Wanted: Volunteers for Volunteers

Posted on January 4, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

New leadership positions available for volunteers

By Melanie Collins, Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

If you are a Red Cross volunteer, you are one of more than 1,600 Red Cross volunteers in the Northeast Ohio region. Did you know that dozens of volunteers serve in leadership capacities? Leadership volunteers play an integral role in strategic planning, monitoring service delivery and ensuring the organization exceeds its goals. This month we are highlighting leadership needs within the Volunteer Services Department and information about a new volunteer role – Volunteer Recruiter/Team Member, who will be supporting the department with outreach and recruitment of new volunteers.

Below is the list of opportunities and we are asking you to share these with your network – friends, family and colleagues! If you know someone who is interested in volunteering with us or would like to learn more, CLICK HERE to fill out a referral form. You will have a chance to win a bag of Red Cross merchandise!

Volunteer Services Engagement Lead
Duties: Oversees the Volunteer Experience for those serving in the region. They are a resource for volunteer supervisors in all lines of service (Disaster Cycle Services, Biomedical, etc.) and will work closely with the Volunteer Services Sr. Engagement Specialist. Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per month, working on-site and remotely.

Volunteer Services Recognition and Appreciation Lead
Duties: Oversees the development and implementation of both formal and informal chapter recognition efforts and promotes formal regional recognition programs. Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per month, working remotely and on-site. Greater commitment of time during the annual recognition periods.

Volunteer Services Volunteer Connection Lead
Duties: Serves as an ambassador of the official American Red Cross volunteer management system. Oversees the utilization and enhancement of Volunteer Connection. Commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week, working remotely and on-site.

Volunteer Recruiter/Team Member
Duties: Assists the Volunteer Services team to implement the regional workforce recruitment plan. Helps us research places of where we may recruit for volunteers.  This may be via social media, hanging up flyers or asking groups if the Red Cross can come in and make a presentation to their group.  Commitment: 2 – 4 hours/month, working remotely or on-site.

Those interested can apply by clicking on the position title! For more information visit www.redcross.org/volunteer or contact Melanie Collins at 330-204-6615 or melanie.collins4@redcross.org

NEO Red Cross disaster response team was busy during first half of FY ’19

Posted on January 2, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

As the ball dropped in Times Square, it not only marked the end of 2018, but it also marked the closure of the first half of fiscal year 2019 for the American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio.

dunham ave 2 The Red Cross runs on a fiscal year calendar that runs from July to June. The first six months of FY ’19 were especially active for the Red Cross responding to local disasters and assisting residents in need in the region.

During the six-month period, Northeast Ohio disaster services workers responded to 804 cases, assisting 1,409 adults, 784 children and provided $400,041 in financial assistance to those affect by the disasters, such as home fires. To show the impact on the region, during the same six-month period in FY ’18, the Red Cross responded to 648 cases, assisted 1,130 adults, 712 children and provided $343,576 in financial assistance.

Unfortunately, disasters do not respect zip codes or county borders, as every region in Northeast Ohio was impacted from July to December. However, no matter where an emergency occurs, the Red Cross will be there to assist those in need. Below are FY ’19 numbers for all five regions:

Greater Cleveland: 379 cases, 1,021 individuals assisted, $152,437 in financial assistance
Lake to River: 140 cases, 394 individuals assisted, $77,559 in financial assistance
Lake Erie/Heartland: 114 cases, 330 individuals assisted, $70,647 in financial assistance
Summit, Portage, and Medina Counties: 104 cases, 269 individuals assisted, $60,028 in financial assistance
Stark and Muskingum Lakes: 67 cases, 182 individuals assisted, $39,370 in financial assistance

If you would like to provide a financial donation to assist the Red Cross’ efforts to support the residents of Northeast Ohio, visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

If you cannot assist financially, there is another way you may help the Red Cross assist those in need. Without the tremendous dedication of our volunteers, the Red Cross would not be able to serve the 22 counties and 4.5 million residents of Northeast Ohio. Volunteers make up 90 percent of our workforce. Our volunteers are truly the face of the Red Cross.

If you are interested in making an impact in your local community, the Red Cross is always looking for volunteers. To volunteer, visit redcross.org/volunteer or contact our Volunteer Services Department directly at 216-431-3328 or NEOvolunteer@redcross.org.

Put these resolutions on your 2019 list

Posted on December 31, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Samantha Pudelski and edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteers.

Blood Donation 2018 It’s a new year, filled with new ambitions and goals to accomplish in 2019. In addition to the traditional resolutions of eating healthier, working to get that promotion or learning a new skill, consider adding a few of these resolutions to your list:

Test your smoke alarms in your home, and make sure your household is prepared with an exit plan. Visit the American Red Cross Home Fire Safety page for tips and best practices.
Pack an emergency preparedness kit in case of emergency or disaster to ensure you have the supplies you need for your home. Review the Red Cross checklist of items that every household needs to be prepared.
Create an emergency plan for your home to prepare for the different types of emergencies that are mostly likely to happen where you live. You can access more information and plan templates here.
Have pets? Make sure you have an emergency plan for your pets, Many pets were displaced in the recent California wildfires, with households having to evacuate quickly with the approaching flames. You can create a plan for your household using these tips.
Donate to the Red Cross and help us provide relief to those affected by disasters and other crises. You can donate by visiting redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Give the gift of life by donating blood. Did you know that the Red Cross provides about 40 percent of our nation’s blood and blood components, but only about 10 percent of eligible people donate? You can learn more about donating blood and make your appointment here.
Volunteer your time with the Red Cross. Did you know that 90 percent of Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers, helping in a variety of capacities? If you are interested in making an impact in local communities, visit redcross.org/volunteer, contact our Volunteer Services Department directly at 216-431-3328 or NEOvolunteer@redcross.org.
Stock your first aid kit. Make sure you have a kit handy in both your car and home. You can use this checklist from the Red Cross, or purchase a kit from the Red Cross Store.

The Northeast Ohio Region of the Red Cross will continue to work toward the mission of the Red Cross in 2019 to:

Help people affected by disasters receive care, shelter and hope across the country and around the world.
Aid our communities to prepare and be ready for disasters.
Provide access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products to people across the country.
Help all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed.
Organize trained individuals to be nearby, in the event of an emergency, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

Before the year ends, consider giving

Posted on December 28, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell and edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteers

As the year comes to a close, many people spend time between Christmas and the New Year holiday with their yearly review and goal setting for next year. If you haven’t tried it yet, you might want to.

Many people decide that they want to do more for those in need. If that thought is on Red Cross year end check list your mind, please consider volunteering with the American Red Cross. Even if you can only commit to a few hours a week or a month, there’s a way for you to make a difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started and see what positions are needed now.

Others realize that their charitable donations aren’t where they should be. But fear not, there’s still time.

Did you know:

If you itemize your deductions, your donation can be used to lower your tax obligation in the year you donate.
Putting a check in the mail constitutes a donation made in the year it was mailed.
Contributions made on a credit card are deductible in the year they appear on your account, even if you pay them off in the following year.
Contribution limits for tax purposes are quite high. If you have an adjusted gross income of $100,000, you can donate up to $60,000 to a public charity.
If you donate property you’ve owned for at least a year, the donation is considered to be the fair market value of the item donated. If the property has appreciated in value, you’ll get the added benefit of that higher value.
Individuals who are 70-1/2 years old or older, can donate up to $100,000 directly from their IRA without having to claim it as taxable income.
To read more about these hints, refer to Charity Navigator’s website.

So, you’ve decided to donate before year-end. But, where to donate? Well, if you’re 183401-18-Holiday-Campaign-2018_Social-Media-Plan_Facebook-Post-Graphic_3_FINAL reading this, chances are you are already well aware that the American Red Cross is the preeminent organization for helping to prevent and alleviate human suffering in this country.

Only one decision left. Where would you like your donation applied? Our website’s donation page gives you four options:

Disaster Relief
Where it is needed most
Local Red Cross programs and services—this benefits Northeast Ohio chapter activities
Home fires

and you can pay via credit card or via PayPal.

Considering a donation other than online?

Here are some helpful links, no matter how you decide to donate:

Do you want to mail a check? Send it to American Red Cross; 3747 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115.

If you’d like to donate by phone, call 1-800-Red Cross (1-800-733-2767).

Donate by text: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to Disaster Relief.

Donating vehicles of any kind (running or not): Call 1-855-92 RC CAR (1-855-927-2227) or by visiting redcross.org/cardonation.

Donating stocks or mutual funds: Go here on our website.

Donating by Electronic Fund Transfer or Wire Transfer: See below:

doug donation

If you are unable to make a financial contribution or to volunteer, you may also give life saving blood. The Red Cross provides roughly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. However, of the 38 percent of the population that is eligible to donate, less than ten percent actually donates. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, your blood donation is vital. To make an appointment to donate, you may visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or you may download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Thanks for your donation—either your time, your blood or your money. Have a wonderful New Year!

Christmas marks birth of “Angel of the Battlefield” Red Cross founder

Posted on December 25, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer.

Merry Christmas! Billions of people around the globe will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ today. This religious and cultural holiday is also the birth date of a significant figure in American history. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was born on December 25, 1821. It seems fitting that a day focused on giving marks the birth of a woman who dedicated her life to giving to those in need.

Matthew Brady Portrait of Clara Barton Born Clarissa Harlowe Barton in Oxford Massachusetts, Clara was a shy child. She became a teacher at age 15 during a time when most teachers were men. She was also among the first women to be employed by the federal government. She moved to Washington, D.C., in the mid 1850s to work as a recording clerk in the U.S. Patent Office.

In Washington during the Civil War, Clara collected clothing, supplies and food for sick and wounded soldiers. But she felt she was needed most on the battlefields. She persuaded government and army leaders to provide her with passes to bring her volunteer services and medical supplies to battle sites and field hospitals. Her work earned her the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield.”

Clara’s pioneering vision and commitment to service continued throughout her life. She founded the American Red Cross at age 60 and served as its first president. Her spirit of giving shines on to this day through the ongoing relief work of the organization she created.

In a second consecutive year of record wildfires, hurricanes, tragic shootings and other large crises, the Red Cross’ disaster workforce—90 percent volunteers—helped millions of people across the country.

In 2018, generous support enabled the Red Cross to:

Serve over 8.2 million meals and snacks
Distribute over 2.2 million relief items
Provide over 290,000 overnight stays in shelters
Make over 188,000 health and mental health contacts
Provide over 73,000 households with recovery support after home fires

Locally, the Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region responded to about 900 disasters, the vast majority of them home fires, assisting more than 4,200 people—about 1,600 families—and distributing about $800,000 in assistance in 2018.

To celebrate Clara’s birthday, if you would like to donate to the Red Cross and give something that means something on this momentous holiday, visit redcross.org/donate.

To read more about the life and achievements of Clara Barton, visit here.

Northeast Ohio Region weekend disaster response report: December 21-23, 2018

Posted on December 24, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio.

Over the weekend, as people across Northeast Ohio were getting last minute tasks done to prepare for the holidays, the American Red Cross was responding to residents suffering from local disasters.

Sound the Alarm - Ohio 2018 During the weekend of December 21-23, the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio responded to nine incidents in Cuyahoga, Mahoning, Summit and Wayne Counties. The incidents affected 24 adults, 16 children and resulted in the distribution of more than $8,000 in immediate financial assistance by the Red Cross.

Unfortunately, one of the nine incidents was a home fire in Cuyahoga County, which resulted in the fatality of an adult occupant and critical injuries to a two year old child. While the Red Cross is saddened by this tragedy during a time focused on happiness, the Red Cross will remain in contact with the victim’s family to provide assistance, such as support from disaster mental health workers. Louisiana Floods 2016

The vast majority of local disasters that the Red Cross responds to in Northeast Ohio are home fires. Every 24 hours, the Red Cross responds to three home fires on average. To learn how you can protect your family from home fires and to request a free smoke alarm installation, visit here.

If you would like to provide a financial donation to assist the Red Cross’ efforts to support the residents of Northeast Ohio in their time of need, visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Annual toy giveaway makes season brighter for families

Posted on December 21, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Brad Galvin and edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteers.

The annual TravelCenters of America Toy Giveaway event is Renee Palagyi’s favorite day of the year. Watching children with parents excitedly selecting toys and stuffed animals and enjoying hot cocoa, the Senior Disaster Program Manager of the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region said, “This is a very important light at the end of a really challenging year for a lot of these recipients.”

In its 20^th year, the Annual Toy Giveaway is an event where 200 children were invited to enjoy festive cheer and take home new toys and goodies. The event aims to make the holidays a little more cheerful for community members who have been the victims of various disasters.

Employees of TravelCenters of America, headquartered in Westlake, began the tradition of collecting toys for children 20 years ago. This year, members of Local 93 of the Cleveland Firefighters Union also contributed toys, as did many Red Cross employees.

On October 27, Wyonna Nash’s home was engulfed in a home fire. She and her children made it out safely but the past few months have been challenging. As she was helping her child choose a toy, she said, “We are grateful to the Red Cross. We are happy to be here. Without them, we don’t know where we would be.”

“Children need toys. This is Christmastime,” said Tom Liutkus, Senior Vice President of Marketing for TravelCenters of America. “We want them to have a memorable Christmas in what was otherwise a tragedy that may have occurred in their lives.”

Tom said that over the past 20 years, employees of TravelCenters of America have donated more than 5,500 toys for the annual giveaway.

The event was also attended by many volunteers who responded to disasters throughout the year. It’s a rewarding experience, since the last time the volunteers saw many of the recipients, they were dealing with one of the worst days of their lives; often, as firefighters were trying to salvage what was left of homes and apartment buildings.

Ellen Braun, a volunteer who has assisted with the toy drive over the last few years explained, “It’s all about giving back. The holidays are about kids and family. I just wish I could help more!”

Between the hugs, toys and messages of hope, the event was a wonderfully festive occasion that helped make the holidays a little brighter for families who have had a devastating 2018. Watch a video of the event here.

You may also view more photos of the toy giveaway by visiting our Flickr page here.

If you’d like to help families who experience home fires and other disasters, you can donate to Disaster Relief, or become a Red Cross disaster services volunteer. Visit redcross.org.neo for more information.

Winter safety tips to help you outsmart Jack Frost

Posted on December 20, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio. Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteeer.

With the first day of winter only one day away, like it or not, Jack Frost is getting ready to spend a few months in Northeast Ohio.

Red Cross pet photo 2018 While winter weather in Northeast Ohio can be unpredictable, the one thing you can expect is that it will bring headaches. Blizzards, freezing cold, Nor’easters and ice storms can all have significant impacts on travel, schools, businesses and health. They can even impact our homes.

Pretending winter is not coming is not going to make the calendar fast forward to July. Do not let winter catch you off guard. Here are some winter tips to help you stay safe and be prepared for Jack Frost.

Be Informed

It is important to know the difference between advisories, watches and warnings to understand what they mean when one is issued in your area by the National Weather Service:

Advisory: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconvenience and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.
Watch: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
Warning: Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Prepare your home

Protect your pipes from freezing. To learn how to protect your pipes, click here.
Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.
Install storm windows and cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to add additional protection from the cold winter air.
If you have a fireplace, keep a supply of firewood on hand. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order.

Get your vehicle winter ready

Have a mechanic thoroughly look over your vehicle by checking your battery, antifreeze, wipers and windshield washer fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes, defroster and oil.
Install good winter tires.
Items to keep in your vehicle all winter include a windshield scraper and a small broom, a small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, matches in a waterproof container, a bright colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna and an emergency supply kit, which includes warm clothing.

Winter driving

While the Red Cross encourages you to stay off the road if possible, if you must drive during inclement weather, follow these tips on how to drive safely during a winter storm and what to do if you become stuck in your vehicle:

Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see.
Pay attention to the weather forecast. Before you leave, let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take and when you expect to get there. If your car gets stuck, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.
Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.
Don’t pass snow plows.
Know that ramps, bridges and overpasses will freeze before roadways.

If you happen to become stuck:

Stay with the car. DO NOT try to walk to safety.
Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see.
Don’t run your engine and heater constantly to help avoid running out of gas. Don’t use things like lights or the radio without the engine running to avoid draining the battery.
If you can, move your vehicle off the roadway. Stay with it –- don’t abandon it. If you have to get out of your vehicle, use the side away from traffic.
Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car.
Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle.
Keep one window slightly open –- away from the blowing wind –- to let in air.

American Red Cross National Headquarters Building 2001 Be sure to download and use the American Red Cross Emergency App for instant access to weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. You can find this and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or by visiting redcross.org/apps.

Another holiday season – another holiday door decorating contest

Posted on December 18, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

And more entertaining comments from the judge

By John Bernard, Crossroads Division Disaster State Relationship Director

(Editor’s note: The winner of the annual Northeast Ohio Region Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) Holiday Door Decorating Contest has been announced by John Bernard, the Crossroads Division Disaster State Relationship Director. Like last year, we found his comments to be so entertaining that we are including them, along with photos of all 9 doors entered in this year’s competition.)

door 1 Emily Probst, Regional Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager
Dept of Misfits. This is Mike Park’s office door isn’t it? But, I zoom in and see a bunch what I think are disaster personnel. Tim as Santa Claus. That fits, given his RDO (Regional Disaster Officer) exception rate! There’s Renee as Bumble. Not sure who did this door– but Renee – you do realize they pushed Bumble over a cliff and later removed his teeth a la Old West style?

door 2 Debbie Chitester, Disaster Program Manager, Summit, Portage and Medina Counties Santa Down the Chimney. Wonderful use of space – vertical door/chimney– Santa. Kicked it three dimensional with the smoke alarms. Kind of ironic, isn’t it; smoke alarms down the chimney?

door 3 Renee Palagyi, Senior Regional Disaster Program Manager
Birth of Hope. To quote the late, great Stan Lee, “’Nuff said.”

door 4 Mike Arthur, Disaster Program Manager, Lake Erie/Heartland Chapter South
Oh wait, THIS is Mike’s door. Nope, couldn’t be, otherwise it would be white with an orange stripe and a star on it.

door 5 Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Officer, AKA Batman
What am I seeing here? Is this like Halloween costumes tacked up on a door? Can’t decide if the door is a chimney Santa is scaling up or he’s going Airborne and parachuting with a quick release on his pack before he hits the dirt. I was going to make Buffalo Bill/Silence of the Lambs reference but thought that might be too dark. Moving on…..

door 6 Jeremy Bayer, Disaster Program Manager, Greater Cleveland Chapter
Ah, the good ole “Wrap the door as a present – wait, it needs more – here, let me hot glue this Christmas stuff up there – perfect” routine. This just screams “I spend an inordinate amount of time at Hobby Lobby and they call by my nickname at the checkout – ‘Craft-alicious.’”

door 7 John Gareis, Regional Preparedness Manager
A Christmas Story. First off, you’ll shoot your eye out with that thing. Second, you can expect that ATS (American red Cross Training Services) will release “How to stay safe and healthy during the Holiday Season” talking points two weeks AFTER someone has injured their tongue by sticking it to a frozen light post.

door 8 Rick Whitehead, Regional Community Partner and EMA Manager
Aloha. How very Christmas-y. The three stockings really bring it home, ya know? Can you feel the eye-rolling from Cincinnati?

door 9
Tim Reichel, Disaster Program Manager, Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter
Wow – two actual elves. They sure do look seasoned…..I mean, seasonal. I can see they took a long time to tape up that red table cloth left over from the Regional Training Institute and then add some basic Christmas stuff.

So, that’s the overview. Now for round 2.

Credit for tying the holiday to the team – build camaraderie! It’s in the TOP 3!
I count four smoke alarms for that one house. It’s supposed to be 2.5 per house. You’re not fooling anyone, Gareis! I’m ratting you out. TWO POINT FIVE!
As a believer in Hope, this entry took some consideration; it is, after all, the reason for the season. What I arrived at is this; like the baby born in the manger, this door – because of its message – is set apart and therefore above judgment.
8.5 x11 worth of printed out Christmas. Minimal effort – minimal comment. Better hope this isn’t tied to your merit increase!

Hands down, A Christmas Story wins it! You knew it when you did it. Fantastic job! Second place, is the Department of Misfits! Third place – against my better judgment – Santa down the chimney…2.5.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Northeast Ohio Region weekend disaster response report: December 14-16, 2018

Posted on December 17, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Eric Alves, Regional Communications Specialist, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio

Over the weekend, the American Red Cross was once again very active responding to the needs of the residents of Northeast Ohio.

California Wildfires 2018 During the weekend of December 14-16, the Red Cross of Northeast Ohio responded to seven incidents occurring in four of the five chapters in the region. The incidents occurred in Cuyahoga, Jefferson, Mahoning, Richland, Summit and Trumbull counties, resulting in 18 individuals receiving assistance and the distribution of more than $4,000 in immediate financial assistance.

While Northeast Ohio is not often impacted by large natural disasters, it does not mean the difficulty of those natural disasters are not felt in the region. Over the weekend, the Red Cross provided assistance to two families in Cuyahoga and Summit counties who each lost loved ones during the recent California wildfires. The families received financial support to assist with funeral expenses, and were provided access to Red Cross disaster mental health workers to aid in the grieving process.

“The care we provided the local families who were next of kin to women who died in the California Wildfires 2018 Camp Fire in California was under our Integrated Care Team,” stated Renee Palagyi, senior disaster program manager. “Integrated Care Team allows a family to have two or three key contact people from Red Cross who are available for an in-person visit and follow-up phone calls. Assistance included a relatively small amount of money to be used for any death-related or other expenses they may encounter. More importantly, we provided a local touch, both through our caseworker and our disaster mental health professional. In talking with these women, they were incredibly grateful to receive my call and to know that they would have someone specifically assigned to talk with them over the next several weeks as they work through pain I can’t begin to imagine.”

If you would like to provide a financial donation to assist the Red Cross in continuing to support the residents of Northeast Ohio in their time of need, visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region