Red Cross East Georgia Chapter's 2011 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Banquet.