Committed, compassionate trained volunteers are
the heart and soul of the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY), and
a New Year's resolution to devote time to support fellow New Yorkers in 2007
will contribute to the Red Cross mission to help residents of Putnam County and
the West Point area prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.
"A Red Cross volunteer is a dedicated, committed
and selfless New Yorker who freely offers his or her services for the greater
good of the community," said Theresa A. Bischoff, CEO, American Red Cross in
Greater New York. "The need for volunteers has never been greater. Without our
dedicated volunteers, there would be no Red Cross."
ARC/GNY is a key humanitarian partner and a vital
participant in New York's plans and programs to help residents of New York City
and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties. Every day, ARC/GNY
volunteers respond to eight to 10 emergencies, such as fires, floods and
building collapses. They help build a safer community by teaching Red Cross
lifesaving courses, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid,
and providing vital emergency preparedness presentations to tens of thousands of
residents each year. They support the families of military service personnel by
transmitting urgent messages to those stationed aboard. To learn about
opportunities in Putnam County and the West Point area, call 845-938-4100, or
visit www.nyredcross.org .
Red Cross volunteers respond to needs in their
neighborhoods and across the region. More than 200 volunteers provided food,
water and infant formula during the week-long Queens blackout this past summer.
Before that, more than 100 volunteers assisted Orange and Sullivan county
residents for 30 days during this year's floods. They opened five shelters in
the affected areas, provided food drops to stranded residents, delivered home
clean-up kits and conducted building damage assessments.
"Our volunteers do great things every day," said
Jennifer Cunningham, senior director, volunteer resources, American Red Cross in
Greater New York. "And they get back as much as they give, and often much more.
They are teachers, college students, retirees and bankers, doctors and business
owners. The come to us for a variety of reasons. Many are moved to help after a
major disaster as they did after the World Trade Center attack and Hurricane
Katrina. Others wish to donate their time and their professional expertise to
benefit members of their communities every day."
The Red Cross offers free training for volunteer
classroom instructors, community outreach leaders and disaster responders. Fully
trained volunteers can participate in relief efforts anywhere in the
U.S.
"In these times of uncertainty, when major natural
or made-made emergencies are a real possibility in New York, we need to recruit
and train 10,000 adults who will be ready to fulfill our mission of providing
shelter, food and counseling to thousands of our neighbors in the event of a
large-scale disaster," added Ms. Bischoff. "In return, our volunteers often tell
me of the gratification they feel when they can help those in need."
Volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross are
available in the five boroughs of New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and
Sullivan counties. Volunteer specialists match talents, interests and
availability with opportunities. Students (ages 14-18) can participate in Red
Cross Youth Group activities in all service areas, supporting all programs and
helping organize assistance for children affected by homelessness and
disaster.
ARC/GNY provides immediate aid to more than
100,000 people affected by more than 3,000 emergencies a year, including fires,
floods, building collapses and blackouts. Given the uncertainties of today's
world, the chapter is accelerating its collaboration with partner agencies to
develop and implement readiness plans to respond to major natural and man-made
disasters. The chapter also helps New York residents and businesses prepare for
emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in first aid, CPR and aquatics and
free emergency preparedness training programs and resources.
ARC/GNY is not a governmental organization and
relies on individual and corporate gifts, special events and grants from
foundations and local, state and federal government to fund its essential
programs and services. For more information about volunteering, donating and
training, call 1-877 RED CROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit
www.nyredcross.org.
