2012 Tax Return Donation Option

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Donation on State Tax Forms

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/20/12

 

 

The American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region is encouraging Missouri taxpayers to check the Red Cross donation box on state income tax forms to make a contribution to the Red Cross.

Missouri is one of four states that allow taxpayers to mark a checkbox in state income tax forms to donate to American Red Cross chapters in the state. The Missouri law with this provision was passed in 2011.

 

“Contributions through this checkbox program will enable the Red Cross to provide valuable, lifesaving services in communities here in Missouri” said Debi Meeds; Regional CEO. ”By donating part of their tax refund to Red Cross chapters in our state, Missouri residents make these resources available in their own backyard and meet the need of their neighborhood for the reliable, compassionate service of Red Cross workers and volunteers.

 

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year, with nearly 600 chapters nationwide providing relief when disaster hits, whether it be a hurricane, tornado, flood or single-family house fire. Red Cross chapters serve members of the armed forces and their families at home and abroad. Chapters host lifesaving blood drives and teach health and safety courses in CPR, water safety and babysitting.

 

People who have already filed their taxes this year but would still like to donate to the Red Cross should contact The Southern Missouri Regional Red Cross office at 1-866-206-0256 or visit www.redcross.org .

 

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 more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

 

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

When Disaster Becomes Personal

Roger Lang is no stranger to disaster or to the American Red Cross, having spent countless volunteer hours on the giving end of the Red Cross preparedness message and community outreach. As a young man he worked side by side for 14 years with his mother, a Red Cross Volunteer, teaching first aid and CPR. As a “Storm Chaser” back in Kansas, he has seen his fair share of tornadoes and the devastation they leave in their path.

Many times in the aftermath of disaster, he said to people “I am so sorry for your loss, I understand your pain.” Lang stated “I said that to people to comfort them, but I didn’t really know or understand that pain until it happened to me.”

Roger was asleep in his mobile home at 1:25 am on February 29, 2012 in the neighborhood known as Mount Branson, Missouri. That’s when disaster struck. Roger had watched the evening news and was aware that the weather was stormy, but said it did not appear to be something he should worry about at that time. He and Blossom, his seizure assist dog, went to bed knowing that if the weather were to get worse they would hear the storm sirens.

Unfortunately, the storm siren never sounded. According to news reports, “a warning service that likely cost millions of dollars failed to activate when tornadoes hit Branson, MO, last week (KSPR).” 33 individuals were reported to have minor injuries but thankfully no lives were lost. Roger Lang was among those injured, sustaining a broken foot when a large tree in his front yard uprooted and toppled onto his mobile home. Roger lay unconscious, trapped in his bed with the roof and walls burying he and Blossom.

When he awoke, it was to the sound of the wind and rain which blew freely through his shattered home. Blossom, ever by his side, was sitting over him with a protective stance. They had survived. It was then that Roger found himself on the receiving end of Red Cross services. He spent three days in the Disaster Shelter and worked with a Red Cross caseworker, Volunteer Jackie McCracken, to get a sense of normalcy back. Roger lost everything in the disaster, yet “he just jumped right in and started helping us (Red Cross Volunteers) and the other victims in the shelter” says McCracken.

It is through the assistance of The American Red Cross and other partner agencies that Roger has found a home. He and Blossom visited the Multi-Agency Relief Center (MARC) in Branson and were able to connect with resources that he may not have known about or had access to without the assistance of Jackie and the other Red Cross caseworkers. In the past two weeks they have begun to put things back to normal.

It is a gift from the American people that allows the Red Cross to help bring hope in the wake of disaster; to bring hope to Roger and Blossom. With great appreciation, Roger said “without the Red Cross, we wouldn’t have had anywhere to go after the storm and I don’t know where we would be today.”

The last message Roger asked me to share was one of preparedness. As we discussed the events surrounding the disaster, Roger reminded me that it is our personal responsibility to make sure that we are safe by being prepared. Having a plan that includes a disaster kit. Be informed by using a weather radio because "you never know if you will hear the sirens or not."

2012 Verizon Wireless Donation

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Receives $50,000 Donation From Verizon Wireless

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/14/12

The American Red Cross is proud to accept a very generous donation of $50,000 from Verizon Wireless. “We have been long time partners with the local Verizon Wireless team and have always received excellent care and service from them. We are so excited and thankful to see it in this response to the recent disaster as well.” says Red Cross Volunteer, Carolyn Farrar, who works closely with the local Verizon team regarding the Southern Missouri Region phone contract.

 

“Verizon Wireless is proud to assist the American Red Cross and to work directly with our Red Cross volunteers throughout Southern Missouri as they respond to the recent round of tornado damage in our local communities,” said Brendan Fallis, president – Kansas/Missouri region, Verizon Wireless.

“In addition to our contribution of $50,000 to the American Red Cross we encourage every customer to continue to support the efforts of the Red Cross by making a $10 donation via text message.”

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift. It is through donations like this from businesses and members of the community that make this type of response possible. People can help those affected by disasters like these Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

 

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

-End-

 

UPDATE onf Fire Response

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Response to Chardonnay Apartment Fire

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/14/12

 

This Just in:  The need for sheltering of the residents of the Chardonnay Apartments has been fulfilled by the Complex Management team, and Red Cross Shelter operation is standing down.

 

As of this time the Red Cross has opened 31 cases for assistance and will continue to work with each of the individuals on a case by case basis. The type of assistance varies from helping to replace medications and eyeglasses to referrals for clothing.

 

 

 

 

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift from the community. Your donations make this type of response possible. People can help those affected by disasters by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter at 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield, MO 65803. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

 

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

 

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

2012 Chardonnay Fire Response

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Response to Chardonnay Apartment Fire

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/14/12

 

 

The American Red Cross is on scene at Chardonnay Apartments in Springfield, MO. where a fire destroyed multiple units in the 48 unit building. At this time Red Cross caseworkers have opened 31cases for assistance and a shelter is being prepared at Daysprings Christian Fellowship Center, 2175 N. Prospect Ave. in Springfield where we will be housing approximately 25-30 people. As the Red Cross Shelter is being set up, the residents who were displaced by the fire are being taken care of at the apartment complex club house where lunch will be served within the hour.

 

The Red Cross set the partnership response into action by contacting the Greene County Office of Emergency who and has assistance from the Springfield Emergency Vet Clinic for pets who have also been affected. A team from the clinic will be arriving at the complex where they will work with pet owners to ensure that these “fur kids” are not forgotten. Registration of the animals will take place and the Clinic will transport them to the clinic shelter area until they can be reunited with their owners.

 

City Utilities of Springfield will be arriving at 12:30 to pick up those needing transportation to the shelter location.  Those who can drive and have access to get to the shelter are of course being encouraged to take themselves; however transportation will be available for those whose keys were lost in the fire or for those that may not drive.

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift from the community. Your donations make this type of response possible. People can help those affected by disasters by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter at 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield, MO 65803. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

 

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

 

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

2012 Branson MARC Closes Service Continues

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Transitions To Close MARC; Service Continues

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/9/12

 

The American Red Cross continues to provide for the emergency needs of individuals affected by the tornadoes that caused significant damage across the Southern Missouri Region. To date the Red Cross has served over 4500 hot meals, snacks and bottled waters while Volunteers in the SOMO Region have donated over 7000 hours, making this response possible. Caseworkers have opened 127 cases providing emergency assistance to 274 individuals. Written referrals to partnering agencies within the MARC have allowed assistance to be seamless between the Red Cross and partners such as Catholic Charities and Salvation Army, which keeps services from being duplicated.

 

The Multi-Agency Relief Center (MARC) continues the “whole community” approach to recovery that begins in the initial response phase. As needs are met and the number of clients coming in to receive services becomes less, we begin the transition to close the MARC. In order to make the most of donated dollars, the MARC will close on Saturday 3/10/12 at 5:00 pm. At that time assistance will revert back to outreach and individual calls for assistance.  Clients or individuals still needing additional services in Barry, Dallas, Stone and Taney counties are encouraged to call the toll free number for Red Cross Disaster Services at #866-206-0256. Additional referrals will continue with partners as needs are identified.  

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift from the community. Your donations make this type of response possible. People can help those affected by disasters like these Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

Additional information about volunteering in the area can be obtained by calling 2-1-1. Donations are currently being collected and distributed at Tri-Lakes Church, 2527 St. HWY 248 Branson, MO. between 9 am and 4 pm Monday-Friday.

 

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.

 

2012 Wild Fire Response March

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Regional Response to Wild Fires

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/7/12

 

Overnight the American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region handled multiple responses in Hickory, Dallas and Laclede Counties with canteening for Firefighters who were working hard to contain large wild fires. This is a terrifying reminder about how quickly the wind can turn a tiny spark into a disaster. Be sure you always check local wind and burn advisories before doing any “controlled” burning.

 

More and more people are making their homes in woodland settings in or near forests and rural areas. There, homeowners enjoy the beauty of the environment but face the very real danger of wildfire. The Red Cross reminds you to follow the steps listed below to protect your family, home, and property.

 

• Regularly clean roof and gutters.
• Use 1/2-inch mesh screen beneath porches, decks, floor areas, and the home itself. Also, screen openings to floors, roof, and attic.
• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries at least once each year.
• Keep a ladder that will reach the roof.
• Consider installing protective shutters or heavy fire-resistant drapes.
• Keep handy household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, axe, handsaw or chainsaw, bucket, and shovel.
• Design and landscape your home with wildfire safety in mind by choosing building materials and plants that resist fire. For example, hardwood trees are less flammable than pine, evergreen, eucalyptus or fir tree

• Rake leaves, dead limbs, and twigs. Clear all flammable vegetation.
• Remove leaves and rubbish from under structures and dispose of them properly.
• Remove dead branches that extend over the roof.
• Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a stovepipe or chimney outlet.
• Remove vines from the walls of the home and mow grass regularly.

 

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

 

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)

 

 

2012 MARC Opens in Branson MO

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Opening of Multi-Agency Relief Center (MARC)

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/13/12

 

The American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region is partnering with other local agencies to provide a “one stop shop” of relief resources to the victims of the Tornado that affected more than 300 residences across multiple counties. This resource center is open to all victims across the Southern Missouri Region.

 

The Multi-Agency Relief Center or MARC, will be opening at the Factory Merchants Mall (Red Roof Mall)

1000 Pat Nash Dr. Bldg #7 in Branson, MO on Monday 3/5/2012 at 12:00 noon and remain open until 5:00 pm. Hours of operation the remainder of the week will be Tuesday thru Saturday 8:00 – 5:00. (3/6-3/10)

 

The Red Cross Shelter in Branson, MO will close on Sunday 3/4/2012 at noon. The Red Cross currently has caseworkers at the Branson Recreation Plex Shelter. Caseworkers are working with each individual to provide assistance with relocation.  As shelter operations transition the focus changes from emergency response to recovery. The MARC continues the whole community recovery that began during the response phase.

 

Partner resources available at the MARC will include: American Red Cross, AmeriCorps, Catholic Charities of Southwest Missouri, FEMA, Independent Living Center, MSU University Extension, MO Housing Development Commission, MO Assn. of Trial Attorneys / Missouri Bar, MO Family Support Division, MO Dept. of Social Services, MO. Dept. of Mental Health, Salvation Army, Tzu Chi Foundation, United Way 2-1-1, NOVA for emotional support and comfort, Ozarks Food Harvest and others. Services will include gas and food vouchers, financial assistance, sign up for debris removal, counseling, and much more.

 

It takes an entire community working together to recover from a disaster. Together the Red Cross and partner agencies will ensure that the areas in the Southern Missouri Region, currently crippled by disaster, come back stronger than ever.

 

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

 

About the American Red Cross:

You can help people affected by disasters like the Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. 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. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

 

2012 Leap Day Storms Relief Efforts Continue

			Southern Missouri Region 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield MO 65803 417-832-9500 Ext. 1107 Contact:  Nigel Holderby holderbyn@redcross-ozarks.org

Red Cross Response Still On Going to Tornado Affected Region

 

American Red Cross; Southern Missouri Region 3/2/12

 

Red Cross of Southern Missouri is in full swing responding to the tornado affected counties within the Region. Food and water is being sent out on Emergency Response Vehicles (ERV) to the areas daily, and the Shelter at the Rec Plex in Branson, MO is still open and providing for the needs of 22 individuals.  To date the Red Cross has served over 1000 hot meals and over 2500 snacks and bottled waters.  If you are in the Powersite, MO area in Taney County today watch for the Red Cross ERV which will be providing mobile meals today around 11:00 and then again this evening. A Location for the Multi-Agency Resource Center ( MARC) are being worked out for the Branson area and we will be announcing that information as soon as details are known.

 

Red Cross Volunteers have visited with and opened cases for assistance with victims in the Cassville area and will be headed back to Buffalo, MO today to continue work with the victims there.  Currently the Red Cross has a count of over 300 affected homes.

 

If you are in the Buffalo area and have been affected by the tornado, Caseworkers will be in the Mobile Home Community that was hardest hit, just two miles south of Buffalo. If people in the Buffalo area need assistance from the Red Cross we are advising them to contact the Red Cross Office at #866-206-0256 to make an appointment with the Caseworkers today. An appointment is not necessary, if you are in the area and need assistance, please go to the Mobile Home Community after 10:30 this morning 3/2/2012.

 

All assistance provided by the Red Cross is a gift from the community. Your donations make this type of response possible. People can help those affected by disasters like these Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

 

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 or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

-End-

 

In Service,

 

K. Nigel Holderby

Chief Communications Officer

 

American Red Cross

Southern Missouri Region

(417) 832-9500 ext 107 (p) 

(417) 207-6349 (c)