American Red Cross Provides Assistance To New Yorkers

The American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) will remain on 24-hour alert during the remainder of the summer to assist residents throughout New York City who may become affected by power outages and excessive heat. The ARC/GNY has already distributed water, meals, snacks and information to thousands of families in Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York is the largest Red Cross Chapter in the U.S. and helps 9 million people in New York City and Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan Counties prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

During the past two week, ARC/GNY volunteers and staff have helped families in Astoria, Woodside, Fordham, Bay Ridge and other communities cope with the heat wave and power outages. Some 200 volunteers and staff have provided more than 130,000 bottles of water and juice along with over 100,000 hot meals and sandwiches, as well as fresh fruit, snacks and baby formula.

To date the Red Cross has spent more than $600,000 in local relief efforts. Financial contributions for NYC Red Cross relief operations can be made at www.nyredcross.org or by phone at 1877-REDCROSS.

Volunteers are needed in all five boroughs of New York City, as well as Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan Counties. Volunteer specialists will match talents, interests and availability with opportunities including helping victims of disasters, teaching health and safety programs and providing translation services. Students, ages 14 to 18 can join the Red Cross Youth Group to participate in all service areas while also helping organize community programs for homeless children and disaster victims.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York 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. The chapter continually works with partner agencies to plan and prepare for major natural and manmade disasters. It helps New York residents and businesses prepare for emergencies by offering hundreds of courses in life-saving skills, first aid, swim safety, adult/child CPR and free emergency preparedness training programs. 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, call 1-877-REDCROSS (1-977-733-2767), or visit www.nyredcross.org.