Red Cross Volunteer Spirit

Bev sends from the Lebanon MO office:

I wanted to share this with all of you.  A small act, with a big impact.  Just think, at least 30 people will go to their hometown all over the U.S. with a good word about the Red Cross. I know you all do this type of thing everyday as well, but I think it is good to share these stories to keep us focused on what we do and the amazing people we work with everyday.

From a Red Cross Volunteer:

I have got to tell you a story.  My wife and I were on way back from Springfield this afternoon and just a few miles out of Lebanon was a Greyhound bus broken down on the Westbound side of I-44.  She dropped me off to pick up my pickup so I went on out to the Red Cross office.  Bev was there and I told her we needed to get some water and gatorade to these people as they were standing out in the hot sun. She said go.

 

Danny Marcum, David Sewell & I loaded the Red Cross pickup with water, gatorade and GIRL SCOUT COOKIES (3 cases).  Bev called [State Police] Troop I and said we were on the way.  There were 30 plus people on the bus and you could tell some of them didn't have a dime to their name.  They were so happy to see the drinks and cookies.  They had a church bus coming from Lebanon to take them back to a truck stop in Lebanon to wait for another bus, which had to come out of St. Louis.  Some had medical issues that the heat was not helping...

 

I think during the time we were there and getting ready to leave everyone of these people came and shook hands and thanked us.  Some of the bus riders took pictures...

This was one of the many times it is really good to be a red cross volunteer.

 

We sent in a canteen report, but as Paul Harvey would say, this is the rest of the story. 

 

Have a Great Day.

Joe Price

Disaster Public Affairs Class Offered in Springfield

We will be offering the Disaster Public Affairs - Local Response Class (info below) to Red Cross employees and volunteers in our Springfield, Missouri office on Friday 6 August 2010, 8:30-4:30.

If you are interested in attending, please register by sending your name, address, phone number, email address (LMS number if known) and a short note about your Red Cross background to:

socialmedia@redcross-ozarks.org

DESCRIPTION: "Fundamentals of Disaster Public Affairs - The Local Response" (DSOSS200A) is a facilitator-led course that introduces Red Cross employees and volunteers to the critical tasks necessary to initiate a chapter disaster public affairs response. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in case-based scenarios, group exercises, practice activities and open discussions.

COURSE PURPOSE: To prepare any Red Cross employee or volunteer to effectively respond to local media inquiries and to present the Red Cross message.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

- Learn how to gather and organize information from a local disaster scene.

- Understand the roles of the media in a disaster response and the importance of a successful partnership.

- Learn to access Red Cross Speaking Points and policies regarding the media and the process for successfully working within guidelines before, during, and after a disaster.

- Identify opportunities for ongoing Disaster Public Affairs involvement.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS CLASS: Anyone who may find themselves acting as a spokesperson for the Red Cross during a disaster. Since the media may seek out Red Cross volunteers wherever they are working, this could easily be any Red Cross disaster volunteer!

Note: This class is designed for Red Cross Disaster Volunteers. To become a volunteer, please contact your local Red Cross Office ( zip code locator: www.redcross.org )

State Farm Partners with Red Cross

NEWS RELEASE

July 21, 2010

 State Farm and Red Cross Partner to Raise Funds for Disaster Relief

Springfield, MO – State Farm has been a proud supporter of the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross for 17 years.  On July 24, 2010 the insurance company will present a check for $10,000 to the Chapter at the 17^th Annual State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open.  The money will provide help to victims of disaster in the 29 counties presently served by the Greater Ozarks Chapter.  The check presentation will include State Farm’s senior vice president, Lee Baumann. 

                        DATE:                       Saturday, July 24, 2010

                        TIME:                        1:15 p.m.

                        LOCATION:             Branson Creek Golf Club

                                                            1001 Branson Creek Blvd.

                                                            Hollister, MO  65627

The mission of the American Red Cross is to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies and this mission aligns with the mission of State Farm which is to help people recover from the unexpected- putting their hands and feet to the same promise for thousands of people in  Missouri.  Working together as good neighbors, the two organizations are able to help save lives and instill hope for their customers.  

About the American Red Cross:  The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

About State Farm:  State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S. and is the country’s leading insurer of watercraft.  State Farm’s 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees serve more than 78 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and more than 1.9 million bank accounts.  State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies.  State Farm is ranked No. 32 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.  For more information, please visit statefarm.com.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

Join us for the 17th Annual State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open scheduled for July 24 at Branson Creek Golf Club in Hollister, MO.  For more information or to register log onto www.redcross-ozarks.org or contact Joann Moore at 832-9500, ext. 107.   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

Good Friends And Great Golf Fore A Grand Cause

Celebrate summer with the 2010 State Farm & Red Cross Disaster Services Open on Saturday, July 24 at Branson Creek Golf Club in Hollister, Missouri. Proceeds from the annual tournament will benefit the Disaster Relief Fund of the American Red Cross (ARC).

Organized by the Greater Ozarks Chapter (GOC) of the ARC, in partnership with State Farm Insurance, the competition has raised more than $750,000 since its inception in 1994. Want to participate? Become a player or sponsor.

The cost to play in the tournament is $250 per person or $750 per team. Sponsorship opportunities vary. For more information about sponsorships, please call Greg James of the ARC-GOC at 417-832-9500, ext. 105.

Registration forms and other materials are available online. Please fax the appropriate form to 417-866-3649.

Complimentary soft drinks, water, and lunch will be served at the tournament. Players may purchase $10 raffle tickets to win a week's stay in Florida. Raffle tickets may be bought in advance at the ARC-GOC office in Springfield, 1545 N. West Bypass. On the day of the tournament, players may buy tickets at Branson Creek Golf Club, 1001 Branson Creek Boulevard, Hollister.

For additional information about the State Farm & Red Cross Disaster Services Open, please contact Joann Moore of the GOC at 417-832-9500, ext. 107 or at moorej@redcross-ozarks.org.

Libby Donohue, Red Cross Volunteer

Volunteer Responders Needed for Tranining and Simulation

 

NEWS RELEASE

July 12, 2010

 

: Volunteer Responders needed for Disaster Response Simulation in

Springfield

Release Date:   For immediate release

Contact:          ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Pat Chambers, (573) 437-5100, ext. 105

 

Volunteers are being sought for a disaster response simulation in Springfield on Friday and Saturday, August 2^nd and 3^rd.  The drill will implement the Pathfinders Disaster Response system which is being adopted by the State of Missouri. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council (MOSILC) are partners in bringing the Pathfinders system to Missouri

 

(SEMA) is seeking emergency management and disaster response professionals as well as organization and individual volunteers for this simulation exercise. The volunteers are needed for the simulation planning meeting Friday, August 6th from 6 until 9pm and then for the actual simulation exercise Saturday the 7th from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

 

In very basic terms, Pathfinders accomplishes two major missions when they deploy.  First they provide a “ground zero” door-to-door “wellness check”.  Their canvassing of the impacted area is done with a text-based communications device, a type of cell phone that is loaded with text-based software.  These devices can communicate to a server based at the established Emergency Operations Center (EOC) without the need for operating cell towers, or can be operated as satellite phones.  When a wellness check reveals the need for response for medical or other needs, the easy to use texting format sends the life-saving information back to the EOC where the information is immediately addressed and assistance can be on its way in the matter of minutes instead of waiting for responders to return to the EOC at the end of the day which delays necessary response by hours.

 

The second element of the Pathfinders system builds the volunteer base needed to quickly canvass an impacted area. When responders contact someone during canvass that is not injured or requiring assistance, those individuals are asked to assist with the response effort. They are invited to attend a “quick-train” process the next day at the EOC which trains them to complete the wellness checks and use the communication devices. With the training completed these new responders join the Pathfinders team responding the needs of their community!

 

Pathfinder simulation exercise volunteers should have completed three FEMA certification courses prior to the event.  They are IS 100, 200 and 700.  All of these courses can be completed on line through the FEMA or SEMA websites. 

 

At least 100 area volunteers are needed for the simulation exercise August 6th and 7th.  If you are interested please contact Luke Bolz at the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross via email at BolzL@Redcross-Ozarks.org or by phone at (417) 832-9500 extension 141. or you can contact MOSILC Emergency Management Chairperson Pat Chambers at pchambers@heartlandilc.org or by phone at (573) 437-5100, ext. 105.  The deadline for volunteer registration is Monday, August 2^nd. 

 

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

Join us for the 17th Annual State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open scheduled for July 24 at Branson Creek Golf Club in Hollister, MO.  For more information or to register log onto www.redcross-ozarks.org or contact Joann Moore at 832-9500, ext. 107.   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

Babysitter's Camp - Red Cross

7/9/2010

Last Opportunity to Register for Babysitter’s Camp!

Springfield, MO – It’s one job that many kids look forward to doing – and can start at an early age. Making sure they have the information and skills needed for this to be done as safely as possible is the goal of the American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter. The Red Cross offers a week-long babysitting camp to kids ages 11 and up. At the present time there is a limited amount of scholarship money available for those individuals who need assistance with some of the cost.

Babysitters will be certified in Adult, Infant and Child CPR and First Aid, as well as Babysitters Training. There will by special guest speakers daily, an opportunity to take home a “crying baby” and care for it overnight, and crafts.

Date: July 19^th – 23rd

Time: 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 p.m.

Place: Greater Ozarks Chapter Office

1545 N. West Bypass, Springfield

Cost: $150

This camp empowers the kids by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to handle an emergency situation. They also learn about leadership as well as some business basics like writing a resume and interviewing for a job.

Lunches and snacks are included in the cost of camp. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register for this camp, call the Health and Safety Department at 866-206-0256.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO. 65803

417-832-9500 EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

Join us for the 17th Annual State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open scheduled for July 24 at Branson Creek Golf Club in Hollister, MO. For more information or to register log onto www.redcross-ozarks.org or contact Joann Moore at 832-9500, ext. 107.

SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of an emergency!

Sensational IT Dude!

Debi writes:

I just had an email from an Exec in Nebraska – please see her quote below. What a wonderful Team we have here!

Debi Meeds

Chief Executive Officer

Greater Ozarks Chapter

Tina wrote:

...And by the way, we had a sensational IT Dude from Missouri (a rare tech guy with great people skills) on our DR115 Nebraska 6/10 Floods, who I believe belongs to one of your Community Chapters [Lebanon Office], Debi. His name is David Sewell. I know we had other terrific volunteers from within the Midwest Division—thanks to all of you for recruiting, training & sending your DSHR folks to Nebraska!

Tina Labellarte

Chief Executive Officer

American Red Cross

Heartland Chapter

Omaha, NE 68124

Welcome Libby!

Greater Ozarks Blog to Gradually Shift Appearance

During the next few months, our blog will gradually show some changes. We’ll keep bringing you timely information about the events, activities, and experiences of the people affiliated with the Greater Ozarks Chapter (GOC) of the American Red Cross (ARC). We’ll also begin to include different sorts of features and toss in a few more photos along the way.

My name is Libby Donohue, and I’m a new volunteer at the chapter. In December 2009, I graduated from Missouri State University with a Master of Arts in Writing. Having admired my hard-won diploma long enough, I recently decided to exercise my skills by assisting the fantastic crew at the GOC of the ARC. I’m very happy about the opportunity to help out with the chapter’s blog and pitch in a bit with other publications.

A dozen years ago in Minnesota, I served at the Saint Paul Area Chapter of the Red Cross as a member of Disaster Services. Midway through this decade, I moved to Springfield. While attending grad school at Missouri State, I volunteered with the campus chapter of Sierra Club as the web director and blog editor. Now I look forward to learning about the happenings of the GOC! You’ll get to read about some of those happenings right here in our blog. And I just might ask you a few questions along the way.

Libby Donohue, Red Cross Volunteer

socialmedia@redcross-ozarks.org

Holiday Weekend Fires

NEWS RELEASE

July 6, 2010

Red Cross Helps Family of 9

 

Mountain Grove, MO — The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to a call for help on July 4, 2010 in Mountain Grove (Douglas County).  A member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) met with a family of 9 including seven children ranging in ages from 16 months to age 13.  Their mobile home was completely destroyed by fire and volunteer Tammy Spencer was at the scene to offer comfort and support.  After assessing their basic emergency needs, the family was provided with temporary shelter, food and clothing. 

            Volunteers also responded to a call for a fire in Springfield (Greene County) on 7/4/2010.  Two family members experienced minor damage to their home.  Other fires over the holiday weekend occurred on 7/03/2010 in Joplin (Jasper County) and McDowell in Barry County.  Both were single family dwellings and both were destroyed. 

            The Greater Ozarks Chapter helped a total of 16 people as a result of these fires. 

 

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org

 

 

Join us for the 17th Annual State Farm/Red Cross Disaster Services Open scheduled for July 24 at Branson Creek Golf Club in Hollister, MO.  For more information or to register log onto www.redcross-ozarks.org or contact Joann Moore at 832-9500, ext. 107.   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!