Give Something That Means Something

Campaign Urges Public To Give Something That Means Something

WASHINGTON — The American Red Cross launched its holiday campaign and urged people to give hope to those in need by giving something meaningful during the upcoming holiday season.

“Make this holiday season truly meaningful by supporting the Red Cross Holiday Campaign and helping a victim of disaster or someone needing blood, or by remembering a member of the Armed Forces who is far from home,” said Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the American Red Cross.

People can do something that means something and provide help through the Red Cross in five different ways:

Purchase a symbolic gift from the online catalog at www.redcross.org/gifts
Make a financial donation to the Red Cross
Schedule an appointment to give blood
Send cards to members of the Armed Forces through the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program
Give the gift of their time by becoming a Red Cross volunteer
Shoppers can go through the online Red Cross gift catalog and purchase a variety of symbolic gifts in the name of the people on their gift list. Their purchase can support the Red Cross mission in many different ways, such as helping a disaster victim, providing comfort kits for injured members of the Armed Forces or helping supply measles vaccinations around the world.

The purchase of each gift item is a tax-deductible contribution that supports the mission of the Red Cross. The catalog gifts are contributions toward a Red Cross program area, not a donation to a specific project or item. Those who participate will receive free gifts such as a Red Cross Water Bottle for a donation of $100 or more or a Family First Aid Kit for a donation of $200 or more.

DISASTER SERVICES Disasters affected thousands of people this year. Whether a home fire or a major disaster, many lost everything they owned. Every nine minutes the Red Cross responds to a disaster in this country and a financial donation can help the nearly 70,000 people who turn to the Red Cross every year for assistance with disasters big and small.

BLOOD SERVICES As many as 44,000 blood donations are needed every day across the country to meet the needs of hospital patients. During the holiday season, it is very difficult to collect enough blood for those who need it. People get busy with their holiday preparations and celebrations and giving blood is not a priority. A blood donation to the Red Cross can help save up to three lives.

SERVICE TO ARMED FORCES Many members of the military will be separated from their loved ones during the holidays this year. By remembering them through the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, people can lift their spirits with a thank-you card.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER One of the greatest gifts someone can give is the gift of time by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. There are many ways someone can volunteer with the Red Cross in their local community. Visit the “Ways to Volunteer” information on the Red Cross web site to learn how.

American Red Cross Providing Comfort after Midwest Tornadoes

The American Red Cross is responding across five states to help people affected by Sunday’s devastating tornado outbreak and severe weather in the Midwest, providing food, shelter and comfort to families and individuals in need.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by Sunday’s severe storms,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Red Cross workers are on the ground now providing relief and we’ll be there for weeks to come helping people pick up the pieces and get back on their feet.”

Twelve Red Cross shelters were open in the hardest hit states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio Sunday night. Meanwhile, Red Cross workers also are helping people in Kentucky and Michigan whose homes were damaged from storms. As roads reopen, Red Cross emergency vehicles will hand out meals, snacks and relief supplies in affected communities. Emergency aid stations are also open in some areas where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health care services, and information about what help is available.

This has been a deadly and devastating storm, and Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath. Health workers are also available to help people replace things like lost medications and eyeglasses.

Throughout affected communities, damage assessment teams are helping to determine the full scope of destruction left behind by the tornadoes while more workers, supplies and equipment are being mobilized in case they are needed. In the days ahead, Red Cross workers will work with families to make individual recovery plans, fill out paperwork, and connect them to other services to support recovery efforts. The Red Cross is also coordinating closely with government and community partners to provide help and support long term recovery efforts. 

FOLLOW SAFETY STEPS The Red Cross reminds affected residents to return to their neighborhood only when officials say it is safe to do so. They should also:

Stay out of damaged buildings. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes.

Avoid fallen power lines or broken gas lines - immediately report them to the utility companies.

If someone smells gas or hears a hissing noise, they should open a window, get everyone out of the building immediately and call the gas company or fire department

Use flashlights, not candles when examining buildings.

Generous donations from Red Cross members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program and Disaster Responders, which are made in advance of a specific disaster, support disaster preparedness and offset a range of expenses, including warehousing supplies, shelter and feeding costs, deploying the fleet of disaster response vehicles and reconnecting individuals separated during disasters.

The 2013 members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program are: 3M; Altria Group; American Express; Aon; AT&T; Bank of America; BNY Mellon; Caterpillar Inc.; CHS Foundation; Cisco Foundation; Citi Foundation; The Clorox Company; Community Safety Foundation, funded by CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer; ConAgra Foods Foundation; Costco Wholesale Corporation; Darden Restaurants Foundation; Dell Inc.; Discover; Disney; Dr Pepper Snapple Group; Edison International; FedEx Corporation; GE Foundation; H-E-B; Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation; The Home Depot Foundation; Humble Bundle; jcpenney; John Deere Foundation; Johnson Controls; Kimberly-Clark Corporation; Kraft Foods Group; Lowe's Companies, Inc.; Medtronic; Meijer; Merck & Co., Inc.; Mondelēz International; National Grid; Nationwide Insurance Foundation; Northrop Grumman Corporation; PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation; Southwest Airlines; Sprint; State Farm; State Street; Target; Texas Instruments; TD Ameritrade; The TJX Companies, Inc.; University of Phoenix; UPS; US Airways; VSP℠ Vision care for life; Walmart; WellPoint Foundation; and Wells Fargo.

The 2013 members of the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program are: American Express; AstraZeneca; AXA Foundation; Delta Air Lines; Farmers Insurance; Ford Motor Company; General Motors Foundation; H&R Block; Ingersoll Rand Foundation; Morgan Stanley; New Balance Foundation; Northwestern Mutual Foundation; Procter & Gamble; PuroClean; Residence Inn by Marriott; Ryder Charitable Foundation; Starbucks Coffee Company and Starbucks Foundation; Sunoco; Tyson Foods, Inc.; U.S. Bank and the Western Union Foundation.

HOW TO HELP People affected by severe weather and other disasters need help now. You can help people affected by disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. You can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your donation helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

Red Cross Facilitates Family Linking in the Philippines

On Friday, November 8, Typhoon Haiyan swept across the Central Philippines leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region has opened a call center to accept local inquires for missing loved ones.

"It's our understanding the phone systems are out in the Philippines so this provides a method for folks to reach out that doesn't involve them calling directly," said Paul Carden, Regional Disaster Program Officer for the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region.

Calls for persons sought living in the affected areas who were in regular contact with relatives in the United States prior to the disaster and for family members who are not United States citizens should be directed to 703-584-8761.

The center will operate on Saturday, November 9 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and on Sunday, November 10 from 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Inquiries concerning United States citizens should be referred to the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Services, at 1-888-407-4747.

Red Cross Receives FEMA Recognition for Preparedness Efforts

Washington - The American Red Cross has received five Individual and Community Preparedness Honorable Mentions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in recognition of its efforts to make communities safer, stronger and better-prepared for disasters and emergencies.

“These programs are not just about what may happen someday. Each of these programs is making a difference in people’s lives today, even before disaster strikes—building resilience, building community, building confidence. And when a disaster does happen, we will see them pay even more dividends.” said Russ Paulsen, Executive Director of Community Preparedness Programs at the American Red Cross.

Red Cross chapter honorees include: Greater St. Louis (Missouri), Mile High Region (Colorado) and Bay Area (California). Karlynn Workman AmeriCorps volunteer of the Oregon chapter received an individual honorable mention in the Community Preparedness Heroes category. The Red Cross and Hope worldwide partnership was honored in the Whole Community Preparedness category for their Protecting Our Neighbors program.

Chapter Awards

The Greater St. Louis Chapter partnered with the St. Louis City Office of the Disabled on the All Ready Campaign to improve personal preparedness for disabled residents across the region. The campaign focused on motivating people with disabilities to get prepared, training over 100 people to teach preparedness education sessions and convening a summit with more than 75 organizations and 150 community leaders.

The Mile High Region partnered with the local fire department, firefighters museum, and the Denver Public SchoolsOffice of Risk Management for their Simple Safe Program. Program results included teaching more

VIDEO: Red Cross in Moore Memorial Weekend

WASHINGTON,  — The American Red Cross tornado relief effort in Oklahoma continued through the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Emergency aid stations and shelters will be open and disaster workers will be handing out food and relief supplies to those affected by this week’s devastating storms.

“The Red Cross is making sure that people in Oklahoma get the help they need today, Friday and over the holiday weekend,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “We will have places where people can come to get food and emergency aid and also will have workers and vehicles going out in the community. The Red Cross also continues to provide health and mental health services to the people who need our help following this tragedy.”

Ten emergency aid stations are open where people can come to get food, relief supplies, health and mental health care and information about what other help is available. In addition, meals are available at feeding sites and being distributed throughout the community, along with relief supplies.

Five Red Cross and community shelters are open in Oklahoma following tornadoes over the past week, and more than 370 people spent Wednesday night in those shelters. The Red Cross has also:

Provided more than 16,000 meals working with its partner, the Southern Baptist Convention.
Distributed more than 2,800 relief items including personal toiletries and recovery items like coolers, buckets, gloves, dust masks, trash bags, flashlights, tarps, shovels, rakes and blankets.
Provided dozens of health and mental health contacts. Health services volunteers are working with the Medical Reserve Corps to visit the injured in local hospitals and helping people replace prescriptions and other medical items at emergency aid stations. Mental health workers are providing emotional support in shelters and emergency aid stations.
Mobilized more than 300 Red Cross workers from all over the country to help the people in Oklahoma.
Deployed 30 Red Cross emergency response vehicles to distribute food and relief supplies throughout neighborhoods.
Helped comfort those affected through its spiritual care teams.
The Red Cross tornado response is also continuing in Texas following the May 15 tornado. Wednesday night, more than 40 people stayed in Red Cross and community shelters in Texas. Red Cross volunteers are also providing food, relief supplies, emotional support and comfort as those communities recover.

HOW TO HELP Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

Red Cross Ramps Up Relief Efforts in Oklahoma

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 — The American Red Cross continues to expand relief efforts across Oklahoma, with additional kitchens opening today and more trucks and volunteers flowing into the state.

Already this week, more than 200 Red Cross disaster workers in Oklahoma have opened shelters, kitchens and emergency aid stations. In these locations, people can find a safe refuge, food and snacks, emotional support, health care services and information about what other help is available.

Shelters are also open in Texas after the recent tornadoes there. More than 380 people spent Tuesday night in Red Cross and community shelters in Oklahoma and Texas. Red Cross health services volunteers are working with the Medical Reserve Corps to visit the injured in local hospitals and offering services at the emergency aid stations like helping people replace prescriptions and other medical items. Spiritual Care teams are working with partners to comfort people affected by the storm.

“The Red Cross is on the ground in Oklahoma helping people begin the recovery process after this tragic storm,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “We’re expanding our relief efforts as more workers, equipment and supplies arrive. Over the next few days, Red Cross volunteers will also work with many of the affected families to meet emergency needs and connect them with recovery resources.”

Working with the Southern Baptist Convention, two kitchens will be serving meals today. They have the capability of cooking tens of thousands of meals a day if needed. Trailers of relief supplies have been shipped to the area, including things like comfort items containing personal toiletries and relief items including coolers, buckets, gloves, dust masks, trash bags, flashlights, tarps, shovels, rakes and blankets. Almost 30 emergency response vehicles are in Oklahoma to travel through neighborhoods, distributing food and relief supplies to those in need. Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern will visit the relief effort today with Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.

HOW TO HELP Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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

Six Months After Sandy

Red Cross Six-Month Report On How Help Continues After Sandy.

WASHINGTON, Thursday, April 25, 2013 — The American Red Cross today issued a six-month progress report on its work to help people affected by Superstorm Sandy.

“In the six months since Sandy devastated homes, communities and families in New York and New Jersey, signs of progress and hope can be seen throughout the region,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. “Recovery from this storm will be a marathon, not a sprint, but I am encouraged by the determination of the people I meet, and Red Cross will be there every day to help them thanks to the generosity of the American public.” 

SIX MONTHS OF HELPING In the days after the storm came ashore, the Red Cross was able to immediately launch a large-scale emergency relief effort – the largest U.S. disaster response by the Red Cross in more than five years. After weeks of providing emergency relief, the Red Cross has a long-term recovery operation underway today. At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other government partners, the Red Cross is working with about 9,000 families whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

The Red Cross is helping these families find new places to live, clean mold from their water-logged homes, get emotional support during their struggle and financial support as they work to put their lives back together. Trained Red Cross workers are meeting one-on-one with people to help provide assistance with home repairs, rent, utility deposits and available social service programs.

GRANT PROGRAMS The Red Cross is also giving grant money to other non-profit groups to support the help they are providing to those affected by Sandy. This includes giving nearly $6 million in grants to three food banks in New York to help ensure people continue to get the food they need. A grant of $500,000 has been given to Operation Hope to provide assistance and financial counseling to survivors. Another $5 million has gone to a mold remediation program to help New York residents clean up their homes.

RED CROSS RELIEF In these past six months more than 17,000 Red Cross disaster workers – about 90 percent of them volunteers - have responded to help those affected by Sandy. The Red Cross has:

Served more than 17 million meals and snacks

Distributed more than 7 million relief items such as cold weather items and clean-up supplies

Provided almost 113,000 health services and emotional support contacts for people living in very tough conditions

Provided more than 81,000 shelter stays.

Approximately $302 million was donated to the Red Cross as of April 18 to help those affected by Sandy, and the Red Cross has spent or made commitments to spend about $192 million, which is nearly two-thirds of the contributions to date.

”We want to spend the money people donated for Sandy quickly, but more importantly, we want to spend it wisely,” McGovern said. “It’s important to make sure some money is available for needs no one can predict right now. However long it takes, we are committed that money donated for Sandy will be used to help individuals and communities affected by this storm.”

The six-month report and other information on the Red Cross Sandy relief and recovery efforts can be found at www.redcross.org/sandy-response. 

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 visitredcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Red Cross Response Efforts Continue in Texas and Boston

WASHINGTON, Thursday, April 18, 2013 — The American Red Cross is supporting people in West, Texas after the plant explosion there while continuing to help first responders and those affected by the marathon bombings which occurred earlier this week in Boston. In addition, local chapters in the Midwest are responding to the severe weather threat there.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this week’s tragic events in Texas and Boston,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations for the Red Cross. “Our teams are on the ground now helping those in need and we will continue to work in close coordination with officials in Texas and Boston to determine how we can best support these communities as they recover.”

WEST, TEXAS EXPLOSION Within hours of the plant explosion in Texas, the Red Cross opened a shelter and began supporting a community response center. Red Cross disaster workers have been deployed from all over the state and are providing emotional support and health services with relief items such as comfort kits and water enroute to the region. Red Cross Blood Services is providing blood products to help those injured in the explosion.

MARATHON BOMBINGS In Boston, the Red Cross is providing emotional support and health and spiritual care services at the various community vigils and supporting a family assistance center. Red Cross Blood Services has provided about 500 blood products to several hospitals in the Boston area. Nearly 150 disaster workers have deployed to provide support and comfort. Since Monday, the Red Cross has served about 7,000 meals and snacks, distributed relief items like blankets and comfort kits and provided hundreds of mental health and health services to those affected.

SEVERE WEATHER Red Cross chapters throughout the Midwest are also preparing for severe weather and flooding as rain and winds continue to move through that part of the country. Volunteers and shelters are ready in several states if needed.

HOW TO HELP This week’s tragedies prove that an emergency can happen anywhere, at anytime. While the Red Cross helps in Texas and Boston, it is preparing to respond to severe weather and flooding in other areas of the country. To support Red Cross disaster response, people can donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief at www.redcross.org or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. People who want to make a donation to directly support victims of the Boston Marathon bombings can visit www.theonefundboston.org.

The Red Cross has enough blood in its inventory now to support both the situation in Texas as well as Boston but reminds everyone that the need for blood is constant. Those who are eligible to give blood are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org.

Many rushed in to provide immediate help for victims of the explosions in Texas and Boston. People can register for a Red Cross First Aid/CPR class at www.redcross.org or take the Family First Aid and CPR class online by visiting www.redcross.org/takeaclass. They can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App which puts simple lifesaving information for first aid emergencies in the hands of smart phone and tablet users. The app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

STEPS TO HELP COPE It has been a difficult week for people across the country. In times like these, it is important for people to connect with and support each other. The Red Cross has information people can use to cope in the aftermath of these tragedies. For free counseling or support which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, people can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

Red Cross Response to the Boston Marathon Explosions

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, April 16, 2013 — Our hearts go out to everyone in Boston dealing with this tragedy and our thoughts are with all of those injured.

We understand that people around the country want to help and we appreciate that nationwide show of support. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support this event both financially and with an adequate local blood supply.

In response to the marathon bombings, the Red Cross has provided about 450 additional blood products to several area hospitals to help meet the needs of those injured. At the request of Boston area authorities, the Red Cross is also providing mental health and spiritual care support to the people injured and their families. We will be working in close coordination with officials to determine how else we can best help the community and support emergency workers.

People who may want to provide other support to the Red Cross can consider taking one of these actions:

This tragedy shows that emergencies can happen in any community at any time. While the Red Cross has all it needs to respond to this event, we do need the public’s support to respond to the nearly 70,000 other disasters we handle every year around the country and Boston. If you want to support our work responding to and preparing for future emergencies please make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief at redcross.org.
The need for blood is constant. Eligible blood and platelet donors across the country are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to give in the days and weeks ahead by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting redcrossblood.org.
Type O negative blood is often used during emergencies, when there is no time to determine the patient’s blood type. It’s especially important that people with type O blood donate as frequently as they can.
Many people in Boston yesterday jumped in to provide immediate help for the victims. Register for a Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED course at redcross.org so that you can be better prepared to help in future emergencies.
Download the free Red Cross First Aid App which puts free and simple lifesaving information in the hands of smart phone and tablet users. The app is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
For those in Boston or have loved ones there, knowing people are safe is the best way to bring peace of mind. It is important for people to connect with one another. People who have access to a computer should go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list themselves as safe. Those in Boston without computer access can text loved ones or call a family member and ask them to register the person on the site.

Watching the events in Boston unfold both on television and social media can be stressful for people and bring up memories of other tragedies.

Events like this can cause feelings of uncertainty and anxiety since no one knows for sure what will happen next. It’s important to remember that it's okay to feel nervous. People should take care of themselves and their families, and for example, can reach out to others to offer and receive support. Parents should let children talk about their fears and then reassure them about their safety. It’s also important for people not to overexpose themselves to media reports about the tragedy.

Tornadoes Touch Down in Several States

Tornadoes Touch Down in Several States – Red Cross Helps

Doug Mills 

World and National News Editor

RCN America Network

WASHINGTON— The American Red Cross is responding across the South and Midwest after a severe weather outbreak that spawned tornadoes yesterday. The series of tornadoes destroyed homes and businesses and left thousands without power in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.

“Red Cross disaster workers are providing shelter, meals and relief supplies today across five states after yesterday’s tornadoes,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations for the Red Cross. “Many homes and businesses were destroyed and we are there helping people get back on their feet.”

In Arkansas, a confirmed tornado destroyed homes and businesses in six counties. The Red Cross is distributing relief supplies and serving meals in partnership with the Salvation Army. A tornado also touched down in Kemper and Noxubee, Mississippi, destroying multiple homes and businesses. The Red Cross deployed several emergency response vehicles to the area to distribute relief supplies, food, water and begin damage assessment.

In Missouri, two confirmed tornadoes destroyed homes and businesses in the St. Louis area. The Red Cross opened a shelter there, is providing meals and has outreach teams going door to door in some areas to help determine what help people need. Red Cross workers in Louisiana are distributing relief supplies and will be doing damage assessment after a tornado struck Slidell. A tornado also touched down in Monroe County, Tennessee, damaging homes and businesses. The Red Cross opened a shelter and is distributing food and relief supplies throughout the damaged neighborhoods.

AFTER THE TORNADO As people return to their neighborhoods, the Red Cross has steps they should follow to stay safe. First, they should return home only when local authorities say it is safe to do so and listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. Other safety steps include:

Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.

Stay out of damaged buildings.

Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your home for damage.

Use flashlights when examining buildings – do not use candles.

If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly.

More information about what people should do to stay safe before, during and after a tornado is available on the Red Cross web site.

DOWNLOAD TORNADO APP Another thing people should do is download the free Red Cross Tornado App, available in English or Spanish. The app, found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross, includes important features like a high-pitched siren and tornado warning alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued.

Trace Adkins Leads Team to All-Star Celebrity Apprentice Victory

Adkins Presented $670,000 to American Red Cross from his team's win on last night's episode of "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice."

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 11, 2013 — Country star Trace Adkins presented a check for $670,000 to the American Red Cross on last night's episode of NBC's “All-Star Celebrity Apprentice." The sum was Adkins' to donate after his team won the first task on the season premiere (3/3).

“We could not ask for a better representative of the Red Cross,” Red Cross President and CEO Gail J. McGovern said. “Trace brings humor, honesty, hard work and grit to everything he does. On behalf of the countless people who will benefit because of your participation in the ‘Apprentice,’ thank you, Trace, from the bottom of my heart for getting the job done once again.”

Adkins led his team to victory with the help of multiple generous donors including Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet members Amy Grant and Nikki Taylor, philanthropist T. Boone Pickens, Domino Sugar, as well as members of the Nashville community including the Grand Ole Opry, Creative Artists Agency, Diamond Coach, Blaster Records, Diamond Gusset Jeans, the firm of Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM), Kyote Tractor, Music City Merchandise, Nashville Hospitality Industry, Pruf LED Show, Dog-Universal Music and Vector Management.

Adkins is a recent addition to the Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and his family was the recipient of Red Cross services when his home was claimed by fire in 2011. Adkins was the Red Cross spokesperson for its 2012 Holiday Giving Campaign and supported its Holiday Mail for Heroes program that benefits active military members, veterans and their families.

The multi-platinum singer will be competing against other celebrities this season to have the honor of delivering a $250,000 bonus check to their designated charity.

“We will be watching and rooting for Trace as a true ‘Red Crosser,’” McGovern said.”No matter what happens next, we are so very proud of Trace and his association with the Red Cross.”

The American Red Cross and Keebler

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2013 —The American Red Cross and Keebler are continuing their partnership to sweeten the deal for donors who give lifesaving blood for those in need.

After each blood and platelet donation, the Red Cross and Keebler treat donors to cookies and beverages as a way to say ‘thank you’ for making a positive difference in the lives of others. Keebler signed on with the Red Cross in August 2011 and is now pledging another two years of donated cookies, equivalent to six million cookies per year. The company’s “Be a good cookie. Get a good cookie.™” campaign promotes the importance of giving blood.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of our generous partner, Keebler,” Shaun P. Gilmore, President of Biomedical Services at the Red Cross said. “People count on the blood and platelets provided by selfless volunteers. The millions of cookies Keebler provides each year allow us to thank our donors after they’ve given lifesaving blood.”

“I’m thrilled to continue our partnership with the American Red Cross in the ‘Be a Good Cookie’ program. Our Keebler Elves believe in doing Uncommonly Good things and by recognizing each blood donor with a cookie, Keebler hopes to inspire even more acts of goodness!” said Kellogg Company President, U.S. Snacks, Todd Penegor.

To celebrate the continued partnership, the American Red Cross presented Ernie Keebler, leader of the Keebler elves, with the honorary title of “Red Cross Cookie Chairman.” Ernie was very humbled by this appointment and takes this new role very seriously. He felt very honored to join the president of Red Cross Biomedical Services, Shaun Gilmore as they hand-deliver delicious Keebler cookies to those who had just donated blood. Seeing the smiling faces on the blood donors made Ernie proud to be a part of the American Red Cross family.

To learn more about blood donation, visit redcrossblood.org. For information about Keebler™ cookies, go to keebler.com.

New Tornado App Brings Safety Information to Mobile Devices

App’s audio alert feature can help save lives when users can’t monitor the weather


WASHINGTON, Monday, March 4, 2013 — As National Severe Weather Awareness Week begins, the American Red Cross is releasing its official Tornado App, putting lifesaving information right in the hands of people who live in, visit or have loved ones in tornado-prone areas.

This free app—available in English or Spanish—gives iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone and tablet users instant access to local and real-time information, so they know what to do before, during and after a tornado. The app includes a high-pitched siren and “tornado warning!” alert that signals when a NOAA tornado warning has been issued in their area – even if users have the app closed. An “all clear!” alert lets users know when a tornado warning has expired or has been cancelled.

“The alerts in the Tornado App can save lives,” said Jim Judge, preparedness expert, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Committee and chair of its Preparedness Sub-Council. “Now, when a tornado warning is issued in the middle of the night, the siren alert can wake people up so they can head to a safe area. Users can even receive alerts when they are away from their loved ones or don’t have access to radio or TV.”

Other features of the app include:

Location-based NOAA tornado, severe thunderstorm and flood watch and warning alerts;
Enhanced weather maps and information provided by Weather Underground, a digital brand of The Weather Company;
One-touch “I’m safe” messaging that allows users to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that they are out of harm’s way;
Simple steps and checklists people can use to create an emergency plan and share it with household members;
Preloaded content that gives users instant access to critical action steps, even without mobile connectivity;
Toolkit with flashlight, strobe light and audible alarm;
Locations of open Red Cross shelters; and
Badges users can earn through interactive quizzes and share on social networks.
The Tornado App is the latest in a series of mobile apps created by the Red Cross, the nation’s leader in emergency preparedness. “With more than 2 million downloads, our apps have already helped save lives during hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires,” Judge added.

Mobile activity soared due to Superstorm Sandy:

More than 400,000 people downloaded the Red Cross Hurricane App;
Nearly 6 million NOAA weather alerts were sent;
Preparedness content was the most popular feature of the app followed by alerts and the shelter locator;
The average time spent using the app increased 300 percent; and
The app had 15 million page views.
Right after the storm, the Hurricane App was updated with real-time recovery information including Red Cross shelter and feeding sites, FEMA sites, warming centers and open gas stations to help those affected by the storm.

The Tornado App, along with the others, can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. Using apps can help people prepare for disasters, but they are not a substitute for training. Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED training empowers people to know how to respond to emergencies in case advanced medical help is delayed. People can go to redcross.org/takeaclass for course information and to register.

The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters each year and we help people get ready to respond to emergencies by providing these apps for free. The Red Cross needs the help of the public to continue this lifesaving effort. People can make a donation to the Red Cross by going to redcross.org, texting REDCROSS to 90999 or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

Red Cross Shelters Hundreds in Wake of Blizzards, Tornadoes

Snow and power outages in Northeast and North Dakota; tornadoes strike South

WASHINGTON, Monday, February 11, 2013 — The American Red Cross is providing comfort and safety to hundreds of people affected by the blizzards in the Northeast and Central U.S., as well as the severe weather and tornadoes that tore through Mississippi.

Severe weather affected the South on Sunday, with Mississippi hardest hit. Tornadoes damaged homes, businesses as well as the Red Cross chapter in Hattiesburg and one of its emergency vehicles. In response, the South Mississippi Chapter of the Red Cross mobilized volunteers, dispatched relief supplies and response vehicles, and provided shelter for nearly 40 people who needed a safe place to stay Sunday night. Red Cross disaster workers are expected to begin assessing damages and providing mobile feeding later today in the Hattiesburg area.

Meanwhile in the Northeast, the Red Cross continued to support people affected by the blizzard. On Sunday night, more than 1,500 people found comfort and warmth in 32 shelters in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York. The Red Cross opened or supported 16 of those shelters, with more than 850 people seeking refuge from the storm and freezing temperatures last night. So far the Red Cross has served nearly 13,000 meals and snacks, handed out hundreds of relief items and provided more than 250 health and mental health contacts to people affected by the storm. According to reports, more than 100,000 people were still without power in the Northeast as of early Monday morning.

The Northeast blizzard has also affected Red Cross blood collections. As of Monday morning, the storm had forced the cancellation of 160 Red Cross blood drives, mostly in the Northeast, resulting in a shortfall of more than 6,600 units of blood and platelets. The Red Cross is encouraging blood and platelet donations in areas unaffected by this storm. While all types are needed, the Red Cross urges those with blood types O positive, O negative and B negative to make a lifesaving appointment. To schedule an appointment to donate blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

A separate blizzard affected the Central U.S. over the weekend, producing whiteout conditions that prompted road closures and stranded travelers in Richland County, N.D., on Sunday. The Minn-Kota Region Chapter of the Red Cross supported a shelter for dozens of travelers that were stranded by this storm.

People affected by these disasters can find open Red Cross shelters at www.redcross.org or by contacting their local Red Cross chapter.