Team Firestopper Prepares Your Community From a Fire Disaster

Imagine the place you call home, the place you share with your family, the place you grew up, gone. Fires can be one of the most devastating things to happen to a family. It can destroy homes, possessions, memories, and lives. In a matter of minutes, everything that a home holds dear can be burnt away. As you scroll through the pages of this blog you will read the stories of the people whose lives have been altered by destructive fires. The trauma of losing your home is immeasurable; something experienced by too many in the city of Chicago.

The American Red Cross of Greater Chicago responds to 1,200 disasters each year, the majority of which are residential fires. The Chicago Red Cross relief team helps assist victims of home fires every day. You cannot rewind back to the moments before a fire, but you can take steps in preventing it. There are simple ways in which you and your family can protect your home from fires and Team Firestopper can help.

Team Firestopper is a volunteer fire safety program that provides fire education and hand-on activities. Each year the program reaches over 10,000 households. This year, on March 29th and 30th, Team Firestopper of Greater Chicago visited 40 homes in the Roseland neighborhood on the south side of the city to distribute free fire prevention kits that included smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and surge protectors. Over the two days, 50 volunteers educated homeowners about fire safety and preparedness.

The team works to prevent home fires in neighborhoods with a high number of residential fires. “Unfortunately, Roseland has a significant number of home fires each year,” said Red Cross community programs director Yvette Alexander-Maxie. Last year, the Red Cross relief team responded to 70 incidents in Roseland, making it one of the highest response zones in Chicago.

The two- day home visits in Roseland helped families become better educated and ready for residential fire hazards. During one of the visits, the team went to the home of Tonya Howard, who was already well equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. “I’m a foster parent, so it’s mandatory,” she said. “We have to do an evaluation, and then we have to have a plan, too.” Team Firestopper successfully aided families in the Roseland community to help stop fires before they happen.

Team Firestopper is working hard to prepare Chicago communities so fewer families have to lose their homes to fires. Do not let your family and home be at risk, stay informed and always be prepared. For more information about fire safety and tips visit redcross.org. Team Firestopper needs volunteers to help teach preparedness techniques and canvass neighborhoods with fire prevention information. For volunteer information visit http://www.redcross.org or call (312) 729-6265.

Written by: Alyssa Barford

National Volunteer Week–Ernest Hemingway

When you read one of Ernest Hemingway’s works it might not strike you that he was once an ambulance driver for the American Red Cross! As we celebrate National Volunteer week, we would like to highlight the contributions of our devoted volunteers to the Red Cross mission particularly, of renowned American author Ernest Hemingway.

During World War I, Chicago-born Ernest Hemingway responded to a Red Cross recruitment effort in Kansas City and signed on to become an ambulance driver in Schio, Italy and then as a canteen worker at the Piave River until he was wounded. While Hemingway was distributing chocolate and cigarettes to Italian soldiers in the trenches near the front lines, an explosion seriously wounded him. But regardless of his injuries, Hemingway carried an Italian soldier on his back to a first-aid station, for which he received the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valour.

The Italian government cited with the award that, “Ernest Miller Hemingway of Illinois Park (Chicago) Lieutenant of the American Red Cross responsible for carrying sundries to the Italian troops engaged in combat, gave proof of courage and self sacrifice. Gravely wounded by numerous pieces of shrapnel from an enemy shell, and with an admirable spirit of brotherhood before taking care of himself, he rendered generous assistance to the Italian soldiers more seriously wounded in the same explosion and did not allow himself to be carried elsewhere until after they had been evacuated”.

He spent five days at a field hospital where he allowed other soldiers who were more seriously wounded by the same explosion to be treated before he was and remained with them until they were all evacuated. He was then transferred for recuperation to the Red Cross hospital in Milan for six months where he also found his first love in Red Cross nurse, Agnes von Kurowsky.

But Ernest Hemingway’s association with the Red Cross went beyond his voluntary work. Hemingway always admired the work of the organization, and when he returned home from the war he often wore his Red Cross uniform proudly around town. Ernest Hemingway’s Red Cross enlistment was one of the most influential experiences of his life and his development as a writer and a thinker. It also provided much of the source material for his work ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and his writings about Italy and the Great War. His involvement with the Red Cross led to some of the finest American literature on the Great War.

Ernest Hemingway represented all the values of a Red Cross volunteer—bravery, sacrifice, service and compassion for others. The Red Cross always respects the incredible hard work put in by all our volunteers all over the nation. Thousands of volunteers are out there every minute helping the community with emergency disaster response, providing life saving health and safety training and constantly trying to meet the immediate need of blood. The Red Cross celebrates the efforts put in by all supporters everywhere through National Volunteer week. Visit our website http://www.redcross.org/il/chicago to find out ways in which you can volunteer.

Written by: Amisha Sud

A Red Cross Volunteer Honors a Chicago Hero

On a chilly November morning, Greg Ewing put on his Red Cross volunteer vest, and prepared to honor a hero. Greg, a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer, had never met the man whose funeral he was attending, but vividly knew his face. “I had seen him so many times on the news, covered in soot and dirt from saving someone’s life,” he said.

Captain Herbert Johnson or better known by his friends and fellow firefighters as ‘Herbie,’ was the first in his engine company to run inside a burning apartment building in Gage Park. The family inside survived, but Captain Herbert perished. This past month, Herbie was honored as a Red Cross Hero for his bravery and dedication to public service. Greg Ewing was blown away by his unforgettable experience at the Captain’s funeral.

“I just couldn’t believe how many people were there,” said Greg about the service. The streets of 75th and Western were almost unrecognizable, filled with a sea of firefighters, cadets, and Chicagoans paying their respect to a man described as ‘larger than life.’ Hundreds of people attended the funeral to honor the fallen firefighter and hero. “Everyone there admired and praised him for being an amazing person and fireman.” The outpouring of support for Captain Herbie and his family came as no surprise for Greg, but a show of unexpected gratitude towards him at that moment touched him.

The Red Cross volunteer vest that he was proudly wearing caught the attention of several funeral attendees and firefighters. “I was approached by so many people thanking me for everything the Red Cross does for people whose lives are altered in devastating fires,” Greg explained. Even a Fire Captain, paused to shake his hand and thank him for the impressive work the Red Cross does in the city. “Right after a fire occurs, it’s normally the fire station that calls us to help; we are the first point of reference they give the families,” he said. In the Greater Chicago Region, the American Red Cross Disaster Action Teams help assist victims of home fires every day. That November morning, a Red Cross volunteer was able to honor a Chicago hero and receive a heartfelt reminder of the impact the Red Cross has on the city. Greg Ewing left the funeral of Captain Herbert Johnson knowing that the city of Chicago is truly appreciative of firefighters like Herbie and other Red Cross volunteers like himself.

Written by: Alyssa Barford

Volunteer Week: Walt Disney

      

As the always insightful Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” The American Red Cross could not agree more, and recognizes the vital importance of volunteers to their organization.

It is National Volunteer week at the American Red Cross, a time when every Red Cross helper should be appreciated for all they do. Dedicated and passionate volunteers have made the efforts of the Red Cross possible for over 132 years. Currently, volunteers constitute 94% of the total workforce to carry out our humanitarian work. In celebration of volunteer week, we decided to give a little background on one of our favorite former Red Cross volunteer. This talented artist and visionary helped children around the world to discover their imagination. He is remembered as a creator, filmmaker, entertainer, and most importantly an American Red Cross volunteer.

In the fall of 1918, Walt Disney attempted to enlist in the military in the wake of WWI. After being rejected because he was a minor, he joined the Red Cross and was sent overseas to France where he volunteered as an ambulance driver. True to Disney form, Walt covered his ambulance with his creative drawing and cartoons, as seen in the picture above. His duties for the Red Cross included being a driver for mechanic supply trucks and an ambulance. Even though Disney stayed busy with his Red Cross duties, he found time to develop his passion for art. He created war related cartoons that were submitted to Life magazine and illustrated posters for the Red Cross. Disney instilled a lasting relationship with the Red Cross and today The Walt Disney Company still donates millions to Red Cross relief efforts.

Disney is just one of many volunteers that have assisted the Red Cross and helped millions of people. Even though this week is dedicated to our volunteers, the Red Cross strives to thank their helpers, who make the organization possible, every day. So next time you drive by a fire, or watch a disaster on the news, take Mr. Rogers advice and look for the helpers, because I guarantee you will spot a Red Cross volunteer. To find ways you can help the Red Cross, visit http://www.redcross.org/support/volunteer.

Written by: Alyssa Barford

Heidi Klum: Supermodel, Supermom, and Superhero

Heidi Klum is a supermodel turned superhero. During a recent vacation to Hawaii, The American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet member helped rescue her son, Henry, and two nannies from a dangerous riptide off the beach on the island of Oahu. The courageous supermom quickly ran into action, and luckily no one was hurt. Heidi is part of the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet, which is a collection of celebrities that are “on-call” to assist the Red Cross by a giving their time and skills for a one-year term.

Heidi’s heroic efforts show why she is such an important Red Cross contributor. She released a statement to the media saying, “We got pulled into the ocean by a big wave. Of course, as a mother, I was very scared for my child and everyone else in the water. Henry is a strong swimmer and was able to swim back to land. We were able to get everyone out safely.” Her past Sunday rescue adds to the reasons why she is a great Cabinet member. Heidi has previously teamed up with the Red Cross in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts this past December.

Klum’s experience is an important lesson in the necessary precautions for water safety. The Red Cross offers classes in lifeguard training that can prepare you for a great summer job and help save someone’s life. The tailored courses will give you the skills you need to become a professional lifeguard. Visit redcross.org for more information. With the summer season upon us and the much anticipated Lake Michigan beach season, it is important to stay informed and practice water safety. Take a cue from Heidi Klum; the knowledge of water risks and safety can help save a life.

Written By: Alyssa Barford

Saving Lives one Donation at a Time

Would you believe you could help save a life in just 30 minutes?  Every donation of blood is a way to prepare and help a community. The effort to give is what drew in the crowds at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago last Tuesday morning.  Red Cross employees and other ordinary participants took time out of their busy day to make an impact on their community.  By just donating a pint of blood the individuals at the blood drive have made a conscious effort to help others.

“How could you not donate blood?” a walk-in donor named Rick asked me.  “It is the fundamental way to save lives,” he replied.  Rick sat patiently in the waiting area proudly wearing a bright red sticker proclaiming ‘I Make A Difference.’  “The little time you take out of your day can go such a long way,” he explained.  Rick seems to be like most people at the blood drive, veteran donors who do it because they care.  Around 40 percent of the nation’s blood donations come from the American Red Cross, so it is no wonder the blood drive was full of enthusiastic donors.

Walk -ins were not the only ones donating at the March 26^th drive, American Red Cross employees filled the seats waiting to do their part.  Bridget Blair a Red Cross employee shared her thoughts and interest in donating blood.  “Not only does giving blood help others and save lives, it also supports a vital department at the organization.” Bridget clarified that at the American Red Cross, employees try to support all aspects at the Greater Chicago office and a blood donation is an easy way to give back.  She explained her appreciation for working at an organization that host blood drives at the office. “It is so great and convenient that I can walk down stairs at my office and give blood, it makes it hard not to donate.”  The donation of blood is an easy way to give to those in need.  With more than 44,000 blood donations needed every day, the participants at the blood drive can be assured their donations are making a difference.

Written by: Alyssa Barford

Moment of peace

“Six shot and several wounded in Wisconsin Sikh temple shooting!”

This headline blared from every news channel and media outlet as we drove in the Emergency Response Vehicle to Wisconsin. A tragic episode had happened at a place of worship. On a fine Sunday morning, a gunman fired bullets at innocent worshippers at a Sikh temple (traditionally known as a Gurudwara). Sunday is one of the days when the community comes together to offer its prayers to God and the women cook traditional food for everyone. The vibrations of those shots were felt back home in India as well. People were shocked. They were speechless!

Being from North India and so close to the community, my heart went out to all the families and I could feel their pain. When given the opportunity to accompany the Mental Health services team for the memorial held for the victims, I didn’t think twice. It took me less than 10 minutes to put my current projects on hold, grab my Red Cross vest and head out to Wisconsin. Along with professionally trained Mental Health personnel from both the Chicago and Milwaukee Red Cross, I stood outside the temple.

The temple, which just a few days ago saw a horrific tragedy, stood majestically.  An American Red Cross tent was opened near the door and was equipped with food, snacks and water for the visitors and armed workforce, who were working round the clock to find answers to this tragic event. After receiving directions on our role, we went to the park where the memorial would be held. The annual and pre-planned ‘Oak Creek National Night-Out event’ was being held just a few feet from the park. There were many families in attendance. As soon as the members of the Sikh community started trickling in, the families at the event went forward and shared their condolences. It was extremely touching to see people from other cultures, who couldn’t understand the Sikh language, hold hands and hug the grieving community as a gesture of their compassion.

The Red Cross mental health services team consoled the still shocked community. They couldn’t believe that a catastrophe like this had happened to them. The team was there to comfort them, to tell them that everything would be okay, to give them a reassuring hug and an empathetic smile, to distribute tissues to wipe their tears. Being able to converse in their native language, I could feel their agony personally. I pushed back tears and my throat choked up as I translated the victims’ stories for the Red Cross team. But at that moment I was proud to be an Indian representing the Red Cross as well as the community. I was also grateful at the thoughtfulness and genuine initiative taken by the team to understand the culture of the community.

As we proceeded towards the vigil, volunteers from the Oak Creek community and the Salvation Army handed out candles and head scarves. Representatives from the Sikh Community shared how this terrible tragedy impacted all, but that they will not lose their values and principles and continue their faith in God. As hundreds of attendees held candles and bowed their heads in prayer, the Sikh community chanted their traditional prayers, and I could feel myself praying in the native language along with them. I’ve never felt closer to home!

The vigil ended with a moment of silence, and as the attendees departed, they left at peace with the thought that all communities are one and will stand by each other in joy and sorrow.

-Written By Amisha Sud

They donated blood. What have you done today?

For Robert Smatlak and Evelyn Ramos, donating blood is nothing more than a “finger prick.” But blood donation can go a long way to help someone in need.

At a recent blood donation drive hosted by the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, Robert and Evelyn joined many other donors to help someone who might need their blood someday. A veteran donor, Robert has been donating blood since he was 18 years old and said that 80 percent of his donations are through the Red Cross. When asked about what motivates him to donate, Robert said, “My sister is a lab technician and always keeps mentioning about the shortage of blood. “

For Evelyn, karma played a very important role in her decision to donate blood.  “You never know what can happen and which person might need it. I like the feeling that my blood might help someone. I might need blood someday so I’d like to give back,” she said.

Both of them were fully convinced that they will donate whenever they get the opportunity and that it’s the right thing to do!

Donations are down more than 10 percent across the country, resulting in 50,000 fewer pints of blood than expected. Your donation is needed now. Find out here about a blood drive near you.

 “The need is constant and the gratification is instant.”

 

–Written By: Amisha Sud

 

A Simple Thank You Isn’t Always Enough

Volunteers of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago proudly said, “Thank you for your service, sir,” while they handed out hundreds of wallets and other services to unnamed veterans during the Veteran Stand-Down Event on Chicago’s Southside. The Veteran Stand-Down event that took place on June 22, 2012 assisted homeless veterans with food, clothing and other essential necessities. These heroes also received health screenings, Veteran’s Affairs and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other services, such as health care, housing, employment and substance use treatment.

One of the many veterans in line waiting for services was George Griffin, who was helped by the VA for his drinking and drug addiction. George admired the work that the American Red Cross had done for him when he had a house fire. As George recalled his encounter with the Red Cross, he was joined by his brother, Maurice Garrett, a fellow veteran who served six years in the military.

Like George, the American Red Cross had made a lifelong impression on Maurice. Maurice wasn’t able to communicate with his family about his whereabouts after he returned to the US from active duty abroad.  His mother was deeply concerned and contacted the American Red Cross for assistance. The American Red Cross was able to locate Maurice and reconnect him with his family. “[The American Red Cross] got me a ride home,” Maurice said fondly.

The brothers were not only thankful that the American Red Cross was there to help them but also to the other organizations that came out that day. The American Red Cross was able to be a part of their lives once again in another way that they hadn’t imagined. This dynamic duo even talked about someday volunteering with the American Red Cross so they can make an impact on someone else’s life like the other volunteers had done to theirs.

-Written By Amisha Sud and Lindsey Warneke

Fireworks! We told you so.

The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated days in the United States, with people showing their patriotism by lighting fireworks and enjoying quality time with their loved ones. Unfortunately for Erica Lopez and her family, one week before the national holiday, fireworks lit up her house instead of the sky.

On June 28, a group of kids started the firecracker in a backyard near Erica’s home. The firecracker landed on the roof of Erica’s building and quickly spread fire to the rooms below. Her eldest son was in the shower when he smelled smoke and ran out to tell his little brother and cousins. Not having their mother, Erica, at home, the children ran downstairs to alert their aunt who later recalled that “they could have run, but they saved my life!”

When the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team arrived on scene, the firefighters were still present. The children were now huddled at a distance from their home with their family. Their anxiety was alleviated when the volunteers gave them stuffed animals and comforting smiles.

As the Red Cross volunteers prepared to provide emergency assistance, Erica was unsure whether or not to take the offered help. But those that were present assured her that the Red Cross was there to help. Her boyfriend also mentioned “They help people all around the world!” We explained to her that we operate solely on generous donations given by the public and that we were there to help her. As the Disaster Response team prepared to provide shoes to them because of the broken glass scattered over the entire place, Erica couldn’t believe that we were assisting them so much.

Erica was extremely grateful to receive American Red Cross comfort kits, aid for food, clothing and shelter. As the Emergency Response vehicle pulled out of the neighborhood, Erica held her children close as she prepared to move in with her father and start afresh.

Written By- Amisha Sud