She Runs Because Help Can’t Wait

Posted on May 11, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

For one local woman, what began as a simple way to stay fit has become a wonderful way to give back to the community.

Mucci Run Team 1 Jen Mucci started running as a source of exercise after the birth of her son, but it soon grew into a hobby. She began running longer distances and qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon after completing her first local marathon. Since then, she has run 14 marathons.

And, for each mile she runs, Jen is earning money for the Red Cross. And she is not alone. Jen has grown an amazing team who helps by running relay, half and full marathons – particularly at the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame marathon in Canton. Each year she hosts a kick-off meeting at her home where team members receive a Red Cross shirt to wear during the events. She also invites a speaker to share with the group how the Red Cross services affect so many individuals and families throughout the community.

“We run because help can’t wait,” said Jen. “The real goal is educating people on what the Red Cross does. No one is exempt; there is nothing you can do that precludes you from needing the Red Cross.”

This year her team pledged to earn $15,000 for the Red Cross. To date, she and her band of runners have earned more than $16,000 dollars!

“It’s been great being associated with such a great organization,” said Jen.

To support Jen’s annual fundraising campaign, visit https://www.facebook.com/WeRunForRedCross or visit her at Mainstream Boutique at Washington Square, for the next scheduled fundraiser on May 20, where 10% of the day’s proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.

NEO Region Far Surpasses Goal for Number of Smoke Alarms Installed

Posted on May 2, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

A National Leader in Number of Smoke Alarms Installed

Volunteers from Global Prairie and the Maple Heights Fire Department helped install more than 100 smoke alarms on Thursday, April 28, 2016. Photo credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

Thousands of residents in Northeast Ohio are better protected from home fires, as the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region has surpassed its goal of installing 10,000 smoke alarms during fiscal year 2016.

More than 12,500 smoke alarms had been installed in the homes of residents in the 22 counties served by the Northeast Ohio Region in fiscal year 2016.

“This was truly a team effort in all five chapters, and reflects the efforts of the entire staff, our dedicated volunteers, and our valuable community partners,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “Northeast Ohio is one of the top three leaders in smoke alarm installations in the nation, which is only fitting, since this life-saving program started in Cleveland almost 25 years ago.”

The American Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign was modeled after “Operation Save-A-Life,” an initiative between the Red Cross Greater Cleveland Chapter and the City of Cleveland Division of Fire. Through the program, valuable fire safety information is shared with residents, including how to develop an escape plan. The installation of free smoke alarms is also offered.

The goal of the initiative is to reduce the number of fire deaths and injuries in the U. S. by 25% within five years.

Dozens of people are alive today after smoke alarms installed through the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, including a family of 12 from Lorain, Ohio.

Residents in Northeast Ohio can learn more about the campaign, and can request a free fire safety inspection and free smoke alarm installation by logging onto redcross.org/neoosal.

See more photos from the Fire Safety Walk in Maple Heights with our partners from Global Prairie on our Facebook Page. And read about recent smoke alarm installation events in Akron and Madison Township on our blog.

Want to get our blog posts emailed to you directly each time one is posted? It’s simple to subscribe by email – just enter your email address on the left side of our home page, www.neoredcross.org!

They Went Over the (Black) River to Run for the Red (Cross)

Posted on April 30, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Annual Fundraiser Draws Dozens of Participants

Despite gray skies and frosty temperatures, more than 80 runners and walkers turned out for the 2016 Run for the Red 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 23. The event was held at the Bur Oak Pavilion in the Black River Reservation of the Lorain County Metro Parks.

Photo credit: Cal Pusateri/American Red Cross Volunteer

The top three finishers for men and women in various age groups received medals to commemorate their accomplishments. Regional Major Gifts Officer Pam Zoltowicz had the honors of handing out the awards. See the results of the run here.

Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter participated, along with her husband Joe and son Grant, who won the male 20-29 category, finishing the 3.1 mile run in 24:33. He ran at a pace of under eight minutes per mile. This was his first 5K.

The Red Cross thanks Moose Lodge 778 in Elyria and Nordson Corporation for their sponsorship of the 2016 Run for the Red.

Log onto redcross.org/neo to keep up to date with future fundraisers and other events, or to donate funds, blood, or to volunteer.

Lake to River Celebrates Volunteers

Posted on April 29, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

We love our volunteers!

Thank you so much to those who volunteer their time and heart to the Red Cross. Thank you to those who answer calls from people in our community in an effort to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency!

On Thursday, April 21 the Lake to River chapter held a luau for their local volunteers. We want to thank and congratulation Jay Rosenthal (53 years) and Tab Alden (48 years) of service. Nearly 50 volunteers, their guests and staff members attended the celebration.

The Lake to River Chapter, which serves Ashtabula, Columbiana, Jefferson, Mahoning, and Trumbull Counties, has 225 volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.com/neo and click on “Volunteer”.

226 Smoke Alarms Installed in Madison Township

Posted on April 25, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

98 homes

228 residents

24 volunteers

226 smoke alarms

Those are the numbers associated with last week’s Fire Safety Walk in Madison Township, near Mansfield. The Operation Save-A-Life event was part of a nationwide effort to reduce deaths from home fires 25% by 2019.

Red Cross staff and volunteers partnered with the Madison Township Fire Department and Target employees to enter 88 homes, share fire safety tips with 228 residents, and install 226 smoke alarms.

“Each home should have a smoke alarm on every floor,” said Lara Kiefer, Executive Director of the Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter. “We appreciate the help we received from the Madison Township Fire Department and the local Target store to reduce the chances of fire fatalities in our community.”

There is no charge for the smoke alarms or for their installation. Residents throughout Northeast Ohio are encouraged to log onto the Operation Save-A-Life page at redcross.org/neoosal to schedule an appointment for a free fire safety inspection and free smoke alarm installation.

Target, Madison Fire Fighters, volunteers for the fire walk

Akron Mayor Helps Launch Operation Save-A-Life Partnership

Posted on April 22, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

One more family in Akron is now better protected from the dangers of a home fire.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and several members of the Akron Fire Department were joined by Rachel D’Attoma, Executive Director of the Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross on Thursday, April 21st to install smoke alarms in the home of Amy Villagomez and her family.

The installation marked the official start of Operation Save-A-Life, a new partnership between the Red Cross and the Akron Fire Department, designed to offer Akron residents free smoke alarms and valuable fire safety information. Interested residents are encouraged to call the Red Cross Smoke Alarm Hotline at 330-535-2030.

The Villagomez family was grateful for the new smoke alarms. The alarms that had been previously installed in their home expired in 2009.

“I had no idea smoke alarms have an expiration date,” said Amy Villagomez, who lives in the home with husband Steve and their two children.

Smoke alarms have a 10 year lifespan.

Mayor Horrigan installed two smoke alarms in the Villagomez home. One, supplied by the Akron Fire Department, is designed for hearing impaired residents. It was installed on a wall in the bedroom of one of the children, who has a hearing impairment. The alarm includes a strobe light when activated.

The mayor also installed a more traditional smoke alarm in a hallway of the home, supplied by the Red Cross. The alarm has a lithium battery designed to last 10 years.

“The importance of having smoke detectors in all of our residents’ homes is vital to safety,” said mayor Horrigan, who was joined by Marilyn Keith, President of Akron City Council and Ward 8 representative. The Villagomez family lives in Ward 8.

Prior to the smoke alarm installations, Mrs. Villagomez was given important fire safety information and assistance in designing a fire escape plan.

“A recent Red Cross study found that many people think they have up to 10 minutes to escape from a burning home,” according to Rachel. “It is closer to two minutes. Smoke alarms save lives.”

Operation Save-A-Life is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, designed to reduce the number of fatalities from home fires by 25% in a five-year time span. Residents in other parts of Northeast Ohio can learn how to obtain free smoke alarms in their counties by logging onto redcross.org/neoosal.

Photo credits: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross, and Bruce Ford/ City of Akron (with permission)

First Anniversary Reflections from CEO Mike Parks on Giving Day

Posted on April 21, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

CEO Mike Parks and Elsie Berger, age 95, and a Red Cross Volunteer since 1958

NEO CEO Thanks Volunteers and Donors

Members of our Northeast Ohio Region of the American Red Cross Family:

“THANK YOU!!!” I realize those two simple words may not seem like much but please know they speak volumes when directed at you—members of the Northeast Ohio Region of the American Red Cross family. During National Volunteer Week last week, we recognized the tremendous work of our incredible Red Cross volunteers. Throughout our Region this past year we have brought on more than 400 new volunteers. Additionally, almost 80% more volunteers are actually recording their efforts and they’ve actually worked 18% more hours, as well as spending 10% more time on call. Our volunteer to employee hour ratio has increased by almost 70% during the past twelve months. Thank you to all of you who are taking the time to record your hours in Volunteer Connection—this is critical to our being able to accurately track your terrific efforts.

What’s really impressive is the phenomenal impact our volunteers have made during their time supporting the Red Cross. For example, our Disaster Cycle Services team, working closely with our Chapter leadership, has responded to more cases, provided more resources, and helped install almost 10,000 smoke alarms throughout Northeast Ohio. Whether coordinating events, supporting our members of the Armed Forces, greeting visitors and blood donors, raising funds, or teaching classes, you are helping the American Red Cross meet mission every day.

Last week also marked my one year anniversary with the American Red Cross—what an awesome year it’s been. As I reflect on the immense privilege it has been to serve alongside this tremendous staff (paid and volunteer), I am reminded our volunteers are truly our nation’s finest and most dedicated, supported by some of the most professional employees with whom I’ve had the pleasure to serve. Please accept my sincere thanks and genuine appreciation for all each of you do every single day to help prevent and alleviate suffering in Northeast Ohio. I’m already excited to see what year number two has in store!!!

Best regards…Mike

3 Reasons and 4 Ways to #Help1Family on Red Cross Giving Day

Posted on April 20, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Nearly every eight minutes, the American Red Cross extends a helping hand to a family in need that has lost everything – the roof over their heads, their clothes, and their most cherished possessions – to a home fire.

The Red Cross has been busy helping neighbors in and around Northeast Ohio, but we need your help on one special day to continue to provide the emergency services that our neighbors depend on each and every day.

On April 21, you have a chance to help families in need whenever and wherever they need it by participating in the Red Cross’ Giving Day to #help1family. A donation of just $88.50 can provide a family with a day’s worth of food, plus blankets and other essentials.

We are proud of the work we accomplished to help people in Northeast Ohio last year:

Installing 8,960 smoke alarms in NEO communities
Provided 3,161 students with disaster readiness training through The Pillowcase Project, sponsored by Disney
Responded to over 950 disaster incidents such as home fires or flooding

Spread the word about Giving Day – the more people who support Giving day means we can help more families. Use your social media channels to reach out to friends and family and ask them to donate to #help1family by visiting https://givingday.redcross.org/region/northeast-ohio.

Here are four ways your donation will #help1family:

Supporting a family in urgent need: provide funding to give a family a day’s worth of food, blankets, and other essentials.
Supplying warm meals: help provide hearty, comforting meals to people impacted by disasters.
Providing clean-up kits after a disaster strikes: make clean-up kits available for families in need that include vital items like a mop, bucket, and disinfectant.
Deploying an emergency response vehicle for a day: Red Cross workers travel to impacted neighborhoods in fully stocked Emergency Response vehicles to provide food, water and critical relief.

Imagine the impact that we could have on our community if everyone wanted to #help1family.

Thank you.

Akron Fire Fatalities Highlight the Need for Smoke Alarms

Posted on April 18, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

A smoke alarm being installed in an Akron home/Photo credit: Gwen Bochmann/ Red Cross Volunteer

Two people died in Akron early Monday morning in a fire on Fultz Street, and firefighters say there were no working smoke alarms in the home.

The Red Cross and the Akron Fire Department earlier this month announced an initiative meant to prevent home fire fatalities, by offering Akron residents free smoke alarms. Firefighters will install the alarms, and provide residents valuable fire safety information, including how to develop a fire escape plan.

“We are proud to partner with the city to promote this initiative,” said Rachel D’Attoma, Executive Director of the Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties Chapter. “A recent Red Cross study found that many people think that you have up to 10 minutes to exit a burning home. It is closer to two minutes. Smoke alarms can help save lives.”

“The importance of having smoke detectors in all of our residents’ homes is vital to safety,” said City of Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. The Mayor will assist with this initiative by installing a smoke alarm in the home of an Akron family this week.

“Our goal is to save lives in our community,” said Chief Edward Hiltbrand of the Akron Fire Department. “We must respond by making our residents safer, especially in susceptible communities.”

Akron residents are encouraged to call the Red Cross smoke alarm hotline at 330-535-2030 to make an appointment for a free home fire safety inspection, free smoke alarms, and free installation.

Residents throughout Northeast Ohio can obtain more information about Operation Save-A-Life, the Red Cross fire preparedness campaign, at redcross.org/neoosal.

Always on Time in Your Time of Need

Posted on April 15, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By: Darrell Rush, Service to the Armed Forces Intern

Darryl

Hello my name is Darrell, I am a Social Worker intern at the American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio Regional Office in Cleveland. I want to share my story of how the Red Cross affects each of us, at one point or another.

As part of my internship, I am working on a program that has become better over the years because of advances in Informational Technology. We are able to connect people and resources with a simple key stroke. This program helps Red Cross volunteers provide information to family members of deployed military personnel. The information provided helps the family with resources that gives light on a dark situation. I know that when a person is deployed and away from family members there are plenty of anxieties to spread around.

I served in the Army in the late 1970’s, after the return of our troops from Vietnam. I wanted to fight for our country, but was too young. I enlisted as soon as I was eligible. When I did my family was a wreck.. My father was killed while I was in training, and I did not find out until after he was buried.They did not find out what to do to contact the Red Cross until after I came home on leave.

That was a problem back then that has been remedied today.

In February, I was doing my regular duties- making calls to our Service Members families – when a young lady answered and found out that I was from the Red Cross. She was very distraught and bewildered. She screamed to her mother that help was there and that God was good. “The Red Cross is on the phone.”When the mother got on the call she immediately informed me that her mother just passed away the prior evening, and they did not know what to do in order to contact her son in the military. I explained the reason for my call and gave her all the information needed to start the process. She kept on thanking God for this call and the Red Cross. By the end of our conversation she was at ease and had a plan. Then she said to me,” The Red Cross is always on time in your time of need.”

“Repetition is the only way to achieve perfection here on earth”. Since I was a young lad, I have always tried to place myself in the right position to help others. You see, by continuing to do the same thing over and over again it becomes like breathing air. That simple! This is the main reason for the Red Cross being the perfect place to start when looking for advice and information in your time of need; whether it be preparing for a disaster, contacting a loved one in the Armed Forces during an emergency, or even learning about administering first aid.

The Red Cross strives to share information that will help us prepare for an emergency. They give advice on resiliency, and ways to prepare your household with hope for a better day. The Red Cross supplies resources that will help people to overcome personal tragedy and ensure a faster recovery.

To learn more about how the Red Cross helps our service members and their families visit our Service to the Armed Forces site.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region