NEO Volunteers Deploy to Louisiana Flooding

Posted on August 16, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Red Cross disaster workers — including 8 from here in Northeast Ohio — are helping thousands of Louisiana residents with a safe place to stay and food to eat despite closed roads and continued flooding making it challenging to get relief supplies to where they are needed.

Volunteers, Sue and Linda left from the Cleveland office in an emergency response vehicle this morning. A second team left from Youngstown.

The truck (lovingly referred to as an ERV by Red Cross staff) will be used transport cleaning items like mops, buckets and bleach or hot meals prepared by our partners at one of the eight Southern Baptist kitchens out in to the communities affected by the flood.

The current flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Superstorm Sandy.

Monday night more than 8,400 people sought refuge in 36 Red Cross and community shelters in Louisiana. More than 1,000 Red Cross disaster volunteers have been mobilized from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico to help with the Louisiana relief efforts. The Red Cross is also mobilizing over 60 ERVS — like the two that left Northeast Ohio this morning — with nearly 40,000 ready-to-eat meals, and dozens of trailers filled with shelter and kitchen supplies.

“People in Louisiana urgently need our help now,” said Mike Parks, Regional CEO. “Please consider making a financial donation to the Red Cross today.”

HOW TO HELP People in Louisiana are facing a dire situation. Floodwaters still cover neighborhoods. An estimated 25,000 homes are damaged, affecting at least 75,000 people. Thousands of people have no power when it feels like 99 degrees outside and more than 100 roads are closed. 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.

FINDING LOVED ONES Residents of the affected areas can connect with their loved ones by using the “I’m Safe” button on the Red Cross Emergency App which is free and can be found in the app store for someone’s mobile device by searching for “American Red Cross” or by going to redcross.org/apps.

People can also visit http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell to register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website, a secure and private way that friends and family connect. The site also allows people to update their status on Facebook and Twitter.

JOINT RELIEF EFFORT The Red Cross is working closely with the entire response community to coordinate relief efforts and deliver help quickly and efficiently, keeping in mind the diverse needs of the community. Some of the organizations sending help to the area include Southern Baptist Disaster Relief, the NAACP, Islamic Relief USA, Church of the Brethren Children’s Disaster Services, Save the Children, AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, AFL-CIO, Verizon, Duracell, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Baton Route YMCA and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints volunteers.

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

Red Cross, Partners Help Euclid Residents Prepare for and Prevent Home Fires

Posted on August 9, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Lincoln Electric Volunteers, Euclid Fire Department Personnel Participate in Fire Safety Walk

Nearly 100 homes in Euclid now have working smoke alarms, following one of the largest Fire Safety Walks ever held in Northeast Ohio. 283 smoke alarms were installed on Saturday, August 6, 2016, with the enthusiastic help of volunteers from Lincoln Electric and our partners at the Euclid Fire Department.

“We were able to get into 95 homes and install 283 alarms. That is approximately 3 per home,” said John Gareis, Regional Manager of Preparedness and Community Planning in Northeast Ohio.

Combined with a similar effort last summer involving Lincoln Electric volunteers and the Euclid Fire Department, almost 650 smoke alarms have been installed in that Euclid neighborhood as part of Operation Save-A-Life, the American Red Cross initiative in Northeast Ohio to reduce the number of casualties in home fires by 25%. John Gareis continued, “While the total number of alarms is less than last summer, our targeted area has far fewer homes in them – making this install more efficient overall!”

As was the case last summer, Lincoln Electric CEO Chris Mapes worked alongside employees to install the smoke alarms, and to provide residents with valuable fire safety information. And Mike Parks, Regional CEO of the Red Cross in Northeast Ohio contributed to the effort, along with Red Cross volunteers and staff.

Mike Parks, Chris Mapes and John Gareis

“The partnership between Lincoln Electric, Euclid Fire, and the American Red Cross is a winner to be sure and a model for others, not only in the Region but throughout the country,” Parks said. “I know the event had an extremely positive impact, and will help prevent the loss of life due to home fires.”

Last year, more than 100 lives across the country were saved after smoke alarms were installed by the Red Cross and our partners.

Home fires remain the biggest disaster threat to individuals and families in the United States. There are three home fires, on average, in Northeast Ohio every night. Operation Save-A-Life, part of the national Red Cross Home Fire Campaign is in direct response to that dire threat, with the Red Cross committing to install 2.5 million free smoke alarms in neighborhoods at high risk for fires, and to educate those residents about fire prevention and preparedness.

More than 12,500 smoke alarms were installed in homes in Northeast Ohio last year.

If you would like a free fire safety inspection of your home, and free installation of smoke alarms, log onto redcross.org/neoosal. You can also visit redcross.org/homefires to find out more about how to protect you and your family from fire. You can also become a Red Cross volunteer. And you can help by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations to Disaster Relief will be used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

Click on the photo to see a gallery of pictures taken during the Euclid Fire Safety Walk.

Photo credit: Cal Pusateri, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

More Than a Half-Century of Red Cross Service

Posted on August 1, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Anmol Nigam, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

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Photo credit: Paul Wadowick, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

When Jay Rosenthal was in his youth he witnessed an event so provoking, he would later decide to spend over fifty years of his life to prevent a recurrence.

It was the 1950’s, and Jay was roughly twelve years old, enjoying a beautiful Fourth of July at a the cool waters of a local pool along with hundreds of other people from his area. A sudden downpour prompted a mass exit from the pool.

As the crowd emptied, Jay would recall an “announcement on the PA system about a lost three year-old boy.” The body of the boy was found in the pool. He could not swim. Jay watched as the lifeguards attempted without success to resuscitate the boy.

Jay remembers with sadness and says, “in the fifties CPR and AEDs were only something of the future.”

It was from that moment, Jay would devote his life to preventing the loss of life by learning how to save lives and by training others to be safe in and prepare for emergencies. Jay continues to help the people in his community by his fifty-three years of service to the American Red Cross.

Jay now helps staff the Lake to River Chapter headquarters in Youngstown and teaches CPR and first aid classes.

Karen Conklin, Executive Director of the Lake to River Chapter, is one of Jay’s biggest fans. “Jay comes here every day to volunteer. He is so valuable. If we can’t find something we ask him. He is a fabulous First Aid /CPR instructor but his passion is teaching kids to swim. Ask him if he has any idea how many children and adults he has taught. He might have 53 years in, but thousands can swim because of him.”

When he’s not volunteering for the Red Cross, Jay coordinating a “Learn-to-Swim” program in community schools.

When we asked Jay the secret to his commitment, his response was “it’s in the blood.”

Give Blood and #give10 with the Cleveland Browns

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

Team Encourages Volunteerism, Blood Donations as Training Camp Begins

Rain in Berea on Friday, July 29 did not dampen the spirits of Cleveland Browns fans who turned out for the opening of the 2016 training camp. And once again, the Red Cross was invited to camp to encourage fans to give blood during the annual Cleveland Browns Blood Drive on Saturday, July 30.

Browns Fan Becky Browand

We also invited fans to #give10.

The Browns’ #give10 initiative is meant to inspire fans to help their communities by volunteering for 10 hours each year. And there’s no better place to begin volunteering than the American Red Cross.

“Red Cross volunteers help people in their darkest hour, following a fire, flood or other disaster that forces them from their homes,” said Pat Buckhold, Regional Volunteer Officer for the Northeast Ohio Region. “But there are many other opportunities to give back, by teaching First Aid/CPR, helping members of the military connect with their families, or offering behind the scenes support as a receptionist or caseworker.”

Red Cross volunteer Carol Grant and Browns fan Susan Walter of Cleveland

Volunteers also help at blood drives, like the Browns Blood Drive being held at 13 separate sites in Northeast Ohio on Saturday, July 30. Fans who attend Browns training camp can donate blood at the Berea Recreation Center, 451 Front Street from 8:00 am-2:00 pm. All presenting donors at each blood drive location will receive a commemorative Browns T-shirt (while supplies last) and have the chance to win great Browns-related prizes.

Browns intern Sydney Golic and Red Cross volunteer Carol Grant

The blood drive couldn’t be more timely. We are in the midst of a significant blood shortage and have issued a blood emergency declaration, calling for donors to give now. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767) or log onto redcrossblood.org to make an appointment to donate blood.

To become a Red Cross volunteer, go online and click on the volunteer tab, or call 216-431-3328.

And Go Browns!

Photo credit: Jim McIntyre/American Red Cross

Monkey Business Lightens Red Cross Disaster Responses

Posted on July 28, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By EILENE E. GUY
American Red Cross volunteer

AKRON, July 28, 2016 – “Oso” the toy monkey reported for duty at the American Red Cross operations center in Akron, alongside disaster responders in connection with the Republican National Convention in nearby Cleveland.

Oso is a veteran Red Cross volunteer. “She’s been to one disaster in Indiana, three in Kentucky, one in Wenatchee, Washington, a flood in South Carolina and hands-on training sessions all over,” said Jim Aldridge, Oso’s “service human.” (Without him, Oso is mobility challenged.) Aldridge was one of several dozen volunteers who geared up, just in case anything happened in connection with the RNC that created a need for Red Cross services.

Photo credit: Mary Williams, American Red Cross

When Oso wasn’t peeking out of a pocket on the front of Aldridge’s bright red Red Cross vest, she was relaxing at the Disaster Services Technology desk, where Aldridge – an 18-year disaster responder from Lowell, Ind. – helped keep the response communications and computer networks operating.

Oso was born in Manitoba, Canada, lime green polyester fur with yellow felt paws and face. She joined Aldridge in 2014 as he finished a challenging assignment in Oso, Washington. “I had always been goofy in the Red Cross,” Aldridge admitted, so when a fellow Red Crosser handed him the long-limbed monkey, he took her on as his traveling companion.

Oso thrives on a high-octane disaster diet: “She loves Nutter Butters,” Aldridge said with a grin. And she’s been spotted hugging a cup of lukewarm Red Cross coffee.

Aldridge is pleased that his buddy’s never-failing smile lifts the spirits of disaster victims and Red Cross responders alike. She has followers across the country on an on-line Red Cross users group. “Oso, where are you, you little squirt,” a fan asked recently.

Now, Oso and Aldridge can add preparedness for the 2016 RNC to their joint Red Cross resume.

RNC Operation Ends in Cleveland

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

Whew!

That collective sigh of relief was offered up early Friday morning, following the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

The convention, by nearly every measure, was a smashing success.

Following more than a year of preparation, the American Red Cross Crossroads Division, with a heavy Northeast Ohio regional presence, coordinated and lead the ARC involvement and support for the event.

Preparations included recruiting and training volunteers, securing potential shelter locations, staging assets like Emergency Response Vehicles in various locations, and renewing partnerships with various public safety entities and groups like the Southern Baptist Convention and the Salvation Army.

None of our services was needed.

Thankfully.

Red Cross workers underwent training during the operation that will be of benefit to those who will need our services during future disaster responses. And we increased our visibility in the community with news coverage of our preparations and social media messages about preparations, extreme heat safety, and the Red Cross Emergency App.

The Republican nominee wasn’t the only winner; the city of Cleveland shone, as evidenced by myriad media reports, almost universally positive.

For many Red Cross workers, the operation continues, with demobilization efforts. We owe our volunteers our sincere gratitude for their dedication, which for one worker meant learning a totally new skill.

Photo credit: Todd James/American Red Cross

Note: the article referenced above was written by Eilene Guy…a Red Cross volunteer.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Cross, while we can’t guarantee you’ll learn how to drive a forklift, you can rest assured you will feel like you are giving back to your community. Visit our website to learn more about volunteer opportunities, and be prepared to help the Red Cross help those in need.

Training Lifts Red Cross Worker to New Heights

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

By EILENE E. GUY
American Red Cross volunteer

AKRON, July 17, 2016 – American Red Crosser Pam Williams is used to handling challenges.

In the last eight years, she has done some 25 disaster deployments all over the country. As a government liaison, she sees to it that the Red Cross is working smoothly with whatever tribal, local, state and even federal agencies are also responding to a disaster.

“I haven’t severed diplomatic relations with a single state yet,” the slim, whitehaired volunteer from Akron, Ohio, said with a chuckle.

Williams admits it’s not always easy when “cranky politicians” take out their stress on her. She recalls with pride an episode that started with an angry emergency management director and his shelter manager who didn’t understand Red Cross policies. Williams went out of her way to patiently explain the “back story” of each and every procedure, adding hours to her days to smooth the local government-Red Cross relationship. Her reward: The shelter manager later wrote to her at home, asking how to become a Red Cross volunteer.

On the eve of what could be a busy assignment, as the Red Cross and its many partners get ready for the Republican National Convention, Williams seized a new challenge: She took the training to become a forklift driver.

The Red Cross offers a staggering array of free courses, both on-line and hands-on, to teach disaster responders how to safely and effectively do their jobs – or jobs that they might just want to try.

“I know that we’re often short of forklift drivers, when a truck comes in with a load of supplies, and I thought ‘What the heck’,” Williams said, with an almost-mischievous smile. “You never know” when you might be able to fill a pressing need.

“It’s not necessarily hard to drive a forklift, but it’s nothing like driving a car,” she learned. With a zero-turning radius, “it feels like the back is going to slide right around in front of you. That took some getting used to.”

Photo credit: Todd James/American Red Cross

Using her light touch and attention to detail, Williams mastered the machine, much to the delight of her many male co-workers. “I didn’t hurt anybody. I didn’t damage any equipment or drop any loads,” she said with amused pleasure, “so it’s a good day!”

Now Williams’s car can sport a bumper sticker that proclaims: “My other ride is a forklift.”

Red Cross Ready for the RNC

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

Workforce Deployed to Provide Services if Needed

Preparations have been made, and Red Cross workers continue to work on their readiness for the 2016 Republican National Convention, July 18-22 in Cleveland. The Red Cross is among several organizations with plans to provide residents and visitors a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Red Cross responds to almost 66,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family, to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions. In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and entire communities get back on their feet.

During the Republican National Convention, most hotels in Northeast Ohio are booked solid. The Red Cross is prepared to respond to any potential need to shelter and feed any residents or visitors who may be displaced, and has recruited additional volunteers from Northeast Ohio and surrounding regions to help fulfill its mission.

June 28, 2016. West Virginia. Floods. Photos by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Mother Tianna Butler and her daughter Skyler. Randall and his wife Tianna Butler recently moved into an upstairs apartment with their two-year-old daughter named Skyler. Tianna is 8 months pregnant. “Last Thursday the rains started. It came up really fast. When we saw the hillside crumble from the water we called 911, who told us it was safer to stay in the top part of the house rather than risk moving outdoors with all the flooding going on”, says Randall. “I was getting contractions from all the stress,” says Tianna. She and Skyler were rescued on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. and brought to the Red Cross shelter at Capital High School in Charleston. Randall joined them later. “We really appreciate what the Red Cross has done,” says Randall. “I never had any encounter with the Red Cross nor do I know anyone who has dealt with them, but everything they did has been top-notch; they are really professional.” But the Butlers remain concerned about the future. The money that they put into moving and fixing up their new apartment is now gone with the floodwaters. Having so recently moved, they hadn’t yet purchased any home insurance. “I hope we get some assistance or we will be on the sidewalk somewhere,” says Randall. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams with one-year-old Sarah Shafer who, along with his mother and grandparents, is a flood victim from Clendenin, West Virginia. She and her family are staying at Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston, which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

Preparations have been made to open up to three shelters within a short time frame, in the event that a large number of Northeast Ohio residents or visitors to the area are displaced due to fires or other disasters. Opening and staffing three shelters could require more than 70 trained shelter volunteers around the clock. About 100 volunteers are ready to respond should the need arise.

The Red Cross is also prepared, along with our community partners, to provide water, snacks, and comfort in areas where those humanitarian needs may be needed.

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Bernard Stuart holds a bag of snacks and water for a resident in Birch River, West Virginia. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Clay, West Virginia. Red Cross volunteer Marie Loyons serves food to Loretta King and her eight-year-old daughter Byany King with Red Cross employee Mary Williams in the background. The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle is at Clay High School at a community relief distribution point to assist flood victims from Clay, West Virginia. The vehicle contains 300 hot meals of chicken dumplings and mixed vegetables, along with pudding or a cookie for desert. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. Red Cross workers, Bernard Stuart and Kevin Beale, hand hot meals out to Cassandra Martin and Felicity Jarvis in Birch River, West Virginia. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

The need for Red Cross volunteers in Northeast Ohio will continue following the Republican National Convention. If you are interested in supporting our readiness to assist people in need, click here to create a Red Cross volunteer profile and begin the application process.

Disaster Workers Kept Busy at Home and in West Virginia

Posted on July 5, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Volunteers Respond to Home Fires, Flood Recovery During Independence Day Weekend

Nearly 70 Northeast Ohio residents were chased from their homes by fire during the 4th of July holiday weekend, as Red Cross volunteers responded to meet their immediate needs. Financial assistance totaling more than $13,600 was offered to 45 adults and 22 children, to be used for lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs.

“The Red Cross volunteers who responded to these families are Holiday Heroes,” said Jeremy Bayer, Disaster Program Manager for the Greater Cleveland chapter. “They provided the initial guiding hand for these families during their darkest hour.”

In West Virginia, about 700 Red Cross volunteers, including several from Northeast Ohio worked through the weekend to help the thousands of residents affected by recent flooding. There have been nearly 2,000 overnight stays in shelters operated or supported by Red Cross volunteers. More than 13,000 meals and snacks have been served, 7,500 clean-up kits have been distributed, and tens of thousands of bulk items given to residents, many of whom have lost everything in the flooding.

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Randal Butler with his daughter Skyler. Randall and his wife Tianna Butler recently moved into an upstairs apartment with their two-year-old daughter named Skyler. Tianna is 8 months pregnant. “Last Thursday the rains started. It came up really fast. When we saw the hillside crumble from the water we called 911, who told us it was safer to stay in the top part of the house rather than risk moving outdoors with all the flooding going on”, says Randall. “I was getting contractions from all the stress,” says Tianna. She and Skyler were rescued on Saturday at 12:30 a.m. and brought to the Red Cross shelter at Capital High School in Charleston. Randall joined them later. “We really appreciate what the Red Cross has done,” says Randall. “I never had any encounter with the Red Cross nor do I know anyone who has dealt with them, but everything they did has been top-notch; they are really professional.” But the Butlers remain concerned about the future. The money that they put into moving and fixing up their new apartment is now gone with the floodwaters. Having so recently moved, they hadn’t yet purchased any home insurance. “I hope we get some assistance or we will be on the sidewalk somewhere,” says Randall. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Lucille Chandler speaks with American Red Cross staff Joanna King. 90-year-old Lucille Chandlers home in Clendenin was flooded on Thursday. She and her daughter were rescued by a neighbor who had a boat. He transported them to a nearby church that was partially flooded, but where the top floor was still dry and used by local residents seeking shelter. Yesterday she was brought to the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into an Red Cross shelter. I really appreciate what the Red Cross has done for me, explains Lucille, I have a problem walking and the Red Cross volunteers bring me around in a wheelchair. The next step for Lucilles Red Cross assistance will be handled by caseworkers. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. 90-year-old Lucille Chandlers home in Clendenin was flooded on Thursday. She and her daughter were rescued by a neighbor who had a boat. He transported them to a nearby church that was partially flooded, but where the top floor was still dry and used by local residents seeking shelter. Yesterday she was brought to the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. I really appreciate what the Red Cross has done for me, explains Lucille, I have a problem walking and the Red Cross volunteers bring me around in a wheelchair. The next step for Lucilles Red Cross assistance will be handled by caseworkers. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Floods. Heather Shafer and her one-year-old daughter Sarah lives with her parents in East Clendenin. Their home was flooded and they now staying at the Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Clendenin, West Virginia. Floods. Kari Thompson, a member of the Fire Breather Fitness a CrossFit group from Charleston, join other members of the fitness group who are volunteering to help clean the flooded home in Clendenin of an aunt of one of their members. The home was flooded when the nearby Elk River broke its banks on Thursday following heavy rains. In the background are the children (Evelyn, Tura and Ethan – left to right) of an another member of the fitness group who are helping out as well. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 26, 2016. Clendenin, West Virginia. Floods. American Red Cross employee Joanna King speaking with and assessing flood damage at home of Joan Parker. Parkers home in Clendenin was flooded when the nearby Elk River broke its banks on Thursday following heavy rains. She and her 97-year-old mother who live in the house were rescued by the fire department who paddled up to the front door. Her sister Tammy Parker (yellow shirt) and a friend of the family, are helping them with the cleanup. Looking at the pile of mud-soaked belongings piled in front of her home, Joan reflects, its just stuff; whats important is that we didnt lose anybody we know. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Charleston, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams with 18-month-old Liam Parker who, along with his mother and father, is a flood victim from Clendenin, West Virginia. He and his family are staying at Capital High School gymnasium in Charleston, which has been turned into a Red Cross shelter. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 29, 2016. Clay, West Virginia. Red Cross employee Mary Williams helps flood victims Loretta King and her eight-year-old daughter Byany King carry their food to their vehicle. They were served a hot meals by an Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle at Clay High School at a community relief distribution point to assist flood victims from Clay, West Virginia. The vehicle contains 300 hot meals of chicken dumplings and mixed vegetables, along with pudding or a cookie for desert. Photo by Daniel Cima for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Bernard Stuart hands Ashley Harlow a container of pulled pork in Birch River, West Virginia. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Birch River, West Virginia. American Red Cross worker Kevin Beale delivers containers of pulled pork to a Birch River, West Virginia, resident. The emergency response vehicle traveled through neighborhoods, delivering nearly 150 hot meals to the community. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

June 30, 2016. Richwood, West Virginia. Robin Cowell and American Red Cross worker, Mary Williams, survey the damage to her Richwood, West Virginia, home. “When I lay in bed at night I think that all these people care. They came. All these volunteers came,” said Cowell. Photo by Marko Kokic for the American Red Cross

The road to recovery for West Virginians affected by the flooding will be long. Many face daunting challenges. The Red Cross will be with them to help those staying in shelters transition to longer term housing. And we need your help.

Log onto redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation to disaster relief. Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your donation will help people recover from disasters big and small: big, like the West Virginia flooding, and small, like the individual home fires that affected so many families in Northeast Ohio this weekend.

Weathering Independence Day 2016 in West Virginia

Posted on July 4, 2016 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

CEO Mike Parks Credits Residents for Resiliency

More rain is in the forecast for West Virginia on the 4th of July, as residents there recover from historic flooding that hit the state in late June. The National Weather Service has posted a flash flood watch through late Monday night for parts of West Virginia and eastern Ohio.

Mike Parks, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region, is one of hundreds of Red Cross workers and volunteers who deployed to West Virginia, in response to the needs of the residents affected by the flooding.

Mike Parks, CEO, American Red Cross Northeast Ohio Region

“The response of the residents of this great state to the devastation caused by the flooding is heartwarming,” Mike said. “So many of them have so little, but so many of them give so much to so many. Their generosity to each other, despite their own hardships is not only heartwarming, but also inspiring.”

Red Cross workers have been providing shelter, food, water, cleaning supplies and comfort kits to residents affected by the disaster, and will continue to help them as they plan to move forward with their lives.

Photo Credit: Mary Williams, American Red Cross

“The residents affected by the flooding have hope, hope that they can recover, and that gives them true independence, as we celebrate our nation’s freedom,” Mike added.

You can help the people of West Virginia, by donating to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your donation will help people who suffer from disasters big and small. Go to redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to donate. Or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

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