Why I Am Passionate About Military Services

If you ask me who my hero is, well I can tell you he does not exist in comic books. He is a man overflowing with courage and bravery. Everyday for the past 9 years he has devoted his life to the United States Army. Awarded the purple heart 4 years ago, he has risked and almost lost his life for our country. His current temporary residence, Afghanistan. Just as I support him I support the entire military community.

Now that I have introduced you to my hero and briefly discussed one of my connections to the military ( I had to sum it up because I can talk forever on this subject) you now know the root of my passion. Now you can understand my true commitment and devotion to Red Cross military services.

 Transitioning from a Service to the Armed Forces Intern to an AmeriCorps member with the American Red Cross Central Valley Region I continue to support the military community. For the past 13 months I have supported Red Cross emergency communications as a SAF caseworker. Following up with service members and their families it is my goal to ensure all of their needs are met. I have developed relationships with other organizations serving veterans, military members and their families within the Central Valley. Establishing these relationships has increased my knowledge and awareness of other services for client referrals. Attending Yellow Ribbon events, briefings and military resource fairs I am able to share and distribute information about Red Cross military services. Ultimately, I want to do everything that I can to support all veterans, service members and their families. The Red Cross supports the military community and I want to assure you that the Red Cross will be there for our veterans, armed forces and families.

Circle K and the American Red Cross

Immediately following the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010, Circle K - West Coast Division jumped into action helping raise more than $300,000 to support the ongoing efforts in to help those affected in Haiti recover and rebuild.

Building on the momentum, the leadership team at Circle K - West Coast Division wanted to help their community where their employees live and their stores operated. Throughout 2011, more than 300 Circle K stores throughout the western United States will run campaigns asking patrons to support Red Cross Chapter is their local communities.

This September, in honor of National Preparedness Month, Circle K will be selling promotional items to help individuals build and stock their emergency preparedness kit as well as collecting donations to help support your local Chapter. All proceeds collected from your donations and support  will go directly to your local Red Cross Chapter. 

So if you are out and about traveling today or heading home, be sure to stop at your local Circle K and support your Red Cross. If you need help locating a store near you....click here!

Today is National Night Out!

National Night Out is a community-police awareness-raising event held the first Tuesday of August.

The event has been held annually since 1984 and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada.

The event is meant to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch/Neighborhood Watch, and other anti-crime efforts.

Initially communities held lights-on vigils. Now, many communities hold block parties, festivals, and other events to help bring neighbors together.

National Night Out, ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime,’ was introduced by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) in 1984. The program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin.

In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, Peskin felt that a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally. At that time, he noted that in a typical ‘crime watch community’, only 5 to 7% of the residents were participating actively. Due to the growth and success of these programs, he felt this percentage was too low. Subsequently, he proposed a national program which would be coordinated by local crime prevention agencies and organizations - but that would involve entire communities at one time. The first National Night Out was introduced early in 1984 - with the event culminating on the first Tuesday in August. That first year, 400 communities in 23 states participated in National Night Out. Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans took part in 1984. The seed had been planted, and in subsequent years, participation has grown steadily. The 27th Annual National Night Out last August involved 37.0 million people in 15,110 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

National Night Out 2011 will culminate on August 2, 2011. Over 15,500 communities are expected to take part.

How are we involved? Your local Red Cross Chapter will be out at several National Night Out events in your communities encouraging your family to Be Red Cross Ready for anything. If you aren't able to attend learn how you can make your family and community safer by taking the online Be Red Cross Ready course. 

From our family to yours, have a Safe and Happy National Night Out!

This Memorial Day, Say Thank You...

This Memorial Day, I hope you’ll join us in honoring and remembering the sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces.

More than 130 years ago, the first mission of the American Red Cross was to serve military members and their families and it still remains a core part of what we do today – a mission I’m particularly proud of.

Many military members not only sacrifice for us during their careers, but also afterwards. Right now during our Midwest tornado and flood relief operations, military retirees are among the thousands of Red Cross volunteers there, helping restore a sense of normalcy and provide relief and comfort. 

Today our Service to the Armed Forces programs provide valuable support with items like comfort kits for wounded warriors, and our core service of delivering emergency messages to service members far from home – from birth announcements to equally vital news of sickness or death of loved ones.

This Memorial Day, you can help us provide these valuable services – and say thank you to our servicemen and women – by making donation to the American Red Cross:

12 Places To Go If The World Goes To Heck!

Anyone who travels up and down the 99 corridor in the Valley has probably seen those signs that claim "Judgement Day" is this Saturday, May 21st. I personally, don't believe that this weekend will be the end of the world, but if it is, I am going to be very angry that I finally paid that parking ticket I received three months ago.  However, should the world choose to spite me this weekend and chaos strikes, have hope! Business Insider has created a list of the places to go should the world go to "heck."

Some of these places include...

Guam

Denver

Bern

Capetown

Kansas City

Rio de Janeiro

To check out the full list and explanations click here!

Should this be the end, which again, I am confident it isn't, rest assured that throughout the destruction the American Red Cross will be there providing aid and relief to those in need. So make a donation today, or volunteer at your local Red Cross Chapter and join in on all the action!

Do Your Kids Need A Summer Job? Why Not Become A Red Cross Babysitter?

Summer is just around the corner, and that means there is about to be a lot of rear-ends putting dents into your  couches! So instead, have your tween get trained to be the best babysitter on the block with Babysitter's Training from the American Red Cross!

Designed for 11 to 15 years old, the Red Cross Babysitter’s Training provides young adults who plan to babysit the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care to infants and children under their watch. The course is fun and fast-paced with hands-on activities, exciting video, role-plays and lively discussions. Young adults can impress potential clients by earning their Babysitter’s Training certificate from the American Red Cross. Parents can also encourage or register a potential babysitter to take the class.
Students will receive Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Kit at the end of the course which includes valuable babysitting resources that they can take home with them:

· Red Cross Babysitter’s Handbook packed with great information and resources including full-color skill sheets to use in class and while on the job

· Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Emergency Reference Guide compact and easy-to-carry, the booklet provide step-by-step instructions to handle common emergencies

· Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Interactive CD-ROM provides tools to sun your babysitting business featuring an activity book with games, songs, and other activities; electronic babysitting client organizer; business card and resume templates; and much more

Ensure that your children have their own spending money this Summer and enroll them in a class today! 

Cost: $55.00 per person

Date: June 4th, 2011

Multiple Locations:

Tulare-Kings Branch Office, 505 W Main Street, Visalia CA 93291

(559) 732-6436

Fresno Regional Office, 1300 W Shaw Ave, Suite 4B, Fresno CA 93711

(559) 455-1000

Merced-Mariposa Branch Office, 301 W 18th Street, Suite 104, Merced CA 95340

(209) 383-2150

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

LIBYA: A ship chartered by the ICRCarrived in Misrata this week, carrying medical supplies for the hospital, spare parts to repair water and electrical supply systems, and baby food for the civilian population.
NEPAL: A four-day emergency-room trauma course jointly organized by the ICRC and the Dhulikhel Hospital of Kathmandu University is taking place in Pokhara.
JAPAN: With healthcare systems left in crisis by the earthquake and tsunami, the Japanese Red Cross Society will provide vital medical infrastructure in one of the worst hit north-eastern areas, until damaged state services can recover.
SUDAN: The ICRC is working with government and local partners to vaccinate 100,000 cattle.
WORLDWIDE: The IFRC has announced the launch of the Nursing Network - a worldwide network of nursing colleges that will work together to ensure a global nursing workforce is ready to respond in the event of emergencies.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Great Gifts For Great Moms!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you may be thinking of what to give the person who brought you into the world. Fortunately, the American Red Cross has many items to help you show your love.
Give a Tribute Gift

• Instead of Chocolates, $20 can provide two hot meals to a disaster victim. 
• Rather than a bouquet of flowers, $50 can provide a parent with diapers, wipes, and formula. 
• In place of a dinner out, $100 could supply a crib for an infant in need. 
• For the price of a piece of jewelry, $200 could provide for a day's shelter for a family of four.

Kits
Almost everyone believes preparedness is important, but it’s a fact that close to 60 percent of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind.

Having an emergency preparedness kit can help put your mind at ease. Some kits—such as the Vintage-Style Emergency Preparedness Kit—contain everything from emergency food and water to first aid supplies and a radio. The Personal Safety Emergency Pack includes basic preparedness and first aid items, and is small enough to stash in a glove compartment.

The 66-piece Deluxe Personal First Aid Kit contains the essential items to help you be prepared for minor injuries. This is another compact kit that is great for the car or office.

Radios
The electricity is out, and you need information fast. The American Red Cross Microlink FR160 Eton Emergency Radio and the Solarlink FR360 Eton Emergency Radio can help keep you informed.

Both radios can be charged with both solar power and a hand crank, giving you unlimited power for AM/FM radio, NOAA weather channels, emergency lights, cell phone battery life and more.


Other Fun Gifts
If your mom is already well-stocked with preparedness items, consider giving her some stylish Red Cross gear, such as a jacket, t-shirt or hat. Or give her a classic Red Cross vintage field bag to carry all her essentials.

Check out the many other items and gifts at the Red Cross Store, and have a very happy Mother’s Day!

It Took Two Days, 17 Volunteers, and 92 Boxes, But We Did It!

We survived the grueling move, bloggers! After two days of heavy lifting, unpacking, and sweating (yes, it was 90 degrees on the two days we decided to move), we have arrived at our new home at 1300 W. Shaw Ave, Suite 4B, Fresno CA 93711. 

It was definitely bittersweet to leave our home on Fine Avenue, especially after 11 years, but we were busting at the seams in that office, and with the regionalization of our Chapter we definitely needed more space to continue to provide the Central Valley with our mission services. Not to mention, that we also gained five new staff members in 2010.






We would especially like to thank The Nazaroff Team for donating their moving truck, time, and hard-working men to help us move 95 years of Red Cross History. We truly appreciate your efforts!






Without all of our volunteers, this move would not have been possible. The countless hours they spent packing boxes, loading trucks, and to this very minute, unpacking boxes, our volunteers are one of a kind! I am reminded of a quote, "Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless." At the American Red Cross Central Valley Region, we couldn't believe this anymore!

So if you want to swing by to check out our new place come in for a visit or take a Health & Safety Course and see our sweet new classroom! 

Your local Red Cross Chapter is here. We are ready, and we are responding!

American Red Cross Is On The Move!

So long 2002 N. Fine Ave, Thanks for the Memories!

The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter is on the move!

Staff and volunteers from the Regional Red Cross Chapter are packing boxes in anticipation of the office moving to 1300 W Shaw Ave, Fresno, next week. 

The office will be closed next Tuesday, May 3rd and next Wednesday, May 4th as volunteers and staff move boxes, office equipment and 95 years of history to our new location. We will reopen on Thursday May, 5th , with public hours being 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Our phone number (559) 455-1000 and employee email address as well as our website (www.arccentralvalley.org) will remain the same.

During the move Disaster Action Team members will still be on call rendering disaster relief services to families in need. The Red Cross afterhours phone number will be accessible for all Disaster Relief and Service to Armed Forces inquires (800) 951-5600.

All branch offices for the American Red Cross Central Valley, in Visalia and Merced, will remain open with normal business hours during the Regional Office move. 

For all of our loyal readers, we hope to be back to blogging Wednesday, May 4th. So hang tight! If you absolutely need your Red Cross fix, try checking out the CrossWords: Top 10 of 2010!

For more information please contact:

Ellen Knapp
Regional Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross Central Valley Region
Mariposa, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern Counties
559-455-1000

What In The World, Wednesday!

Welcome to What In The World, Wednesday. In which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

JAPAN: The Red Cross is scaling up relief efforts to meet the huge needs. To date, the Japanese Red Cross has handed out more than 125,000 blankets and 20,700 emergency kits – including portable radios, flashlights and other supplies – to help evacuees cope with the cold weather and lack of electricity. Other badly needed items, such as diapers, baby food, undershirts and face masks, are being procured from within the country as well. In parallel with the distribution of relief goods, Red Cross planners are also consulting with the local authorities to map out other ways of making survivors’ lives more comfortable during their stay in evacuation centers.
BANGLADESH: Since the current crisis erupted in Libya, the ICRC has been helping thousands of Bangladeshi workers who have fled the country.
SOMALIA: With ICRC support, the Somali Red Crescent Society has opened two new health clinics in conflict and drought-affected regions to serve more than 100,000 people.
WORLDWIDE: The ICRC is helping Latin American prisons eradicate tuberculosis. Meanwhile other members of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network are addressing TB around the world in places like China, India, and Siberia.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

"Be Red Cross Ready" and Support Your American Red Cross!

Bernardo, Susana, and Ryan are "Red Cross Ready!"

Greetings Red Crossers!

My name is Ryan Houtby and I'm here to inform you about an exciting new fundraiser that your local Red Cross chapter is having to support awareness for National American Red Cross month in March. 

I am part of a marketing team from Fresno State, along with two other really awesome people by the names of Bernardo Martin and Susana Villa Gomez. As an assignment in our Marketing class, we were asked to help a local Fresno agency market any ideas that they had, and we are very excited to be working with the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter!

For the month of March, the American Red Cross is going to be selling “Be Red Cross Ready”  bands. If you are not familiar with these, they are small silicone bands that hang on your wrist to support a certain cause. The bands will have the phrase “Be Red Cross Ready" printed on them. The bands are very popular and make great gifts! The best part is that at the same time you will be spreading awareness for a great cause. 

Each band will cost $2.00, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the mission services of the American Red Cross. Our marketing team will be distributing the bands to local high schools and community colleges to sell. But if you would like to sell some or purchase your own "Be Red Cross Ready" band then all you need to do is contact me or one of my teammates to sign a fundraising agreement. If you have any questions at all about the bands, contact any one of us at:
Ryan: houtbyr@yahoo.com 
Bernardo: bernimrtn@yahoo.com
Susana: susana_villagomez@yahoo.com

We are all really excited about this fundraiser and hope that you will join us in supporting the American Red Cross!

Do You Want To Be A Summer Lifeguard? We Can Help!

So I was watching the news this morning, and on Kopi's 10-Day Forecast he mentioned that by Thursday this week we will be having some 70 degree weather here in the Valley. I immediately thought of two things. One, I need to tan my legs before short season officially begins, and two, I need to be sure all of our local pools have a certified Red Cross lifeguard on site. Okay, I lied, the second thing I thought about was buying new flip flops. But I digress. With Spring only a few weeks away that means you are slowly running out of  time to go out and get a swimming or lifeguarding course out of the way before it's time to hit the pool.

Are you a teen starting to think about Summer jobs? Our Aquatic Lifeguard Training course will teach you the skills necessary to land that first lifeguarding position. As long as you're a competent swimmer, the class should be a cinch. Just think, you'll get paid to work on your tan by the pool all day with an endless supply of ice cream sandwiches flowing from the snack bar. Perfect! Plus, it'll look great on those college applications.

Those that spend time around water but don't need a lifeguard certification can benefit from some of our other classes, such as Basic Water Rescue - perfect for camp counselors, deck hands, fitness professionals and families with boats or pools.

Training sites are located in multiple locations in the Central Valley Region. Click HERE for a list of available classes. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save a life...starting with your own. Actually mine, because I am a horrible swimmer! So get certified today!

Happy Valentine's Day from the Red Cross.

Happy Valentine's Day!

From all of us at the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter, we hope you and your Valentine have a wonderful day! 

However, if you forgot to get your loved one a gift and are in the doghouse tomorrow, why not start the road to redemption with a CPR/AED course or a First Aid Kit. 

Who knows, an ice pack may come in handy if you don't get a good "I'm Sorry" gift!

The Spirit of a Community.

Each and everyday a family in the Central Valley is affected by disaster. Whether it is a house fire, flood, or gas leak, your local Chapter of the American Red Cross is ready and responding to emergencies right here at home. We are not a Government agency. We rely on the support of individuals just like you, our readers, to assist in our mission in providing disaster assistance to those in need. 


Every year, the Central Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross designates a week in which we hold specific activities and events to raise money for local families affected by disaster. This year, January 31st through February 5th, was "Save-A-Family" week.  In early January, we placed the call to action to our volunteers, and the response we received was phenomenal with over 200 Red Cross volunteers assisting us throughout the week. 

We kicked off the week on Wednesday with a telethon held on KSEE 24, a proud sponsor of the Red Cross. Board Members, Volunteers, Instructors and Red Cross Employees manned the phones for over 12 hours collecting donations and providing insight to what it takes to be a member of the Red Cross Army.

Thursday, with the help of the Richter Center at California State University, Fresno and the Student Nursing Association of Fresno City College, we hit the streets on two corners here in Fresno with red buckets in hand collecting donations. The response we received from the public was beyond amazing and overall we brought in more money than we had ever brought in before! I am sure having sorority girls and the Fresno Monsters out on the corners didn't hurt our odds either!

Saturday night, with the help of Fresno State Athletics we attended the Basketball Game where the Bulldogs took on Louisiana Tech. With over 50 volunteers, Timeout, and Dr. Welty we took over the Save Mart Center as volunteers traveled through each aisle of the arena collecting donations. 


Overall, the week was a success and the funds we received exceeded our expectations. The spirit of a community could not be broken despite grueling economic times. The compassion of the Central Valley can overcome it all when we pull together for the sake of humanity. Disaster never takes a day off, and we at the Red Cross don't either! You too can still do you part. Donate today at www.arccentralvalley.org and change a life, starting with your own!

Save A Family Week Starts Today!

The American Red Cross Save a Family – Local Relief Fund donation drive is planned for week of January 31-February 5.  Volunteers are needed for collections on the corners of Shaw and Cedar on Thursday, Feb. 3 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at the Fresno State men’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m.

Volunteers from the Central Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross respond to families in a six county area offering help during times of disaster. This local relief includes emergency food, on site response, temporary shelter, CPR and first aid training and military communications, even helping members of our community after an apartment fire. In addition to local aid, your local Red Cross chapter has raised money for disasters in other parts of the country and region. Your local chapter needs help now to continue supporting those in our community who have experienced some type of emergency. All money raised during the Save a Family campaign will stay in our community.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Anya Goosev at the American Red Cross Central Valley by calling 455-1000 or by e-mailing her at anya@ARCcentralvalley.org. To make a donation to your local Chapter of the American Red Cross please visit our website and change a life...starting with your own.

Calling All High School Students! Are you Red Cross Ready? Get a Camera, Make a Commercial, Be A Winner!

When we hear the word disaster, we think about the devastating aftermath of events such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods. What we normally don’t consider are the types of disasters that occur on a daily basis. Disasters could be as simple as a baby choking on an object or a family trying to survive after their house burned down. What can you do to help or even prevent such a situation from occurring? You can start by being Red Cross Ready.

Red Cross is well known for their disaster relief programs. They are on the scene to offer support and vital necessities such as food, water, and shelter for victims of disasters. But not many know that they are also the leader in disaster preparedness and Health & Safety Services. Every household should be prepared for when a disaster strikes. You may be thinking, “I know I should be prepared, but how can I be Red Cross Ready?”

To be Red Cross Ready includes getting a kit, making a plan, and being informed. The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter is inviting all high school student ages 14 to 18 to participate in their first “Red Cross Ready” video contest for 2011. Students will have the chance to showcase their creative ideas in a video format that relays the message of being Red Cross Ready.

Students who are interested in participating are encouraged to produce public service announcement videos 45-60 seconds long. These videos would emphasize the importance of preventing an accident or responding to an emergency by receiving training from the American Red Cross in any of the Health and Safety programs available. For more information, participant forms, and rules and regulations, please contact the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter at (559) 455-1000 or online at www.arccentralvalley.org.

What In the World, Wednesday!

Welcome to the What In The World, Wednesday! In which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

Côte d’Ivoire: In response to ongoing tension following the November presidential elections, the ICRC has stepped up its humanitarian activities for those arrested, injured and displaced, and for refugees in neighboring countries.

ZIMBABWE: For more than a year, the ICRC has been conducting an emergency assistance operation to improve the nutritional situation in Zimbabwe prisons. Therapeutic feeding programs for acutely malnourished prisoners and general food distributions have allowed malnutrition rates to drop sharply.

SUDAN: Almost 7,800 people affected by recent fighting and tensions around Shangyl Tobay, in North Darfur, have received emergency assistance from the ICRC over the last few days.

SOMALIA: Ongoing fighting exacerbated by drought is forcing millions of Somalis to continue to depend on humanitarian assistance. The ICRC and the Somali Red Crescent Society have just finished providing food and urgently needed household items for over 540,000 displaced people and vulnerable residents in major cities and along the road heading south-west from Mogadishu to Afgoye.

HAITI: Nearly a year since the earthquake, Red Crossers are still hard at work on projects like cholera prevention, hygiene, immunizations, supplying water, prosthetic limb fitting, digging drainage ditches to mitigate flooding, and building semi-permanent shelters. Keep an eye out for more Haiti updates in next week's Wrap-up.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

CrossWords: The Top 10 of 2010

As we say goodbye to 2010, I can't help but look back and remember where we have been. It seems like just yesterday we at the Central Valley Chapter thought it would be a great idea to start a blog to let you all in on the inner-workings of the Red Cross. Little did I know this would mean blogging daily and constantly struggling to come up with ideas to keep our readers coming back. But rest assured, I survived my first year as your Blogmaster, and I look forward to the great things to come in 2011. However, that being said, I would love to hear from all of you dedicated CrossWords fans about any great Red Cross stories, facts, moments, or even just things you'd like to know about the Red Cross and I'd be happy to get blogging.

So, in the tradition of remembering our first year, I present to you, our loyal supporters,  The Top 10 of 2010.

1. FIRST AID FOLLIES

2. BE A RED CROSS MONSTER

3. HIDDEN HAZARDS IN YOUR HOME

4. "PREPARE"APHERNALIA: THE BRA THAT CAN SAVE LIVES

5. THE MAN BEHIND THE RED: HENRY DUNANT

6. WHAT IN THE WORLD, WEDNESDAY!

7. BOWL FOR THE RED 2010

8. WOULD YOU SURVIVE AN ALIEN INVASION?

9. WWHPD? (What would Harry Potter Do?)

10. HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW CARBON DIOXIDE?

From all of us at the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter, we would like to wish you and your family a Happy and Safe New Year!