Your Gift Will #MeanMore on North Texas Giving Day

by Emily Ergas, intern contributor

It's almost here! Tomorrow is North Texas Giving Day!

Tomorrow, September 18, from 6 a.m. to midnight, donations of $25 or more made to the Red Cross through NorthTexasGivingDay.org can be multiplied by bonus funds and prizes. This means tomorrow, your gift can#MeanMore to help people affected by disaster. Last year, we raised more than $133,000 on North Texas Giving Day and we’re looking to raise even more this year to help us make a greater impact on our mission. With these funds, we can accomplish so much to help our North Texas community in good times and bad. Every bit counts and can be multiplied so please think about getting involved!

Here’s a brief video from our CEO, T.D. Smyers, to tell you just how your donation on North Texas Giving Day can mean more:


 


If you can’t donate, please help us the spread the word! You can join ourFacebook event page and ask your friends to do the same. (Bonus: Facebook will give you reminders on when to give!) You can also share ourtweets on Twitter or our updates on Facebook.    

We’re excited about the opportunity to really help North Texas and we hope you are too. Happy North Texas Giving Day!

2 Fun Unconventional Ways To Give Back

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

With never ending disasters and people in need, it's no secret the American Red Cross is always looking for new donors, volunteers, and service members. But lets take a look at 2 different brand name companies who are working hand in hand with the Red Cross to create unique, unconventional ways for you to give back!

1.)Amazon Smile

For all you people that love online shopping this one is for you. With the creation of the Amazon Smile program, customers shop for their desired items at the same low cost they did on Amazon.com. The catch is, Amazon Smile allows customers to donate a portion of the purchase price to their favorite charitable organization. The list of eligible charities is close to a million different organizations, including the American Red Cross. This means you can treat yourself and get that special item you've been wanting, while at the same time bettering your community! To start your charitable shopping spree, or for more information about Amazon Smile, check out their page: http://smile.amazon.com/about


2.) Uber

Uber is a San-Francisco based company with the goal of connecting drivers, riders, and making cities more easily accessible. Basically, Uber is a mobile app that allows passengers to easily connect with drivers of vehicles for hire and ride-sharing services. Recently Uber has begun a national partnership with the American Red Cross and has pledged to help cities and citizens in times of disasters. By downloading and trusting their app to safely transport you when disasters are near, you can help the Red Cross mission! During disasters and relevant states of emergency, Uber has committed to donate its commissions on surge trips to the American Red Cross. Also, Uber will support ongoing community events like blood drives and donation drives with safe, affordable and reliable transportation options for American Red Cross’ volunteers and participating community members. To find about more about Uber and their new national partnership, check out their homepage: http://blog.uber.com/UberARC

Red Cross Lubbock Summer Open House

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

On Wednesday, July 30th, Red Cross Lubbock's doors will be wide open to the public! Between 2:00pm & 4:30pm, grab your kids and family members and come get a exclusive look at the way we operate!  

Tour our Red Cross headquarters and even observe our Emergency Response Vehicle up close and personal!

Then, spend some time meeting the people that keep your local Red Cross up and running.  

Here at the Red Cross, our relationship with the community is important to us. Our informed staff will be on hand and ready to converse. Feel free to ask them any questions about our services, volunteer opportunities, and just about anything Red Cross related you can think of! 

For the main event our new Executive Director Jon Farr will be in the office along with Disaster Manager John Cummins. Both have years experience in their perspective fields and are valuable assets to the team. 

For more information about the exact location of our headquarters, check out our Summer Open House Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/538764912916921/  

 

Annual Meeting & Volunteer Awards Ceremony Photos

By Daniel Steffy, Intern 

 

Take a look back inside our 2014 Annual Awards Ceremony and get to know the faces behind the Red Cross. All of these employee and volunteer award winners play a huge part in making our Red Cross Chapter so successful!

Jon Farr opens the Awards Ceremony

Delta Sigma Phi receiving our Certificate of Appreciation

 Erin Imhoff receiving our Exceptional Volunteer Service, Disaster Preparedness and Response Award

Miles Hardaway receiving our Exceptional Volunteer Service, Volunteer Leadership Award

Kassidy Ketron receiving our Exceptional Volunteer Service, Administrative Volunteer Award

Steve Moon receiving our Rookie of the Year Award

Pam Faubion receiving our Visionary Award

Judy Pevytoe receiving our Community Spirit Award

United Supermarkets receiving our Philanthropic Spirit Award

Tiffany Downing receiving our Chapter Employee of the Year Award

Joe Faubion receiving our Chapter Volunteer of the Year Award 

Congratulations to all the award winners! With this team of great people leading the way, the Red Cross is set to continue doing good in the community and working towards acheiving the Red Cross mission! If you would like to learn more about joining the team and becoming a Red Cross volunteer, check out: http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer

Meet our Chapter Volunteer of the Year

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Joe Faubion at the Hurst Fire Station event

Meet Joe Faubion,  our 2014 Red Cross Lubbock Chapter Volunteer of Year Award winner! Based on his tremendous work ethic and hungry desire to aid the Red Cross mission, Joe was without a doubt the top candidate for the award. From his first days with Red Cross Lubbock Joe has been a valuable asset to the team. Take a minute to read about  why Joe first joined the Red Cross as well as some of his favorite experiences in his time spent with with Red Cross Lubbock.

Q: What first got you interested in the Red Cross and when did you join?

A: "I was recruited by my wife back in 2011. We always had plans to spend our retirement volunteering, after a good experience with Habitat for Humanity in Dallas, I joined my wife in her duties with Red Cross Lubbock". 

Joe is married to Pamela Faubion, the Disaster Operations Director for Red Cross Lubbock, and they have spent their retirement years exactly as planned. As a Disaster volunteer, Joe has put in countless hours assisting his wife in their mission to respond to disasters promptly and successfully.Together, they are often Red Cross Lubbock's first responders on the scene of a disaster call.

Q: Why did you make the choice to put in so much time and become such a dedicated Red Cross Volunteer?

A: "Along with spending time with my wife and taking on some of her duties, the Red Cross really is on a incredible mission to do a lot of good". 

Disaster volunteers spend a lot of time out in the field. For Joe, this means helping respond to the ever present disaster calls that Red Cross Lubbock receives. In his work, Joe interacts with disaster victims first hand, distributing necessary supplies, making minor repairs, and seeing that the victims get whatever it is they truly need. Check out more details about exactly what Joe does as a Disaster Volunteer here: http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer/disaster-volunteer

Q:As a Red Cross Volunteer, what is one of your favorite or most enjoyable part of the job?

A: "I like driving the ERV(Emergency Response Vehicle), and being out in the field".

Through his three years as a volunteer with the Red Cross Joe has always been involved and done great things for the community. He has responded to countless disasters, making him every bit deserving of this recognition. Joe will be receiving his award Thursday, June 26th, at our Red Cross Lubbock Annual Meeting & Volunteer Awards Ceremony.

Meet our Rookie of the Year

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Meet Steve Moon, our 2014 Red Cross Lubbock Rookie of the Year Award winner! 

Steve Moon

The votes are in and through all of Steve's hard work and dedication in his first year with the Red Cross he has more than earned this award. Take a minute to read about Steve's reasons for joining and why he chose to be so committed to his new job with the Red Cross! 

Q: What first sparked your interest in joining an organization like the Red Cross? 

A: "I was first approached by members of the board".

Steve Moon was recruited by the board as the new Service to the Armed Forces Responder, given his experiences and the fact that Steve has a son in the service, it seemed a good fit. Now on the reciving end of an annual award, Steve has shown those board members made the right decsion. 

Q: What's it like for a newbie at the Red Cross?

A: "It's been something of an exciting challenge, there's lots to be done and lot's of opportunity here in Lubbock". 

As the Service to the Armed Forces Responder in Lubbock, Steve's job description includes working  directly with military families and individuals. Check out more details about the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program here: http://www.redcross.org/SAFVideoArray

Q: Up to this point, what have you enjoyed most about working for the Red Cross? 

A: "My responsibilities in following up with family members of military personnel, I have a son in the service so following up with military families to make sure their getting everything they need is very rewarding". 

Through his first year, Steve has done excellent work as Lubbock's Service to the Armed Forces Responder. Steve will be receiving his award Thursday, June 26th, at our Red Cross Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards Ceremony. 

Red Cross Lubbock responds to June 6th Hail Storm

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Lubbock county and two neighboring counties received extensive enough hail storm damage from storms that started June 6th that Red Cross Lubbock has officially opened up a level 2 Disaster Response Operation. 

Normally, it is quite unusual to respond this late, but after the initial storm, many families didn't know where to turn for assistance.  It wasn't in till the local TV station KAMC did an interview with us a week after the storm regarding our relief services that the phone calls started in. We are still receiving calls and the relief effort is ongoing.

Last week we identified over 85 homes damaged. We will be providing minor home repairs to home owners and rental assistance to those who need to move. Also, supplies have been distributed to those in need. Here's a in depth look at our updated list of facts and current services provided.

 

Storm Damage just outside Lubbock County

FACTS:

We are in a Level 2 Disaster Response Operation.

96 homes were affected by the storm.

This storm created damage throughout 3 counties, Hockley County, Lubbock County, and Hemphill County

We are currently assisting with minor home repairs and rental assistance

In addition to repairs, as of today we have given out:

47 tarps

22 pairs of gloves

26 comfort kits

13 moving forward books

11 mickey mouse stuffed animals

The Red Cross Lubbock will continue to provide these services to the families until everyone has received assistance. If you are in need of emergency assistance because of the hail storm in Hockley, Lubbock or Hemphill counties in Texas please contact us at 806-765-8534!

Summer Blockbuster Survival Guide

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Alien attacks? Zombie apocalypses? Or even a killer ape take over? In the case these summer Hollywood Blockbuster disasters become a reality, the Red Cross has you covered with a plethora of survival tips and resources. 

The Edge of Tomorrow: Alien Attacks

In the unfortunate event of an alien attack on planet earth, we learned from the movie we can count on Tom Cruise to save the day. When aliens invade they bring with them fire and havoc. They scorch our beloved planets surface, spreading wildfires and burning down countless homes. So just what should we normal, everyday citizens do while we wait for Mr. Cruise to swoop in and rescue us?

Don't panic, just turn to the guidance of trained experts at your local Red Cross. Make certain your home and family are prepared and educated for the martin's hostile heat with the Red Cross fire preparedness checklist.

Or stay one step ahead of the fast spreading flames with the Red Cross Wildfire App. Using these fire safety tips you should be able to avoid the aliens path and survive the fire and chaos until Tom Cruise can finish the job and save our planet from the alien attackers!

Maggie: Zombie apocalypses

With Arnold Schwarzenegger busy trying to care for his daughter who got freshly infected with the zombie virus, who is going to care for you during the zombie apocalypses? Make sure you can survive on your own in a chemical emergency such as a zombie outbreak.

Obviously a zombie apocalypse brings with it a variety of survival challenges, but take a minute to review the Red Cross's tips for survival in a chemical emergency.

Using this knowledge your next goal should be to escape the outbreak and make it safely to a shelter. Once there, you can resupply your survival kit and tend to any medical injuries. The Red Cross Shelter App will provide you with detailed maps and the location of the nearest functional shelter. Download it now. Good luck!

Rise of the Planet of the Apes: Killer Ape Take over

When man pushes super smart massive Apes too far, it results in them forming an army and setting out on a quest to conquer the world. Just like in the movie, it's safe to say our survival would be in jeopardy. After years of locking apes up in zoo's they surely won't be happy with the human race as a whole.

While killer apes present all sorts of threats, the knocking down and swinging from power lines causing major power outages is the first of many. Again you might find yourself hunkered down waiting for aid. But just how ready are you to survive in a boarded up home with no power?

Check out the Red Cross power outagepreparedness checklist to ensure your ready for the challenge and can stay in hiding from the angry apes.

Also, don't forget about your beloved furry pets amidst the horde of giant monkeys. If your pet becomes injured while your on lock down in a powerless home, their survival depends on you! Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid App and protect your pets from anything, including giant angry apes!

And of course, besides these three extreme movie scenarios, life's many challenges in general present the need to be able to perform basic CPR/AED, as well as always having a survival kit at the ready. In the event someone you know is injured or a unexpected disaster rolls in, you’ll be able to respond with confidence. Let the Red Cross help train you to besurvival ready for anything! Also, take a look at our Red Cross survival kits to purchase one or compare it to your current kit!

Join the American Red Cross in Celebrating Flag Day!

By Daniel Steffy, Intern

Many Americans fly their flags on July Fourth, to celebrate the birth of our nation. But the American flag has a holiday all its own, and it's coming up this Saturday. The idea for Flag Day is believed to date to 1885, when a school teacher named B.J. Cigrand in Freedonia, Wisconsin, celebrated a "flag birthday" on June 14th -- the 108th anniversary of the United States officially adopting the Stars and Stripes as its national flag. Cigrand promoted his idea relentlessly, and it began to catch on. By 1894, the governor of New York ordered the flag displayed on all public buildings and in 1916 President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation establishing June 14th as Flag Day. With Wilson's proclamation, Flag Day began to grow in popularity, but it wasn't until 1949 that President Harrry Truman signed an act of Congress official designating June 14th as our annual National Flag Day.
   
[Here's some more background: http://www.usflag.org/flag.day.html]

But June 14th already has special significance in American history. On that date in 1775 -- two years before it adopted the flag --  the Second Continental Congress commissioned the American Continental Army, the forerunner of our modern military. The American Red Cross has a long partnership with America's military, starting with the days when Clara Barton first led a group of nurses onto the battlefields to care for American soldiers during the Spanish-American War. The Red Cross has supported America's military through every conflict since then, as well as provided support to their families back home. The Red Cross continues to proudly serve our nation's soldiers today!

[More background: http://www.redcross.org/about-us/history/red-cross-american-history/military-partnership]

So join the Red Cross in remembering America's heroes and be sure to fly your flag this Saturday, not just to honor the flag on its birthday, but also to celebrate the men and women who have served under it throughout our nation's history. If you'd like to make a difference, check out the Red Cross service to the armed forces page: http://www.redcross.org/what-we-do/support-military-families

Three Ways to Show Support on World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day

By Kassidy Ketron, Intern

We can’t think of a better way to spend your favorite holiday — World Red Cross/Red Crescent Day — than by supporting all the hard work our volunteers do.

In the past year, your donations helped the American Red Cross respond to about 70,000 disasters, 

provided more than 29,000 overnight stays, and provided more than 1.8 million meals and snacks.

1. When a family on your neighborhood is woken up in the middle of the night by a fire the American Red Cross will be there to help them. To do that, though, the Red Cross needs your help.

Your monetary donations help us provide warm meals, clothes and every day necessities that are lost in a fire. This means you are helping people in your community when they need it the most. It’s not time consuming and very easy, which is a great thing and you are able to offer support to someone who has lost everything.

In 2013, the Red Cross responded to 52,000 home fires across the U.S. and served 226,000 people in the process.

2. When a fire wreaks havoc on a home, the whole family is affected and the smallest victims, the children, may find comfort in something soft and cuddly to hold on to.

The Red Cross has just the thing. By adopting Piper the Puppy, you can comfort a child who has just experienced devastation by helping them to know you care and are there to help. By adopting Piper the Puppy for $100, not only can bring a smile to a child’s face, but your name is also written on the paw so they know who cares.

3. The best way to show your support, though, is by becoming a volunteer. Volunteering doesn’t always mean responding to disasters in the middle of the night. Volunteering can be anything from office work, writing blogs or organizing the warehouse.

Not only is volunteering a rewarding experience, but you are also helping people in your community. What is a better way to support your local Red Cross by helping in any way you can? Join our everyday heroes today!

The Reason You Need the Wildfire App: Red Flag Warnings

Photo courtesy of the National Weather Service.

By Kassidy Ketron, Intern

In the South Plains it’s not uncommon for Red Flag warnings, especially during the drought.

A red flag warning, according to National Weather Service, means that conditions are occurring or will occur which could lead to the development of large and dangerous fires.

Because of the dry climate, we think it’s important you know what to do in case there is a wildfire near your or your loved ones.

The American Red Cross’ Wildfire App for iPhone and Android is a great way to do that. It’s features include:

• Step-by-step instructions let you know what to do even before/during/after wildfires, even if there is no data connectivity.
• Wildfire News section with state-by-state links to all fire-fighting agencies’ Twitter feeds and websites ensuring the most recent developments on current wildfires.
• Click-to-call access to your state’s 511 network for the latest traffic information in case of evacuation.
• Let family and friends know you are okay with the customizable “I’m Safe” alert for Facebook, Twitter, email and text.
• Find open Red Cross shelters in your area when you need help.
• Stay safe when the lights are out with the Toolkit, including a strobe light, flashlight and audible alert functions.
• Prepare for the worst by learning how to assemble an emergency kit for your family in the event of power outage or evacuation.
• Earn badges that you can share with your friends and show off your wildfire knowledge with interactive quizzes.

Empower your family to stay safe and remain calm in an emergency by learning how to make and practice your family disaster plan.

• Meet with your family or household members.
• Discuss how to prepare and respond to emergencies that are most likely to happen where you live, learn, work and play.
• Identify responsibilities for each member of your household and plan to work together as a team.
• If a family member is in the military, plan how you would respond if they were deployed.
• Plan what to do in case you are separated during an emergency
• Plan what to do if you have to evacuate 

It’s never a bad idea to get ready for the wildest weather, especially if you live in West Texas, so download the Wildfire app and stay safe!

Board Member, Volunteer says ‘Nobody else does what the Red Cross does’

Clarke Cochran poses with an American Red
Cross vehicle while on vacation in Spain.

By Kassidy Ketron, Intern

When Clarke Cochran responded to his first disaster with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team member, he didn’t know he would be helping someone he knew.

About three years ago, the Red Cross board member and volunteer said he didn’t realize it at the time, but when they pulled up to the house that had burned to the ground, it was his very good friend’s home.

“He was there, he was well-to-do, he was well insured,” Cochran said. “Everybody was OK, nobody was hurt, but he was just kind of in a daze and he was saying, ‘I can’t get a hold of my insurance company.’ The DAT captain pulled out his phone and said, ‘Here, I've got the numbers and the emergency response of all the insurance companies,’ dialed it for him, gave it to him and that was the lifeline he needed.”

When Cochran first joined the Red Cross team in 2008, he said he was one of the vice presidents of Covenant and hoping to help serve as a liaison between the two.

Not only does Cochran believe the Red Cross is a great organization, but he said it’s important for people to offer their community a helping hand.

“We depend on our community for all kinds of things whether we realize it or not and therefore, others depend on us,” Cochran said. “So, it’s give and take. Reciprocity. Mutual assistance. Nobody else does what the Red Cross does and we’re a volunteer led organization and therefore, if the Red Cross is not there, people can’t get from here to there. So, that’s why the Red Cross is important.”

During his time with the Red Cross, he said he has learned several things about disasters, small or large.

People, Cochran said, don’t know how to get through the first two or three days after the initial disaster because the path they were once on was changed and they suffer from shock.

“Nobody expects to lose their whole house, all their clothing, their checkbook, their debit card, you know, all the stuff we take for granted. The Red Cross is there after the fire is put out and sometimes while the fire is going on and helping them say, ‘OK, here’s the next few steps and we got you covered for the next couple of days until you can kind of pull together your resources and other community resources.’ So, it’s an essential bridge to getting your life back in order.”

You, too, can work with people like Clarke to be there for your neighbors, friends or fellow community members during times of disaster. To join the American Red Cross team, visit RedCross.org.

ARC Internship Provides Rich Experience and Fun

That's me looking like I'm grown up.

By Kassidy Ketron, Intern

Before my internship with the American Red Cross in Lubbock, I never even for a second thought I would want to work for a nonprofit organization.

Now, I can tell you how stupid that was because I’ve realized how much I love working for a nonprofit.

During my internship, not only was I treated just the same as the other employees, but I had work to do. I wasn’t just free labor that only answered the phone every time it rang and helped people who came into the office.

My first week I put together a blog plan for the month, wrote blogs, and handled social media accounts, which I’ve done the entire semester. After that, I was trusted with the task of creating lists for the Dallas chapter’s Twitter Account. I was asked to use research analytics software to compile monthly statistics about the performance of the social media accounts for the Dallas chapter, as well.

As an intern, it is a privilege to be trusted not only with your company or organization’s social media accounts, but with things outside your realm, too. It is a great compliment.

My favorite thing by far though was what I was able to do for our bowling tournament. I was interviewed on live TV about our event and the great services the American Red Cross offers. I enjoyed it so much because I had never done it before and thankfully, I didn’t do too bad. I did something weird with my hands apparently, but we won’t talk about that. It was just another thing the American Red Cross helped me get experience at that I might not have had the opportunity to do anywhere else.

That's me telling people about Piper the Puppy.

I helped with fundraising events, and on April 12 I even got to host my own event called Piper’s Day Out. Just like any intern, I was terrified and convinced I would do it wrong and they would shun me from ever coming back. Thankfully, I’m just dramatic and that didn’t happen. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The event was hosted at Fire Station 18 and featured a bounce house, face painter and free food all to promote Piper the Puppy. Lots of smiling faces showed up and had a great time.

Not only did I learn so much, but I also had the honor of getting acquainted with some of the wonderful people associated with the American Red Cross. They really are a family and I was welcomed with open arms.

Internships are so important to have before you graduate and begin looking for a job. It shows you’ve worked hard and not taken for granted the wonderful opportunities around you.

The American Red Cross taught me things that I could have never gotten by just sitting in a classroom and I had a blast while doing it.

To join in on this great organization and get the best experience of your college career, please send your resume, cover letter and an appropriate work sample to amy.yen@redcross.org for consideration.

Volunteer Turned Board Member Stays Calm, Cool and Collected

Left to right: Gerry Grant, chair of the board, presents Miles
Hardaway with an award during the 2013 Presidential
Awards Ceremony.

By Kassidy Ketron, Intern

Miles Hardaway is able to remain calm during highly stressful situations, which is why he said the American Red Cross is perfect for him.

“I have always been very good in disasters,” he said. “I have a cool mind in a disaster situation and I’ve known that about myself since I was a teenager. So when I decided to start giving back to my community, the Red Cross was a natural fit for my skill sets, or that skill set anyways.”

Hardaway serves on the board, but has been volunteering for about two years as a Disaster Action Team Captain.

The Disaster Action Team members respond immediately to a disaster when called by emergency dispatch. Specially trained DAT volunteers assess the scope of the damage and meet with the affected family or families to determine their immediate disaster-related needs and ensure that those needs are met.

“It’s a way of giving back to the community that you live in,” Hardaway said. “It is a big national organization, but the work that the Red Cross does is always at the local level and it requires local volunteers in order to perform the work of the Red Cross.”

Although he is able to stay calm in collected during stressful situations, he said there are a few things that are more difficult to handle than others.

“I guess the most emotional thing is when a client has lost a pet, then they really lose it,” Hardaway said. “I have four dogs at home and so I really do relate to them and I give my dogs a big hug and a lot of attention after something like that happens.”

While some are upset after the loss of a furry friend, the most common reaction is shock after a family loses their home to a fire, he said. Others may be inconsolable or be calm and take charge of the care of their family.

Volunteers will work with the head of the family to fill out paperwork, explaining the situation and determining which of their belongings are salvageable, Hardaway said.

“They don’t even know what to do when we arrive, or where to go, or what to do at all,” he said. “We give them some directions and we get them thinking about how to recover from this. At the beginning they’re in trauma — they’re not even thinking about it.”

No matter how stressful the situation may be, Hardaway said bringing peace to families during one of the most chaotic days of their lives is the best part of what he does.

To join Miles in helping people in your community, visit RedCross.org to learn what you can do to help.