Red Cross helps kick off 2011 Toys for Tots this Friday December 2nd!!!

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

American Red Cross partners with

Toys for Tots to share holiday smiles.

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/30/2011

Due to a very generous donation of children's toys from K&M
International, The American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter will
partner with Toys for Tots this season to share some holiday cheer with
the children of Joplin and Southern Missouri.

After the very devastating tornado that happened this past May in
Joplin, K&M Int. contacted our Chapter to discuss the donation and how
it could make a difference in the upcoming holiday season. It was agreed
that the donation would be stored in the Springfield Disaster Services
warehouse and then distributed to the children at the Holidays through a
partner agency.

Friday, December 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM is the kick off for the US97 36
hour Toy Drive at the Battlefield Mall parking lot in Springfield, MO.
The Red Cross will meet the Marine Toys for Tots to transfer thousands
of toys from our care into the hands of those who will carry them on to
the smiling faces of less fortunate children in our community.

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby:
holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

About K&M International:

K&M International, Inc. specializes in nature/wildlife related plush and
non-plush toys under the brand Wild Republic. K&M strives to educate the
global community about the wonders of nature through creative play in
keeping with its mission of "Education with Recreation". The packaging
for all toys contains educational facts about the particular species,
their habitats and characteristics. K&M is also an avid supporter of
wildlife and environmental causes.

About Toys for Tots:

The mission of the U.S Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to
collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts
to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is
conducted.

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

GetSomeGreek & Alpha Sigma Alpha to present check to Red Cross in Joplin.

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

GetSomeGreek & Alpha Sigma Alpha

to present donation to the Red Cross

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, Joplin MO ~ 11/30/2011

GetSomeGreek and Alpha Sigma Alpha will be presenting a check to
American Red Cross, Joplin Executive, Dave Dillon, on Tuesday, December
6, 2011 at 9:00 AM. The presentation will be in the ballroom of
Billingsly Student Center; Room #335 on the MSSU Campus in Joplin, MO.

Upon hearing of the devastation to the Joplin community, Gerard Ewing,
co-owner of GetSomeGreek, contacted Alpha Sigma Alpha about partnering
with them to promote T-shirts that would raise money for the Joplin
community. GetSomeGreek designed and donated the shirts and Alpha Sigma
Alpha promoted the shirts to their members for purchase. The shirts were
also promoted to members of other fraternities and sororities across the
U.S. via social media channels. Alpha Sigma Alpha's Zeta Alpha Chapter
is located at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, MO. Many of
the members' families as well as alumnae in the area were affected by
the tornados. The long standing relationship that GetSomeGreek and Alpha
Sigma Alpha have was the vehicle that allowed the two organizations to
partner for a much needed cause

Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority is dedicated to developing women of poise and
purpose. Since its founding in 1901 at Longwood University in Farmville,
VA, the sorority has grown into a strong organization consisting of more
than 165 collegiate and alumnae chapters and associations nationwide.
Alpha Sigma Alpha is headquartered in Indianapolis.

GetSomeGreek is a custom and retail fashion supplier dedicated to the
fraternity and sorority market across North America. Opening in 2004,
GetSomeGreek has supplied products to organizations on more than 500
college campuses and to individuals across the United States and Canada.
GetSomeGreek is headquartered in St. Louis, MO.

For additional information regarding this story contact Nigel Holderby -
holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

Red Cross generator becomes operational today!

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Disaster & Safety Services Office

is Red Cross Ready!

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/23/2011

Today, November 23, 2011 at 12:00 PM the Red Cross Disaster & Safety
Services office and warehouse at 1545 N. West Bypass in Springfield, MO.
will be going offline for a short period of time while a City Utilities
team connects the new generator to the building. Not to worry, our
phones are never off, so our staff and Volunteers are still able to
respond to the needs of the community should they occur.

During the 2007 Missouri Ice Storm, disaster hit the disaster
responders. The overwhelming loss of power across the city of
Springfield and the surrounding areas meant that shelters were opening
to provide a warm, safe place for families to stay as the city and
county worked diligently around the clock to restore power. "One of the
things we do during a disaster is open a Shelter. This was no different
and our office, specifically our heated warehouse, was turned into a
storm shelter; until we lost power." said Greg Gaines, Red Cross
Regional Mass Care Coordinator.

In 2008 we began working towards the goal of being able to practice what
we preach in disaster preparedness. We needed to be Red Cross Ready. We
worked hard on fundraising campaigns, have saved towards the purchase of
this generator every year and it has finally happened. We were able to
purchase the generator and begin its installation this fall.

"The Ice Storm moved the need for a generator to the top of our priority
list. Thanks to our faithful donors and our Volunteer, Ralph Wise, who
is also a retired engineer, this need has been fulfilled. We believe our
community is safer as our ability to respond will not be impaired in the
event of electrical failure!" says Debi Meeds Regional CEO for the
Greater Ozarks Region.

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby.

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

Red Cross and Toys for Tots partner to share Holiday smiles!

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

American Red Cross partners with

Toys for Tots to share holiday smiles.

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/22/2011

Due to a very generous donation of children's toys from K&M
International, The American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter will
partner with Toys for Tots this season to share some holiday cheer with
the children of Joplin and Southern Missouri.

After the very devastating tornado that happened this past May in
Joplin, K&M Int. contacted our Chapter to discuss the donation and how
it could make a difference in the upcoming holiday season. It was agreed
that the donation would be stored in the Springfield Disaster Services
warehouse and then distributed to the children at the Holidays through a
partner agency.

Friday, December 2, 2011 at 10:00 AM is the kick off for the US97 36
hour Toy Drive at the Battlefield Mall parking lot in Springfield, MO.
The Red Cross will meet the Marine Toys for Tots to transfer thousands
of toys from our care into the hands of those who will carry them on to
the smiling faces of less fortunate children in our community.

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby:
holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

About K&M International:

K&M International, Inc. specializes in nature/wildlife related plush and
non-plush toys under the brand Wild Republic. K&M strives to educate the
global community about the wonders of nature through creative play in
keeping with its mission of "Education with Recreation". The packaging
for all toys contains educational facts about the particular species,
their habitats and characteristics. K&M is also an avid supporter of
wildlife and environmental causes.

About Toys for Tots:

The mission of the U.S Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to
collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts
to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is
conducted.

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Regional Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO. 65803

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p)

(866) 206-0256 (toll free)

(417) 207-6349 (c)

(417) 866-3649 (f)

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

<http://www.redcross.org/gifts>

Fire Victims Express Gratitude for American Red Cross and Community

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Fire Victims Express Gratitude for American Red Cross and Community.

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/21/2011

During what is often referred to as "Fire Season" one of the busiest
times of the year for house fires, we had an opportunity to speak with
Roger Prichard who is very thankful for the American Red Cross and his
community.

On November 1, 2011 The Prichard family lost their home to a fire. They
were unable to salvage anything after the fire, but were thankful that
there was no loss of life. When asked, Roger said of his experience with
the Red Cross during this devastating situation, "it was mind-blowing."
When the Red Cross Volunteers showed up to see what assistance was
needed, they were "compassionate and genuinely concerned for the welfare
of the entire family". Providing money for them to have a place to stay
for a few days and providing them the ability to get toothpaste and
clothes meant the world to him and his family.

The Red Cross responds during the darkest hour just after a disaster.
Being able to help the Prichard's during this time and meet their
immediate basic needs is only possible with the help of our Volunteers
and those who donate to the American Red Cross.

As Roger said to us his "gratefulness and thanks for The Red Cross and
his community is beyond what words can express". It is with that level
of gratitude that we give our thanks, beyond what words can express, to
our Volunteers and Donors.

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby ~
holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Regional Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO. 65803

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p)

(866) 206-0256 (toll free)

(417) 207-6349 (c)

(417) 866-3649 (f)

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

<http://www.redcross.org/gifts>

Clara Barton to make appearance at Bolivar MO Holiday Parade December 10th

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Clara Barton set to make appearance at Bolivar, Mo.

Holiday Parade on December 10th, 2011

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/15/2011

Clara Barton, founder of The American Red Cross, set forth a mission of
service to her fellow Americans during times of war as well as peace.
Volunteer Kathy Dennis is committed to the mission of the American Red
Cross, just as Clara Barton was back in 1881.

Kathy is the Regional Disaster Coordinator for the Southern Missouri
Region; she is also a Red Cross CPR Instructor. She has been a Red Cross
volunteer now for the past 6 years. When asked why she volunteers
Kathy's response is simple. "I want to give back to the community and
help people."

One of the most rewarding jobs she does with the Red Cross is teaching
others. Whether it is disaster training or CPR doesn't matter, each
gives her a feeling of accomplishment just by sharing with others these
lifesaving skills.

As a volunteer Kathy embodies the spirit of Clara Barton in her everyday
actions, so it seems rather normal for us to see her donning the uniform
of yesteryear from time to time. During a housecleaning day at the
Joplin Red Cross office, she and a team of AmeriCorps members came
across a treasure trove of memorabilia. Among the treasures were several
old "Clara Barton" 1800 style Red Cross uniforms and nurses attire.

Since that find last year, Kathy has been bringing Clara "back to life"
so to speak. With Kathy's help, Clara has been in the Veterans Day
Parades in Joplin and West Plains and currently is planning an
appearance at the Bolivar Holiday Parade on December 10th, 2011 just 15
days before what will mark her 190th Birthday.

Does Clara Barton have future plans to be a part of the Red Cross
current day? "Absolutely" says Kathy. Whether it is a parade or a visit
to local schools, there will always be a place for Clara in our day to
day interaction with the community. Just one more way that Kathy and
other Volunteers find a way to "give back".

For additional information regarding this story, or to find out how you
can get "Clara Barton" involved with your organization, please contact
Nigel Holderby.

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

Breaking News! Joplin Tornado Disaster Response to be featured tonight on HDNEt

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Breaking News! Joplin Tornado Disaster Response to be featured tonight
at 7:00 on HDNet

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/15/2011-

http://www.hd.net/blogs/avoiding-the-auction-block-november-15-2011/

The Dan Rather Report will be airing a story about the Disaster Response
for the May 22, 2011 Joplin tornado. The reporter and film crew were on
scene at the State of Missouri Public Safety training exercise in
Lebanon Mo. on October 28th to see and experience the extent of training
that our Red Cross Volunteers go through in order to be prepared to
respond in the event of a disaster.

The story is the third part of the 1 hour segment to be aired this
evening.

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby.

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Regional Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO. 65803

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p)

(866) 206-0256 (toll free)

(417) 207-6349 (c)

(417) 866-3649 (f)

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

<http://www.redcross.org/gifts>

October Shows 99 Lives Affected by Personal Disaster. The Red Cross is There!

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Disaster Action Team

Month in Review

October 2011

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 11/3/2011-

During the month of October 2011, The American Red Cross Disaster Action
Team responded to multiple house and apartment fires resulting in 34
cases.

What is a case? The number of cases translates into the number of
families who have been affected by a disaster. To make more sense out of
this number, let's break it down further into the number of individuals
who were affected by a personal disaster.

99

In the month of October 2011, 99 individual lives were changed by a
personal disaster. These are our neighbors. They represent mothers,
fathers, brothers and sisters. Every day Red Cross Volunteers are on
the scene providing help and hope.

Unfortunately, as we move into November, we will see many more
disasters. We would like to take the time to thank the Volunteers who
are in the communities giving hope to our neighbors with the help of the
monetary assistance provided through donations to the American Red
Cross.

For more specific information or interviews in regards to this news
release please contact:

Nigel Holderby ~ holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

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
<http://www.redcross.org/> or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org
<http://blog.redcross.org/> .

-End-