April 2013 – Gold Country News and Notes

THANK YOU, Volunteers!!

The week of April 21-27, 2013 is National Volunteer Week! It’s a time to celebrate people doing extraordinary things through service. While we certainly appreciate and value these types of recognition weeks, for those of us in local Red Cross chapters that are fortunate enough to see the incredible work and dedication of volunteers in action on a daily basis, it’s hard to understand why there’s only ONE week per year set aside. The service, passion and energy Red Cross volunteers bring each and everyday is simply invaluable.

ERVTeams — Volunteers with the Emergency Response Vehicle Teams pause for a photo during the cross-country drive to help with Superstorm Sandy relief.

With a national workforce that is 97 percent volunteer, it is fair to say that the Red Cross simply could not fulfill its mission without the efforts of these selfless individuals. We proudly recognize and appreciate your work and passion for service – not only this week, but EVERY week. Continue reading THANK YOU, Volunteers!!

Capital Region Chapter Deploys Five Volunteers to Illinois for Flood Relief

As the Midwest battles devastating flood waters and braces for a long recovery, the American Red Cross is helping residents in flooded communities by providing food, supplies, and emotional support while also supporting sandbagging operations in nearby states that are preparing for flooding.

To support the flood relief efforts, the Capital Region Chapter has deployed local volunteers to help in some of the areas impacted. As of Thursday morning, five disaster services volunteers from Sacramento and surrounding areas were en route to Illinois to begin a two week assignment as part of the flood relief operation. Continue reading Capital Region Chapter Deploys Five Volunteers to Illinois for Flood Relief

Boston and Texas Tragedies a Reminder of Our Need to Be Ready

The recent tragedies in Boston and in Texas have left permanent scars in the lives of those affected. Lives and homes have been lost, and the world’s of many were changed in an instant. For those of us not directly impacted, the events have nontheless left us shaken and unsure of what may happen next.

What is often difficult to grasp is simply not knowing what’s next. An unfortunate reality is that accidents do happen and tragedy can strike without so much as a moment’s notice.

But we are not helpless. There are a number of things that we can do to both reduce our risk/exposure to such events AND prepare ourselves to react and respond should disaster occur. Continue reading Boston and Texas Tragedies a Reminder of Our Need to Be Ready

Volunteers Needed for Northern California Fire Season

An exceptionally dry winter and a fast-approaching California summer can mean only one thing – a very busy fire season. In anticipation of a season sure to keep first responders on their toes throughout the state, the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to aid in disaster response.

The American Red Cross of Northeastern California will conduct five (5) volunteer orientations in the coming weeks, which will provide new volunteers with an overview of the Red Cross, its programs and services, and an opportunity to help communities respond to and recover from potential wildfire emergencies. Continue reading Volunteers Needed for Northern California Fire Season

Red Cross Statement on Boston Marathon Explosions

WASHINGTON, Monday, April 15, 2013 — Our hearts go out to everyone in Boston dealing with this tragedy and our thoughts are with all of those injured.

Right now, it’s important for people in Boston to listen to the advice of local officials and stay at home so that the roads are clear for emergency responders. If you are in Boston or have loved ones there, knowing people are safe is the best way to bring peace of mind. It is important for people to connect with one another. If you have access to a computer, go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list yourself as safe. If you don’t, they can text loved ones or call a one family member and ask them to register you on the site. We are experiencing high volume, so please check back if you have a problem connecting. Continue reading Red Cross Statement on Boston Marathon Explosions

Local Heroes of Calaveras and San Joaquin County Honored by Red Cross

Heroes. Ordinary people performing extraordinary acts. They don’t do it for recognition or accolades, but rather simply because it needs to be done.

This was a common theme running through the 11th Annual Red Cross Heroes event, held Wednesday, April 10 at Wine and Roses in Lodi, CA. This year’s Heroes event honored 21 local heroes from Calaveras and San Joaquin counties for their selfless actions and offered an opportunity to recognize the heroism that surrounds us everyday.

Nominated by friends, family, and community members, and applauded by a reception hall filled to capacity, this year’s heroes humbly accepted recognition for acts they felt were simply their duty to perform. From performing lifesaving CPR to donating bone marrow, from honoring and assisting military veterans to creating a student project that reaches out to the community, the spotlight shined brightly on heroes of all ages for their efforts which have left a lasting impact on those they have helped and the communities in which they live. Continue reading Local Heroes of Calaveras and San Joaquin County Honored by Red Cross

Red Cross Expands Social Media Presence

*The following article was published by Congressional Quarterly on Monday, April 8, 2013*

By Jennifer Scholtes, CQ Staff

Immediately following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the Red Cross was seeing Facebook and Twitter messages posted by survivors saying their family members were trapped beneath the rubble, but the organization that helps people during disasters was largely helpless in the realm of social media. Continue reading Red Cross Expands Social Media Presence

Annual Star-Studded Auction to Support Red Cross Offers Exclusive Items

Kicking into high gear this week is the annual Get Prepared, California! auction to promote earthquake preparedness and to support the American Red Cross. The online auction runs through April 26, with many once-in-a-lifetime items available for bidding at www.GetPreparedCalifornia.org.

Exclusive items available for bidding include opportunities to meet celebrity bands and musicians such as Shania Twain, Maroon 5 and Justin Bieber, meet star athletes and see them in action, get dance lessons from the pros at Dancing with the Stars and tickets to this year’s final show, and win a Kennedy Space Center All-Access Space Pass astronaut-training experience. Continue reading Annual Star-Studded Auction to Support Red Cross Offers Exclusive Items

Legislative Symposium and Day at the Capitol

Red Cross officials from around the state traveled to Sacramento to discuss the latest Red Cross happenings and to meet with local legislators during the annual Red Cross Legislative Symposium and Day at the Capitol, held April 2-3, 2013.

This annual event offers a unique opportunity for Red Crossers from around the state to interface and network with each other and receive updates on key activities in California, while also providing an education on legislative processes and direct contact with local elected officials. Continue reading Legislative Symposium and Day at the Capitol

Red Cross to Honor Heroes of San Joaquin and Calaveras Counties

Everyday individuals performing extraordinary acts of courage

On Wednesday, April 10, the American Red Cross will honor 19 community members from San Joaquin and CalaverasCounties who have performed extraordinary acts of courage. These outstanding individuals will be recognized at the annual Heroes Breakfast at Wine and Roses in Lodi, beginning at 7:30am.

This annual event pays special tribute to local everyday heroes who have performed heroic acts. This year’s honorees were nominated by members of the community for such selfless deeds as spearheading a student community project, honoring fallen soldiers through volunteer efforts, donating bone marrow, performing life saving CPR, and much more. Continue reading Red Cross to Honor Heroes of San Joaquin and Calaveras Counties