2011 Resolve to Give - Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO 65803

Contact: Nigel Holderby

Telephone: 417-207-6349

Resolve to Help Someone With

Tax Deductible Donation to American Red Cross

Thursday, December 29, 2011 - The new year is a time for making
resolutions, and the American Red Cross is urging people to resolve to
help someone by making a tax-deductible donation to the Red Cross before
the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve.

Many people make charitable contributions at the end of the year as part
of their holiday tradition, and the Red Cross depends on these donations
to provide hope, help and compassion. Nationally, donations in December
account for about 20 percent of all non-disaster contributions from the
public to the Red Cross.

"As 2011 draws to a close, we are asking everyone to remember those who
need help and contribute to the Red Cross," said Debi Meeds, Southern
Missouri Regional CEO "This end-of-year generosity will allow us to help
a disaster victim, a member of the military, a hospital patient, someone
learning to swim."

The Red Cross is urging people to give something that means something
before the New Year, donating at www.redcross.org
<http://www.redcross.org/> , giving by check or by phone.

A Red Cross national poll found that 57 percent of those surveyed
planned to donate to charity during the holiday season, and more than
half of them (54 percent) plan to give at least $50.

Hundreds of thousands of people needed help from the Red Cross in 2011,
their lives forever changed by disasters like tornadoes, floods,
wildfires and hurricanes in the U.S., and earthquakes and other
disasters around the world. In the U.S., the Red Cross launched 137
domestic disaster relief operations
<http://www.redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/infographics/2011Disast
ersInfographic.pdf> in 46 states and territories to help people
affected by fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. In addition, major
international disasters included the Japan earthquake and tsunami
response and the continuing work following the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

In addition, people can still go to the American Red Cross Holiday Gift
Catalog
<https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=gc11_index&s_sr
c=RSS11100ERCL&s_subsrc=RCO_FrontPagePanel> and buy a symbolic gift.
These also are tax-deductible contributions to the overall Red Cross
mission.

The catalog include donations for items such as a military comfort kit
filled with a phone card, robe, shower shoes, toiletries and an MP3
music gift card for those who have been wounded.

Disaster-related items include blankets to wrap around a woman standing
in her yard this winter after her house has burned to the ground; hot
meals to make sure no one goes hungry when a disaster strikes; or a
toothbrush, soap and other essential personal care supplies for a child
sheltered from a storm.

For those with global interests, the Holiday Gift Catalog contains a
number of gifts to bring Red Cross services to people in crisis
overseas. These include emergency water containers to help families
collect and store clean water, tarps to provide temporary shelter and
shovels to dig ditches when floods threaten.

What better way to finish 2011with early action on a resolution to lend
a helping hand? Help someone in need and resolve to contribute to the
Red Cross before the end of the year.

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/> .

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>

2011 Fire Response for December

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Disasters Happen, Being Prepared Makes a Difference.

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter 12/23/2011-

Home fires are the most common disaster that the Red Cross responds to
and also the most preventable. In just the last 23 days of December, The
Greater Ozarks Chapter serving 29 counties, has responded to 41 fire
disaster, assisting 119 people of which 45 have been children under the
age of 18. Families need to take a few simple precautions to avoid
tragedies, such as having working smoke alarms on every level of their
homes and having family fire escape plans in place to help get everyone
out of the house safely. The American Red Cross recommends the following
when creating your family escape plan:

* Identify two ways to escape from every room in the home.

* Practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

* Select a safe location away from the home where your family
can meet after escaping.

* Consider purchasing and storing escape ladders for rooms above
ground level and make sure to learn how to use them.

* If you see smoke or fire in your first escape route, use your
second way out.

* If you must exit through smoke, crawl low under the smoke.

* Before escaping through a closed door, feel the door before
opening it. If it is warm, use your second escape route.

* If smoke, heat or flames block both of your exit routes, stay
in the room with the door closed. Place a rolled towel underneath the
door. Signal for help by waving a brightly colored cloth or shining a
flashlight at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the
fire department and let them know your exact location inside the home.

* Once you've escaped, stay out.

Keeping warm during winter is important, please be sure that you are
safe when using space heaters and fire places. Remember that over this
holiday weekend our Volunteers will be on call 24/7. Disaster takes no
Holiday, and neither does the Red Cross. Be Safe and Happy Holidays!

For additional information regarding the Red Cross response to house
fires 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/> .

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>

2011 Being Prepared

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield MO 65803

417-832-9500 Ext. 1107

Contact: Nigel Holderby

holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Disasters Happen, Being Prepared Makes a Difference.

American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Region, 12/20/2011-

Once a month Red Cross Volunteers meet to share a meal and stories of
success and sometimes heartbreak from communities across the 40 counties
we serve as the Greater Ozarks Region. Disasters happen every day and
those stories of loss are heartbreaking to the Volunteers who arrive on
the scene of a fire to help a family who has lost everything. When we
can share with each other the stories of people who were prepared, we
are confident that our mission is being fulfilled on more than just the
response level.

At our most recent meeting in the Joplin office we had one of those
success stories. A month ago, a Red Cross Volunteer was giving a
presentation and handing out pamphlets about Preparedness, First Aid and
CPR, to bus drivers from Carl Junction. Three weeks after the
presentation, one of the bus drivers started to have chest pains and
remembered what he was told at that presentation. He picked up his
pamphlet and realized he could be having a heart attack and called his
wife to take him to the emergency room. He found out he had 90% blockage
and was close to dying. The Doctor said if he would not have gone in, he
may not be here today.

This is just one example of how being prepared save lives. In another, a
disaster response in Springfield, Red Cross Volunteers responded to the
scene of a house fire. The loss was minimal as was the amount of
assistance needed from the Red Cross. You see, the renter of this home
had working smoke alarms as well as renters insurance. He was awakened
by the alarms when the fire started and was able to get out of his home
unharmed. The fire department was there within a short time, quickly
putting the fire out. Because he had renters insurance he was able to
utilize that for the majority of his needs.

In both of these situations, the live saving skills and knowledge that
the Red Cross is providing in your communities made a difference. You
can help by contacting the Red Cross in your community to learn how you
can become a Disaster Action Team Volunteer or CPR/First Aid and AED
Instructor in your community. Together we save lives. Together we make a
difference. Visit us online at www.redcross-ozarks.org for the office
nearest you.

For additional information please contact Nigel Holderby:
holderbn@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>

12 Days of Safety

Greater Ozarks Region

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO 65802

Contact: Nigel Holderby

Telephone: 414-207-6349

Red Cross Offers Tips For Twelve Days of Holiday Safety

To Keep The Season Safe, Happy And Bright

December 13, 2011 - Having a busy time getting ready for the holidays?
While everyone is shopping, baking, gift wrapping, decorating and going
to parties, the American Red Cross, Greater Ozarks Region, has holiday
tips to help make the season a safe one.

Follow us on Facebook - American Red Cross: Greater Ozarks Region and
Twitter at @OzarksRedCross for a tip a day on being Red Cross Ready on
these 12 days before Christmas!

1. Prepare vehicle for traveling to grandmother's house. Build an
emergency kit and include items such as blankets or sleeping bags,
jumper cables, fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire
repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and a tow rope.

2. Drive the sleigh and reindeer safely. Avoid driving in a storm. If
travel is a must, let someone know the destination, the route being
taken to get there, and how long it should take to arrive. If the car
gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along the predetermined
route.

3. Help prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home if sick. Wash hands
with soap and water as often as possible, or use an alcohol-based hand
rub. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or
sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn't
available, someone should cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their
hands.

4. Follow Santa's fashion lead - dress in layers. When it is cold
outside, layered lightweight clothing will keep a person warmer than a
single heavy coat. Gloves and a hat will prevent loss of body heat.

5. Use a Red Cross-trained babysitter when attending holiday
festivities. Red Cross-certified babysitters learn to administer basic
first aid; properly hold and feed a child; take emergency action when
needed and monitor safe play. Some may be certified in Infant and Child
CPR.

6. Avoid danger while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. Stay in the
kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If leaving the kitchen
even for a short period of time, turn off the stove. This is important
because unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen
fires.

7. Be a lifesaver during the holidays. The Red Cross recommends at least
one person in every household should take first aid and CPR/AED
training. Visit www.redcross.org/training
<http://www.redcross.org/training> for details and to register.

8. Designate a driver or skip the holiday cheer. Buckle up, slow down,
and don't drive impaired. If someone plans on drinking, designate a
driver who won't drink.

9. When the weather outside is frightful, heat the home safely. Never
use a stove or oven to heat the home. Never leave portable heaters or
fireplaces unattended. Install smoke alarms.

10. Cut down on heating bills without being a Grinch. Get the furnace
cleaned and change the filters. Make sure furniture isn't blocking the
heat vents. Close off any rooms not in use and turn off the heat in
those rooms. Turn down the thermostat and put on a sweater.

11. Home for the holidays? Travel safely. Check the tire air pressure
and make sure the windshield fluid is full. Be well rested and alert.
Give full attention to the road - avoid distractions such as cell
phones. If someone has car trouble, pull off the road as far as
possible.

12. Resolve to Be Red Cross Ready in the New Year. Get ready now in case
someone in the household faces an emergency in 2012.

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/> .

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>

2011 November Fire Response

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 RESPONDS TO 40 HOME FIRES IN NOVEMBER

Greater Ozarks Region; 12/7/11 - Local American Red Cross volunteers
responded to 39 single family fires and 1 apartment fire in the month of
November. A team of Red Cross volunteers helped coordinate assistance in
the form of food, shelter, and emotional support due to fire damage to
their homes. Last year, the Greater Ozarks Region responded to 489
residential fires.

"We're deeply saddened for those affected by each and every fire that we
respond to" said Chris Harmon, Chief Emergency Services Officer. "As we
continue to provide support to those affected, we also encourage others
to take action to minimize the risk of a home fire."

The Red Cross recommends two easy steps to help protect your home and
loved ones from a fire: get a smoke alarm and create a fire escape plan.

* Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in
half according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
* Place smoke alarms on every level of your home, including
bedrooms.
* Test smoke alarms once a month and replace batteries at least
once a year.
* Have a plan in place can help you escape, including at least two
ways to escape from every room of your home and a meeting spot at a safe
distance from your home.
* Discuss the plan with everyone in the household and practice it
at least twice a year.

Red Cross volunteers on the scene were members of the Chapter's Disaster
Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the
scene of a local disaster when called upon at any time of the day or
night.

For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit
www.redcross.org/homefires or www.redcross-ozarks.org

To make a financial donation to your local Red Cross to help people
affected by house fires and other disasters here in the United States
and around the world, people can click, call or text -
www.redcross-ozarks.org, call 1-866-3649, or text the word REDCROSS to
90999 to make a $10 donation.

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/> .

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>

Why I am Proud to be a Blood Donor

 

I wanted to take a moment to talk about our fellow Red Crossers at Blood Services.  I have been a regular platelet donor for the past year (I’m officially at the year mark!  Woohoo!).  I was reflecting on that fact with a friend the other day, and he asked me what all was involved.  I told him that every two or three weeks I go in and spend 2 or 3 hours hooked up to a machine that takes my blood out, spins it around, and separates out my platelets (which I lovingly call my Orange Juice, since they’re a lovely shade of orange.  Haha).  He looked at me with an odd look and asked if it was a requirement of my job.  I told him that it wasn’t, I just volunteered to donate.  With a questioning look on his face, he asked why on earth I would do that when I occasionally complain to him about not having enough time to do all of the things that I want/need to do.

This got me thinking.  Why do I do it?  Why do I sacrifice so much of my own time to donate?  Why do I get put up with the overwhelming fear of needles that makes me queasy before the stick each week?  Why do I donate blood? 

American Red Cross - Holiday Blood

Earlier this week, I got my answer.  I was corresponding with a friend and colleague via eMail a few days back, and made the off-handed comment that the “Vampires were after me again”  (I had just received an eMail from Janine, the Donor Recruiter who schedules all of my appointments).  He asked what on earth I was talking about (I guess it does sound kinda kooky, huh?  Haha) and I told him about how I go every few weeks to donate.  His response was this:  “As someone who has received donor blood in the past, I sincerely thank you for your generosity.”  You see, my friend has Stage 4 cancer.  He has had many blood and platelet transfusions.  Just the thought that one of my donations may have gone to him is enough to keep me permanently hooked up to the machine.

I urge everyone, in this season of giving, to give of yourself in a way that not only can, but WILL mean the world to someone, somewhere.  If you can’t donate platelets, please consider a whole blood donation.  This process takes much less time (30 minutes or so) and you can give whole blood every 56 days.  If you aren’t eligible to donate for some reason, please consider asking your friends, family and co-workers who may be eligible to donate.  The life you save could be someone who you hold dear.

To find the nearest blood drive or donation center to you, please visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS 

Luke

Kristofer "Luke" Bolz

Chief Volunteer Services Officer | AmeriCorps Program Director | DSHR Administrator

American Red Cross | Southern Missouri Region