An intense, exhausting, grateful December

Posted on December 22, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

A personal account of getting through a tough time

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Streams of people, ambulances and occasionally a helicopter. In a parking lot and garage just beyond, cars arrive, depart, circle. Each time I look out the fourth-story window in my dad’s hospital room, I see this scene. Whether in the cerulean predawn, during the intense glow of short December days, or beneath pools of sodium light in long evenings, it continues. Lives impacted, whether through illness, tragedy, or disaster. Crises do not cease. I also watch the many who arrive to help, while others leave, often looking exhausted, and am grateful for them.

The last few weeks have been a torrent of emotion, of worry, discussions, activity, seeking information, of varying between bleakness and optimism.

I am especially grateful to the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals working to identify the cause of and cure my dad’s illness and address the complications that arise. And to the blood donors and blood services personnel who enabled a transfusion to be ready if needed. I take a mental note to schedule a blood donation.

I hear rhythms of footsteps, medical equipment rolling on wheeled carts, voices, a cacophony of whirs and beeps emerging from medical devices, approaching sirens (silenced just before arrival), PA announcements, and occasionally the music-box chime of “Lullaby and Good Night” announcing a new life. I imagine orchestrating all this into a symphony.

I think of the times I have been in that and other ERs and hospitals in the area, as an American Red Cross volunteer, a patient, a friend, and family member. And how grateful I am to have been able to help and receive it when needed.

I have previously written about seeing the results when bringing help to those in need as a Red Cross volunteer. The tears of relief, smiles returning to faces, human resilience being bolstered, people beginning to recover and move forward, and especially gratitude.

My goal with this article, before my dad’s illness, was to focus on how much your help is needed and the tremendous good it does. As we have recently written, the need for Red Cross services is tremendous and continues to increase, with the climate crisis, global instability, and other factors. We have also written about seeing the impact of your donations, whether through financial support, volunteering time, or donating blood.

But now I wanted to offer another perspective, that of a family member during a time of need. While my dad’s illness is not the result of a disaster—although having a blood transfusion ready was necessary—I am trying to show a little of the intensity and worry felt when in need of help, and the thankfulness and relief when help is received.

My dad is home now. Recovery will take some time, including doses of antibiotics every eight hours, which I am administering via an IV attached to a PICC line. As I write this, we are on day six of 10. Since my formal education is in literature and music, this is far outside my area of expertise. I’m experiencing a fair amount of anxiety and fatigue. My Red Cross experience helps, especially managing in times of crisis, but I have needed and found help, advice, expertise, wisdom, and kindness from medical professionals, friends, family members, and others in the Red Cross. Each instance has helped keep me going, to refocus, to help the optimism win out over the bleakness. And for that I am deeply grateful.

Through all this, my family and I have not done much for the holiday season. I did put up a Christmas tree, and there are a few decorations. I have not been able to attend celebrations, and there won’t be much to wrap and unwrap, but if all continues to improve, the season will be one of the most grateful, thanks to those who helped.

So when life regains some normalcy, I’m more resolute than ever to continue helping where and how I can, help with and encourage financial support, and schedule a blood donation .

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Five ways you can give back this World Humanitarian Day

Posted on August 19, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

August 4, 2022. Fleming-Neon, Kentucky. American Red Cross volunteer Angela Daniel distributes a hot meal to those affected by the Kentucky flooding disaster. Emergency Response Vehicle make their way to various locations, bringing nourishing food and a word of encouragement to communities as they begin to recover. Photo by Kevin Suttlehan/American Red Cross

World Humanitarian Day is a day when we are all encouraged to come together and advocate for the well-being, survival and dignity of people who have experienced or are experiencing crisis around the world. This year’s theme from the United Nations is “It Takes A Village”—reminding us that whenever there are people in crisis, there are others who are there to help them. This year, they shine a light on the hundreds of thousands of volunteers, professionals and crisis-affected people who deliver urgent health care, shelter, food, protection, water and much more.

It’s a perfect day to recognize the thousands of dedicated volunteers and workers of the American Red Cross. They deliver lifesaving assistance every hour of every day, responding to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year.

As we reflect on the meaning of this day, we are also encouraged to take action as humanitarians ourselves. This World Humanitarian Day, the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross has five ways you can give back and help to make the world a better place.

A blood donor giving blood at the 2022 Cleveland Browns blood drive in July

Donate Blood
Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets? Giving back by donating blood can help ensure those who are in need of blood transfusions, including individuals undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, treatment for chronic illness and traumatic injuries.

If you are able to donate blood, it is a relatively easy process –
It only takes about one hour and 15 minutes, with the actual donation of whole
blood taking approximately eight to ten minutes.
Individuals can donate blood more than once per year. you can donate every
In most states, donors can start donating at age 17 and some states allowing
16-year-olds to donate with a signed parental consent form. You also must be
at least 110 pounds and be in good health.
Blood donor drives are held at locations throughout Northern Ohio. To find an
upcoming blood drive near you, click here.

Volunteer
Volunteering your time for a cause you believe in can have a huge impact on your community and the world. The Red Cross offers a variety of ways that you can give back depending on your skills, interests and time available. In fact, 90% of the Red Cross workforce are volunteers. They support areas such as blood drives, blood donation transports, health, mental health and spiritual needs, administrative support roles, supporting our armed forces and working with those who affected by natural disasters.

Make a Donation
Many non-profit organizations rely on generous donations from supporters. For many organizations, every dollar donated makes a difference. Some organizations, like the Red Cross, provide other ways for individuals to donate in addition to financial contributions.

June 22, 2018. Washington, DC. CPR stock photos by Roy Cox for the American Red Cross.

Learn a Lifesaving Skill
The Red Cross has been teaching emergency and safety training for more than a century. You can learn first aid, be trained in administering CPR or using an AED, to be prepared for when a need for these skills arises. You can review and sign up for a class here.

Advocate
Advocacy is an important way you can be a humanitarian. In order to advocate, it is equally important to educate yourself on the topics, organizations or causes you would like to advance. Here are a few simple ways you can get started.

Follow organizations on social media. For example, you can follow the Red Cross and the Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok just to name a few. Not only do they post facts and updates about the work that they are doing, but they also provide links for more information.
Participate in events like Turn and Test and other events that help to spread the word about a particular cause. Share information with friends and family and learn about causes that they are passionate about.

Read about the work of three Red Cross humanitarians here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross Volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross Volunteer

World Health Day 2021 focuses on health equity, which Red Cross works to address

Posted on April 7, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Today, April 7, is World Health Day, a day in which the World Health Organization (WHO) raises awareness of an important issue. This year’s theme is one the American Red Cross strives daily to address: health equity and “building a fairer, healthier world.”

This is an important issue for the Red Cross as humanity, impartiality and universality are among our fundamental principles. Each day in the Northern Ohio region, as everywhere, Red Cross volunteers and staff work to assist anyone in need of our lifesaving and emergency relief services. This commitment is conveyed in several personal perspectives on this webpage, including recent articles from Chris Chmura and Doug Bardwell.

As the WHO points out, the COVID-19 pandemic has more clearly shown how some have better access to health care and have healthier lives than others. In addition, the CDC states, “There is increasing evidence that some racial and ethnic minority groups are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19.” Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 demographics also indicate a disparity.

While many of us may feel limited in addressing the causes of health inequality, there are several ways we can have an impact. Assisting the Red Cross in its mission is among them, whether through volunteering, donating blood or providing financial support.

Volunteering with the Red Cross has helped me see the health inequality in our region, and I am honored to have taken part in helping those in need. If you are interested in volunteering, there are a variety of opportunities available in Northern Ohio, including in Disaster Response, Blood Services and Services to the Armed Forces.

Blood donations are critical. As this article states, the blood supply needs to be as diverse as our region. A diverse blood supply is necessary for treating diseases like sickle cell, which mostly affects those of African and Latino descent. As I reported last September, blood donations from African Americans are vital in treating sickle cell disease, as blood must be closely matched to reduce the risk of complications.

The Red Cross would not be able to provide so much assistance without the generous support of its donors. If you can provide financial support, any amount helps.

Hopefully, we are approaching the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. But we cannot forget its difficult lessons. We must also continue to face other illnesses, health concerns and disasters. We need to work toward a better future with greater health equity. The Red Cross—with the support of its donors, volunteers and staff—will continue to honor its fundamental principles to assist all in need.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

The ‘hows’ of financial contributions: Your questions answered

Posted on March 22, 2021 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Giving Day is Wednesday, March 24

By: Sam Pudelski, American Red Cross Volunteer

Donating when you are able to can be a wonderful way to give back to your community and help those who are in need. There are many ways you can support and give to the American Red Cross, including providing a financial gift.

You may be asking yourself: How is my donation used? How much of it is used? How can I donate? All of these are great questions, and ones you should ask before donating to any cause, charity or organization. For those who have questions about the Red Cross, we are providing the answers to some of these common questions about financial contributions.

How much of my donation goes to the Red Cross?

An average of 90 cents of every dollar we receive is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need.

How is my donation used by the Red Cross?

With the generous support of our donors, we help millions of people each year. Financial donations help to support our programs like disaster relief, blood drives, our Home Fire Campaign, training classes, services to the armed forces and more. Learn more about the work we do here in Northern Ohio.

How can I donate?

If you are looking to give a financial donation to the Red Cross, there are many ways you can donate:

Make a donation online
Send a donation by mail
Donate over the phone
Text to donate $10
Alexa Donations with Amazon Pay
Donate stock, your car, hotel points or airline miles
Give in tribute to someone
Give monthly

If you want your donation to go even further, ask your employer if they would sponsor a matching program for employees. In a matching program, your donation is matched by the organization or individual that is sponsoring the program.

There are many ways you can give back and support the Red Cross’ mission. We encourage you to learn more about our mission and our work, and if you are able to do so, consider donating this coming Giving Day on March 24—or any day. For details on how to donate or to make a secure donation online, click here.

We thank you for your support!

Edited by: Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross Volunteer

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!

Giving Day Gives You a Chance to #help1family

Posted on March 19, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Donate Now Through Giving Day, March 28, 2018

By Patrick Kunklier, Communications Volunteer and Board Member

Once a year, Giving Day brings American Red Cross supporters together to help families who have been impacted by a home fire or other disaster, such as floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. Together, we provide urgently needed Red Cross services to help families get back on their feet.

Your Giving Day gift can provide hope and critical relief, like food, supplies, shelter and other essentials to people who need it most.

Disaster Program Manager Jeremy Bayer offers Mickey Mouse toys to children, following a fire in their home in Cleveland.

“The Red Cross 2018 Giving Day goal is to help 25,000 families. Your support provides families with food, blankets, and other essentials,” said Mike Parks, CEO of the Northeast Ohio Region. “And you don’t have to wait until March 28 to be part of Giving Day. Whether you donate $10 or $500 or more, the tax-deductible gift you make today will count toward the Red Cross Giving Day goal.”

Parks added, “Please also encourage your family and friends to give a gift to help the families who urgently need Red Cross assistance after a home fire or other disaster.”

Click here to donate. Donations made via this link for Red Cross Giving Day will be used for Red Cross Disaster Relief, which supports victims of big and small disasters. Check out this video to see exactly how donations to disaster relief are used.

And use #help1family on your social media accounts to let others know you’re supporting Giving Day.

If you have any questions, please contact Red Cross Donor Services at 1-800-RED-CROSS or submit your request via the financial donation inquiry form so that your inquiry is promptly addressed.

On behalf of the families you will help, thank you for your generosity.

On Being a Phone Bank Volunteer for Hurricane Harvey Relief

Posted on September 6, 2017 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross Volunteer

Your alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m. and its pitch-dark outside. You shower, shave, fill your travel mug with coffee and head for the garage. Traffic is amazingly light at 6:00 a.m., which is one of the benefits of starting so early, you tell yourself.

You and seven of your fellow Red Crossers are heading to the Cleveland ABC affiliate – WEWS Channel 5 TV, for the start of an all-day Hurricane Harvey fund raiser. Only the all-night anchors are here, so there’s plenty of parking spaces to choose from.

graphiconscreen The studio is all set for us. Tables are arranged, phones are ready and a large flat screen announces the Red Cross website URL, phone number and text information for a quick pledge.

One-by-one, Red Cross volunteers, employees and even a board member file in and take their place at the tables. Four shifts are planned, so plenty of people can take part in this 6:00 a.m until 11:00 p.m. phone bank effort. Thursday phonebank

In fact, this is our second phone bank. Three days prior, another group of volunteers manned the phones from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and were inundated with calls. “It was non-stop calling,” one volunteer said. “As soon as you hung up the call, there was another one ringing on the same line.”

Tuesday phone bank

The cameraman comes in and suggests a slight modification to our seating arrangement. We’ve begun the countdown to going ‘On Air.’

“We’re live in ten seconds,” says the cameraman, and we are off, fielding phone calls from across Northeastern Ohio.

By this time, there’s probably no one in America that hasn’t heard about the devastation being wrought upon Texas and Louisiana. News anchors compare the total rainfall to the amount of water in Lake Michigan, and another asks you to visualize the amount of water flowing over the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls. Now consider that flow for nine months straight, and you’ve got an idea how much water fell in just a few days in Texas.

“Oh my,” says the first caller. “Thank you for doing this for those poor people. I only wish I could give more. They must need so much help.”

Another caller is so distraught that she asks for a few seconds to collect herself, before completing her credit card information. Actually, many of the callers were quite emotional, knowing the stress and anguish being felt by the thousands of victims.

“I don’t know what those people would do if it weren’t for the Red Cross and the other agencies down there,” says another. This was a recurrent theme all morning.

By the end of the first shift, you start to compare numbers of callers and amounts raised. Amounts donated ranged from $10 to $1,000 this morning. Even larger amounts were reported from that first phone bank and possibly will be duplicated later in the day. Northeast Ohio has always been famous for its immense generosity whenever a need like this occurs, and it’s a great privilege to help out those so desperately in need.

You turn over your phone to the next volunteer, already missing the opportunity to talk with more like-minded Ohioans, bound to make a difference for the victims in Texas and Louisiana.

Won’t you join us? The American Red Cross is always looking for more volunteers. Sign up today to donate or to volunteer at http://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.

Reporting for Duty: Mike Parks Deploying to Louisiana

Posted on August 26, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Mike Parks, CEO of the Northeast Ohio Region, is deploying to Louisiana.

NEO CEO Mike Parks, addressing Red Cross workers during flood relief work in West Virginia in July, 2016

“The situation in Louisiana remains critical,” said Parks. “People need help right now. This is who we are as the Red Cross, caring servants. I am proud to join over 2,500 Red Cross workers – 13 of whom are from Northeast Ohio – already in Louisiana.”

Each day, the Red Cross is able to get into more and more neighborhoods, and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide assistance. More than 90 Red Cross response vehicles, including 2 from Northeast Ohio, are fanning through affected neighborhoods to distribute food, water and relief supplies. Disaster mental health and health services volunteers are providing emotional support and helping to replace things like lost eyeglasses, wheelchairs and medications.

Some residents remain in shelters.

Since the onset of flooding in Louisiana, the Red Cross and partners have provided more than 55,000 overnight stays in emergency shelters. At the peak of the floods, more than 50 shelters provided safety for more than 10,000 people.In addition, more than 466,000 meals and snacks have been served.

“Our help is just beginning. We will be there to help people recover in the weeks and months to come. We ask people to please consider making a financial donation to the Red Cross today to support the people of Louisiana.”

Learn more here how the Red Cross is giving people a place to go when there is no place to go through the words of one woman who has lost everything.

HOW TO HELP People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recovery from these disasters.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER To join us, visit redcross.org/neo and click on VOLUNTEER today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.

NEO Red Cross Continues to Support Victims in Louisiana

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

According to meteorologists, more than 6.9 trillion gallons of rain – enough water to fill 10.4 million Olympic pools – deluged Louisiana this week.

On Wednesday night, more than 4,100 people were still seeking refuge in 30 Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. And the flooding danger is not over. More rain is falling in Louisiana and flood waters are moving down-river, which could cause damage in new areas. The Red Cross is closely monitoring the situation to be ready to mount an additional response if necessary.

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Courtney Robinson (center) says she is nearly certain that her home is destroyed because of the record flooding in southern Louisiana. She is staying at a Red Cross shelter with her children and husband. They fled with some essential items, such as food, water, and a change of clothes for them and their five children. Courtney shared their story with Red Cross relief worker Elizabeth Stander, and Rachel Ambeau, who is also displaced and staying at the Red Cross shelter, in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Red Cross relief worker Elizabeth Stander takes time to visit with people affected by recording flooding, including Courtney Robinson, at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Flooding. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Red Cross shelter, Lamar Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, Louisiana. Courtney Robinson (center) says she is nearly certain that her home is destroyed because of the record flooding in southern Louisiana. Shes staying at a Red Cross shelter with her children and husband, Jeff Harper. In advance of the flood, they fled with some essential items, such as food, water, and a change of clothes for them and their five children. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Redina Lee talks with Sharon Butler-Walker, a new Red Cross volunteer. Redina says the Red Cross shelter has been good. “I’m blessed here. I don’t have to pay anything.” Redina is staying at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. David Moore in a flooded neighborhood. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Sharon Butler-Walker is a new Red Cross volunteer, who is inspired to help others because she loves helping and she says theres a great need for volunteers. She brought Glenda Hill to her temporary lodging at the Red Cross shelter in Gonzales, Louisiana. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

August 16, 2016. Gonzales, Louisiana. Friends and family, including (l-r) Kyla Delacruz, Brandi Anariba, Kelsie Baires, Amy Lee, and infant Tyson Baires, are among hundreds of people staying at a Red Cross shelter after historic flooding in southern Louisiana. The Red Cross is providing everything, says Kyla. But we lost everything. After this Im not sure what were going to do, she says. They shared their stories with relief worker Lynette Nyman. Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross

Red Cross volunteers – including 16 from right here in Northeast Ohio – continue to help thousands of people in Louisiana in what is the worst natural disaster to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy in 2012. This response is anticipated to cost at least $30 million – and this number may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation.

The flooding in Louisiana has left many areas without power and phone service, making it difficult for loved ones to connect. Local emergency lines have also been inundated with calls for help. The Red Cross has two ways to help families reconnect:

The Red Cross Emergency App features a “Family Safe” feature that allows people to check on loved ones who are in an area affected by an emergency and instantly see if they are okay – even if that loved one hasn’t downloaded the App on their device. The App is free and can be found in the app store for your mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.
The Red Cross is encouraging people to register on our Safe and Well website, www.redcross.org/safeandwell, to help people reconnect. If you are concerned about a loved one, visit the “Search” page, enter the person’s name and pre-disaster phone number or complete address. If you are outside the disaster area and you hear from loved ones without access to a computer, you can register them through Safe and Well. That way, other loved ones can be reassured as well.

Large disasters like this flooding create more needs than any one organization can meet, and the Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community – federal, state, county and local agencies, other non-profit organizations, churches, area businesses and others – to coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community.

The Red Cross urgently needs the public to join us in supporting Louisiana by making a financial donation today. Help people affected by the Louisiana Floods by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word LAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.

Dozens of Residents Receive Red Cross Assistance Following Fires

Posted on November 2, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Disaster Workers Busy As Time Change Kicks-in

Discarded Smoke Alarms
Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

On a weekend when fire officials joined the Red Cross in urging residents to test their smoke alarms, more than a dozen home fires in the Northeast Ohio Region affected more than 50 residents who received Red Cross assistance.

There were no injuries reported.

“Our teams were incredibly busy assisting families throughout the entire region,” said Renee Palagyi, Senior Program Manager for Disaster Services. The Red Cross assisted residents affected by home fires that occurred in eight counties from Friday, October 30 through early Monday morning, November 2, 2015. Among them was a fire in East Cleveland that displaced a family of 12, and a duplex fire in Elyria that chased two families from their homes on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance totaling almost $11,000 to the affected residents. The money is meant to provide lodging, food, clothing, and to meet any other needs that arise as a result of the fires.”We give our clients a start on their road to recovery,” Renee said. “They are free to spend the money in whatever ways necessary for them to get back on their feet.”

The generosity of donors to the American Red Cross makes such financial assistance possible. Donors can help families recover from disasters, both big and small, by logging onto the Red Cross website, or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. A donation of $10 can be made by texting the words “RED CROSS” to 90999. Red Cross Disaster Relief helps people affected by disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes, as well as home fires.

The American Red Cross has been working hard to help families protect themselves from home fires through Operation Save-A-Life. Residents can request a free home inspection, and will receive free smoke alarms if they are needed. Volunteers install the alarms, and offer helpful fire prevention information.

Residents of Cleveland can call the 24-hour Operation Save-A-Life hotline at 216-361-5535. Summit County residents can call 330-535-2030. Residents throughout Northeast Ohio can get information by logging onto the local Red Cross website.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

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