Red Cross Salutes North Texas Tornado Relief Supporters

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross North Texas Region

As we continue relief efforts in Granbury and Cleburne after the deadly tornado outbreak last week, we wanted to take a moment to thank all of our corporate supporters who we work closely with to meet specific needs for our relief effort--from providing lunch to our volunteer team who worked through the night after the tornadoes hit to providing sunscreen for residents who are sifting through the debris trying to salvage belongings.

HEB donated $30,000 worth of gift cards to residents
so they could purchase food & supplies.

TXU provided work gloves & flashlights for
residents as they begin the clean-up effort.

Blue Bell brought ice cream to our disaster operation
headquarters, giving a break to our hard-working
disaster workers!

Thanks so much to all of these supporters:

HEB
TXU
Mary Kay
Dr Pepper Snapple
Nestle
Kroger
VSP
Taco Bueno
7 Eleven
BJ's 
Potbelly's
God's Hand Ups
Blue Bell Ice Cream

Your support is so important to our efforts. We're lucky to have supporters like you.

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Re-entry After Disaster: A Day of Many Emotions, the Strongest Being Hope

By Tonya Solis-Mosby, volunteer contributor

Hope soars in the disaster field following Wednesday evening's F4 tornado in Granbury as the Gamez family is reunited with their dog, Piolin.

They waited with anticipation for two days for permission to return home after fleeing the F4 tornado that ripped through their Rancho Brazos neighborhood, leaving a swath of death and destruction in its path.  But on this day, Beatrice Gamez’s emotions are mixed – with eagerness, sadness and hope - as her and other Granbury residents are allowed to finally go home and see what is left of their lives and memories.

“I saw pictures and I saw what was here on TV,” says Gamez.  “We are just glad to come back.”

Gamez along with several other family members said that since the first night when they went to the American Red Cross shelter, they’ve waited anxiously to return home to see what, if anything, was left.  They are also filled with great hope that their two Chihuahuas, both of which they had to leave behind, somehow found safety and will be found alive and doing well. 

“When we got out [of the truck],” Mrs. Gamez said while rubbing her Chihuahua, called Piolin, “she came out of the bushes.  We were so happy. My girls will be so happy.”

Gamez said she didn’t know where the whereabouts of their other Chihuahua but she hoped that it too will be found safe.

The Gamez family was excited about reconnecting with one of their dogs, but were saddened that they could retrieve very few of their belongings from the house they had lived in for more than 20 years.

Other families throughout the ravaged neighborhood shared similar stories to the Gamez family.  Their belongings were now nothing more than cracked fragments lying amid splintered rubble.  But under the coordination of volunteer firefighters from several cities, including the Granbury Volunteer Fire Department, there were many helpers on hand to help the families begin the process of rebuilding their lives.  American Red Cross volunteers offered water, food, and tools such as rakes, shovels and gloves to stay hydrated and protected through work that is both physically and emotionally challenging.  Volunteers from several other organizations combed the neighborhood to offer help to residents as they sifted through what was left of their homes.

Back in the city of Granbury, more volunteers manned assistance stations in a Disaster Resource Center established by the American Red Cross. The Disaster Resource Center will serve as a hub in Hood County for tornado victims to come and learn more about all the organizations and people eager to help them begin rebuilding their lives after this sudden and deadly disaster.

Clean-up efforts in all of the areas affected by this tornado outbreak will continue for many days.  You can help by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross, and there are several ways to do it. Among them, you can call 1-800-REDCROSS or you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999. The text donation of $10 will be automatically applied to your phone bill. To make a gift online or learn how you can volunteer, visit redcross.org.

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Like Mother, Like Son: Teaching and Learning in Service as a Red Cross Mom

by Rebecca Lawson, staff contributor 

Red Cross Dallas Chapter
Board Member Jodi Lash

Growing up, Jodi Lash remembers watching her parents pay their bills every few weeks – and how they always set aside a little for charity, even though they didn’t have much. Now, as a Bonnie McElveen Hunter Lifetime Tiffany Circle member, Legacy Society member and Chair of the Dallas Area Chapter Board, Jodi has not only continued her parents’ charitable example with her children, but continues to make a lasting impact within the Red Cross. 

When Jodi first began supporting the Red Cross, like many, she associated it with disaster relief, blood and the lifesaving classes she had taken as a child. But once she got more involved, she discovered the full scope of its mission and was inspired by the spirit of volunteerism and seeing “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” She felt compelled to do something on a bigger scale. 

Upon moving to Dallas in 2006, Jodi recalls touring the Dallas warehouse along with her son, Jonathan, who she and her husband were teaching about charitable giving: “I remember welling up with tears as they explained how the warehouse mobilizes and what it’s used for…I was thinking, I have to be part of this.” Her son was equally impressed, and as a result made his first charitable gift, purchasing much needed blankets with his Bar Mitzvah money for the Red Cross. 

As it turns out, that warehouse tour was only the beginning of the Red Cross journey for both mother and son. Jonathan began volunteering at the Dallas Area Chapter, at first working in the warehouse and then gradually in each of the other departments, as part of the Volunteer Public Service component of the Congressional Award. At age 16, he also became a certified CPR instructor, teaching others how to save lives. Jodi recalls how Jonathan wanted so badly to go with the disaster teams out on calls: “He would say to me, ‘I don’t feel like I’m doing enough.’ But I explained to him, you really are – because someone you train may go out and save a life.” 

Jodi was equally taken with the Dallas Tiffany Circle when she attended one of their luncheons shortly after moving to Dallas. “They had such a passion for the mission, and such big generous hearts, and they welcomed me with a huge Texas welcome” Jodi joined the Dallas Tiffany Circle in 2008 and became a Bonnie McElveen Hunter Lifetime member in 2011. “The women who are part of this special group are so incredible,” says Jodi. “They span all age groups and backgrounds and professions and geographic locations, but they all come together in this tightly bonded group of women who rally around the mission of the Red Cross.” 

Jodi and Jonathan’s Red Cross experiences came together at a Dallas Tiffany Circle event last year, where Jonathan was the speaker and gave a hands-on CPR demonstration. 

Overall, Jodi says, “The different ways everyone helps really makes up the heart of the Red Cross. And it has such broad implications as it spreads out into the community.” Jodi has certainly lived that message – both through her own work as board chair and with Tiffany Circle, and by passing that legacy of philanthropy to her children, as it was passed to her. 

To begin your Red Cross story, visit us at redcross.org/dfw.

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Recognizing Mother's Day and My Mom: Volunteer Extraordinaire

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor and proud daughter of Jennifer Enders 

Catherine Carlton & her mom, Jennifer Enders

My mom is the ultimate volunteer. And I have her to thank for one of the main reasons I volunteer for community organizations such as the Red Cross. 

Ask her to do something, and she’s not just immediately saying yes, she’s adding to your request with suggestions on what else she can do to help.

Being her daughter – this has its privileges as well. 

“Can you pick up Jeffrey from school?” 
“Yes, and I have made pasta and a salad for you for dinner.” 

My mom belongs to many groups (both here in Texas and in California where she splits her time) and is always one upping herself on what else she can do to help others.

She not only wants to help the organization, she does special things to recognize her fellow volunteers. She does “tribute” cards to thank volunteers of the Music Center in Los Angeles and soon will be bringing this lovely tradition to the Newcomers Group of Arlington. She is always the camera woman taking photos so she can do a tribute DVD to highlight the people making a difference. 

But really it comes back to her desire to give back. 

She delivers Meals on Wheels. She is a docent at three nonprofits. And she gives her time to many more. 

She often quotes Erma Bombeck when she describes why volunteering is important. 

"Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another." 
-Erma Bombeck

Following that quote, that means I reflect my mom.

And I am so proud to do so as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Happy Mother's Day. 

To begin your volunteer legacy with the Red Cross, join us at redcross.org/dfw.

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Standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Heroes Honoring Their Own

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross North Texas Region

First responders are a special group—selfless and brave and fiercely devoted to the community they protect. They understand the risk that each of them chooses to take and so, when one of them falls, they all bear the loss. The deep respect they have for all of their fellow responders was on display last week when crews from across the country came into Waco, Texas to honor the 12 emergency responders who died in the deadly fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas.

“An awe-inspiring moment.”

The American Red Cross was privileged to be allowed to participate in the proceedings. Two of our Emergency Response Vehicles joined hundreds of fire trucks and first response vehicles in a procession that ran more than a mile long. Our executive directors from DFW, Austin and Waco—T.D. Smyers, Marty McKellips and Mark Felton respectively—also attended the service. Before the procession, the Red Cross provided breakfast to thousands of firefighters and first responders who came to pay their respects.

“It was amazing just to be there at that breakfast to hear the bagpipe players practicing and to be flanked by literally hundreds of fire trucks, ambulances and first responders,” said Mark Felton, executive director of the American Red Cross, Heart of Texas Chapter. “We were the only non-uniformed people allowed to ride in the procession, which was such a distinctive honor. Driving under the flag held up by the two ladders on the fire trucks was just an awe-inspiring moment.”

As Marty McKellips, regional CEO for Central Texas, noted, the Red Cross has always worked closely with fire departments all over the country, responding to more than 60,000 home fires each year.

“We have a very close relationship with many of these fire departments since we work with them on home fires all the time. So it’s very special for us to be able to participate,” said McKellips.

The service was a long and emotional one, with video eulogies for everyone who passed. T.D. Smyers, regional CEO for DFW, noted a common theme in the eulogies, given by the family and friends of the deceased.

“They all said each of these people would have given you the shirt off their back. Every one of them was like that. It’s no surprise. Of course volunteer firefighters and first responders would be made up of those kinds of people. It was a real privilege to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those first responders, who were there for their comrades.”

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony came when more than 200 bagpipe and drum players surrounded the families and played “Amazing Grace.”

“The volume and the emotion of that experience was heartfelt,” described Smyers. “It felt like a moment where the community might begin healing.”

“From the moment it happened, we were ready.”

The American Red Cross has had a strong presence from the beginning of relief efforts in West. Teams from both Central and North Texas deployed within hours of the explosion and since then, more than 200 Red Cross disaster responders have worked on the operation. 

“I am extremely proud of our team. From the minute the explosion happened, our folks were ready to respond,” said Smyers. “I’m especially pleased with the leadership our team displayed, establishing the Joint Assistance Center, convening with other nonprofits to make sure we provided the best service possible. It definitely shows that providing humanitarian service to those in need is the top priority of the Red Cross.”

For Mark Felton, it has been an especially rewarding experience, since he joined the Red Cross less than a year ago and suddenly found himself called upon to be a leader in a disaster right in his backyard.

“Personally, being from the area, I was glad to able to use my personal relationships and knowledge of the area to make it a little easier for the Red Cross to provide services to the people of West,” said Felton. “It’s been especially rewarding to be able to work with city officials and our partner organizations…to be able to hear about a problem in the community and tap Red Cross resources to solve that problem.”

In the first two weeks in West, the Red Cross has served more than 18,600 meals and snacks and distributed more than 19,400 clean up and hygiene relief items. Our nurses and licensed counselors have made more than 1,200 health contacts and 1,500 mental health contacts with residents. Additionally, we’ve worked closely with partner organizations to open a joint assistance center where residents could meet with multiple agencies about their needs.

“It was really important to me to be able to respond to this community with the full force of the American Red Cross,” Felton said. “I’ve been so proud that we’ve been able to bring that to our response here in West.”

“The work of the Red Cross continues.”

More than two weeks after the explosion, West is only now taking their first steps towards recovery. Families were recently allowed back in to Zone 3, the area most critically impacted by the blast, and are now trying to collect what they can out of the debris. It’s clear the recovery process is just beginning.

Through all of this, the support from the rest of the country has been heartening. In fact, within days of the explosion, the town received such an influx of donated items, they actually had to ask that further donations be put on hold.

“It’s been an overwhelming response from the community,” said Felton.

Added McKellips: “When I think back to the memorial, I will remember how everyone came together. People from all over the country, all sides of the political spectrum, senators, the President. I think the support shown is what I will remember the most.”

So, the Red Cross will continue to support long-term recovery in West, even as disaster responders around the country are racing to support the thousands affected by flooding in the Midwest and wildfires in California. These are just some of the nearly 70,000 disasters the Red Cross responds to each year.

“A disaster that rocks a town, like the explosion in West, Texas, could happen anywhere”, said Felton. “If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the Red Cross needs more volunteers, more blood donors and more financial givers to be sure that we are 100 percent ready to go within minutes of a call to action.”

To help by donating time, blood or funds, visit RedCross.org to get started.

View more pictures from the memorial, taken by our volunteer photographer Barbara Smyers:

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The Soul of a City: An Account from West, Texas

by Anita Foster, Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross North Texas Region

As a Red Cross worker often on the front lines of major disasters, people ask me all the time how I can drop everything—friends, family, my local job—and race to a disaster scene. It’s not a hard question to answer because I know that our call to action means that families need our help. On April 17, the call came to head to West, Texas after a fertilizer plant exploded. What no one has ever asked me is though, is how I can leave a disaster scene a couple of weeks later while people are still suffering.

As I wrap up my fourteenth and final day on the assignment in this Czech community we have come to affectionately call West “Comma” Texas, I am weepy. I weep for a city that will never be the same; for 15 families who, 14 days later, are still laying their loved ones to rest. I weep for the emergency response community who lost 12 firefighters in one fell swoop, two of them brothers. 

West lost seven of their heroes. Two more died from a neighboring small town called Abbott, two civilians were honored as firefighters because they jumped in to help put out the fire and one loss was from the area I serve every day in Dallas, Texas. 

Words cannot describe the enormity of the grief that these towns are experiencing.

Through my tears though, I’m also comforted by the kindness of this community and the sheer determination, dignity and fragility they have exhibited in the face of this unspeakable tragedy. I have learned a great deal about the soul of a city in the past two weeks and I have to say that West, Texas has a beautiful soul. 

The mayor’s home was destroyed, but he rallied his town to begin their recovery. The city secretary, responsible for getting important information to the town through their website, was also a volunteer firefighter and died in the explosion. In spite of this, the city found a way to keep information flowing to their residents. Mark Felton with the Red Cross in Waco has coordinated our services every day, around the clock. The county judge, city council members, heads of business and many others are present in the town every day taking care of their residents. And the residents are taking care of each other. 

I love it when my phone rings off the hook after something like this because I know people are calling to find out how to best help the people suffering. And help for West came by the masses. I knew early on that the community would have their physical needs taken care of, but I did worry about how they would cope with the trauma. 

So many times, we focus on the death toll—how many died in this or that disaster, but we don’t as seriously consider the number of lives that are forever changed when one third of a town is destroyed. There were more than 200 people transported to area hospitals, many still there with grave injuries requiring long-term care and rehabilitation. Others will have the images of the explosion and the gruesome aftermath in their minds for years. Everyone will grieve the loss of so many of their friends and neighbors. It’s overwhelming to think about. But with a new understanding of this place at Exit 353 off of Interstate 35, I am comforted that the people of West, Texas, will take care of their friends and neighbors for as long as it takes. That’s the soul of this city. 

As I prepare to leave West “Comma” Texas, I say this to the community: It is hard to leave because I know I’m leaving a piece of my soul behind. But I won’t be gone forever. The next time I’m making my way south down I-35, I’ll take Exit 353 and hang a left to the best kolaches in the entire world, followed by the Poopsie at the Czech pizza place. I’ll ask how the recovery is coming and how your people are healing, physically and emotionally. I’ll tell you every time what an honor it was to be here to serve with the Red Cross and with my best Czech accent, I’ll say dekuji (“thanks”) for showing me your soul. 

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We Salute Suzette: Red Cross Volunteer and Salute to Senior Service Contestant

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor 

Volunteer Suzette Alexander

With our ongoing disaster relief efforts in West, Boston and the Midwest, it's clearer than ever how important our volunteers are to our work. In fact, volunteers represent more than 90 percent of our work force. We close out National Volunteer Week by profiling one of our terrific East Texas volunteers, Suzette Alexander, of Longview.

Suzette joined the Red Cross volunteer brigade like many others following Hurricane Katrina. She started with the midnight to 7:00 a.m. shift. She's been working in shelters during hurricanes since then. 

"While there I saw the need for volunteers trained for sheltering and started taking courses for sheltering, Mass Care Feeding and Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) driving," she said. "I really enjoy helping at the scene and working with others." 

Her desire to help others continued when she was introduced to Meals on Wheels and their need for volunteer drivers, too. 

"At first I had only about 15 (meal deliveries) each day but I enjoyed it so much they gave me more -- like 50 a day now," Suzette said, noting after her deliveries she goes to the Red Cross to see what help she can do there. "My day is not complete without seeing my ‘customers’ at Meals on Wheels and Red Cross." 

Her friend Laura Hann nominated her in the Salute to Senior Service Contest, from Home Instead Senior Care.

You can vote daily for Suzette today through April 30. She is in the running for as much as $5,000 for the charity of her choice, which is the Red Cross. 

"I just wish I had more hours in a day to do more!" she said when asked why someone should vote for her. "I am so thankful every day that I can go and give what I can and share with others! That's all I know to say and if others would like to vote for this ole girl then I can help even more." 

To join Suzette & begin your volunteer story with the Red Cross, visit us at RedCross.org.

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World Malaria Day 2013

by Kristen Kerr, volunteer contributor


Even as we continue our relief efforts in West, the Midwest and around the country, we want to take a moment to recognize World Malaria Day today. Every two minutes of every day, four children on our planet die from malaria, while every one-in-three premature children born with the disease will die. In Nigeria alone, 153 million people are infected with malaria, which is 25% of the population of Africa. As Americans, it’s hard to imagine that so many people are infected and in danger of a disease that’s been all but eradicated here. That’s why it’s important for all of us to remain vigilant as we support the elimination of malaria around the world. 

Today, April 25, people from all over the world will participate in activities that mark the global development community’s progress in combating malaria and other infectious diseases.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and all of its volunteers play an important part in sustaining malaria treatment, prevention, funding and gathering needed supplies.

Research shows that between 2000 and 2010, nearly 750,000 children were saved because of prevention and treatment of malaria. However, if funding for prevention programs were to decrease, all the progress made would rapidly reverse. 

The Red Cross supports pilot projects that globally supply mosquito nets to families when they receive their malaria vaccinations. Red Cross volunteers have helped to protect an estimated 25.5 million lives with these nets.  

Malaria is caused by Anopheles mosquito bites. If the mosquito is infected with malaria, their bite can cause a person to become infected, unless treated. Pregnant women, young children and the very old are especially at risk due to weaker immune systems.

Common symptoms of malaria may include: fever, chills, headache, sweats, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry cough and muscle pain. In rare cases, malaria can lead to brain or spinal cord damage, seizures and loss of consciousness. However, this does not have to be the case since there are preventions and treatments of malaria. 

Prevention of malaria involves protecting against mosquito bites and accepting medicine that combats and treats the disease. Prevention tools used to combat mosquito bites consist of using bed nets (mosquito nets), limiting outdoor activity between dusk and dawn, using insect repellent with DEET and wearing protective clothing. 

Partnerships between organizations are crucial because simply, they work. The Roll Back Malaria organization, along with the Red Cross, uses a door-to-door approach to talk to people about the causes of malaria and how to prevent it, stressing the importance of using mosquito nets properly. 

Continuing progress against malaria and other infectious diseases can be achieved through additional national and international will, as well as investments in communities where it is needed most. For additional information about malaria and how to help, please visit RedCross.org.

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Standing on a Bridge on a Saturday Morning

by Jill Bode, volunteer contributor

It was the Saturday morning after Wednesday evening’s horrific explosion at the fertilizer plant in West, Texas. Travelers on I-35 pulled off at the West exit for a kolache breakfast at the Czech Stop. As always, the kolaches were hot and served with a smile—the smiles were wan, but they were smiles, nonetheless. Traffic was heavy as the travelers re-entered the highway and navigated the detours caused by what seemed to be endless construction. Saturday morning traffic was moving well until it suddenly slowed to a maddening crawl. Drivers checked their watches.

Then they came into view ahead. The Waco firefighters, flanked by their fire trucks, lined up on the bridge at Valley Mills, and they stood at quiet attention. West Volunteer Fire Dept. suffered a huge loss this week. The firefighters on the bridge were there to honor their own. 

As the Dallas Fire-Rescue truck and its escorts came into view via the rearview mirrors of the frustrated drivers, they suddenly understood the gravity of the moment. Dallas Fire was rolling into town, headed for the mortuary. They came to claim the body of one of their own. Dallas Fire Capt. Kenneth “Luckey” Harris, 52, who was in West on Wednesday night and responded as a volunteer when he heard the all-call for firefighters at the plant. He died as a result.

The Waco firefighters stood at attention, showing the stoic solidarity that firefighters are famous for when they lose one of their own. A Red Cross relief worker stood on the bridge with them, tears streaming down her face. It was an honor to be there.



We join the rest of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in offering our condolences to the Harris family today, as Captain Harris is laid to rest in West. 

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National Volunteer Week: Q&A with Director of Volunteer Services Susie Spartano

by Kristen Kerr, volunteer contributor

As the American Red Cross continues to respond to the tragedies in West, Texas and Boston, along with flooding in the Midwest, we wanted to take some time to recognize the hundreds of volunteers deployed to each of those disasters, as well as the thousands more who make it possible for us to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters every year. From tornadoes and hurricanes to single-family apartment fires, Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

American Red Cross Director
of Volunteer Services,
North Texas Region
Susie Spartano

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking to the Director of Volunteer Services in the North Texas Region, Susie Spartano, to learn more about what she does at the Red Cross and what makes a great Red Cross volunteer.

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself and what it is that made you want to come to the Red Cross?

A: I always worked for for-profit so coming into a non-profit and reading the mission statement and absorbing the fact that the whole organization is here for the benefit of taking care of people was something that was foreign to me. I remember reading the mission statement and thinking ‘wow, this is so cool.’ 

Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?

A: 13 years

Q: How has the job changed since you first started?

A: Actually having technology in regards to managing the volunteer services workforce is the biggest change. Everything used to be paper; manuals, Excel spreadsheets, training materials, etc. so trying to track and support a volunteer workforce of 6,000+ people and do it via Excel was difficult. Technology does allow us to respond in a way that people expect; we are better able, I think, to match the needs of the public, especially in a large metropolitan area. For example, we recently launched our new online volunteer system, Volunteer Connection.  

Q: What is it about the work that you do that has inspired you to stay?

A: As a human resource professional, I look into how to build an organization that supports the business, but also supports the individual. I feel strongly that a happy worker is one that is going to provide the organization with value, so being able to take that concept and apply it to a volunteer organization is really challenging and interesting. I just love being here and managing volunteers.

Q: What are some obstacles that you have faced while on the job?

A: The biggest one that sticks out is the re-organization of the Red Cross. It changed the way we work and the way that we look at our organization and we are still basically in the middle of that. Another big one that I want to give credit to is Hurricane Katrina. When Katrina hit, the Dallas Area Chapter had me and one other person working in the volunteer services area, and we were so overwhelmed. We were used to getting 25 paper applications per month, and we got about 800 in three weeks after Katrina. However, in a situation like that there is no place else you want to be because you can be a part of the solution. 

Q: What are some of your favorite moments with the Red Cross?

A: Realizing after Katrina that we served more than 24,000 people in a month and being a part of that team was life changing. I remember being in the shelter and it was an amazing experience because of course the shelter was like a small city; thousands of people were living there. I’ll never forget this one little girl who needed to go the bathroom so I took her and her little brother. As we’re walking to the restroom, I look down at her and I say “Okay angel, come on this way” and she goes (with a sassy attitude), “My names not angel!” She was so cute! Having the experience of Katrina in my life and being able to apply that so we do it better next time has been gratifying. 

Q: What does your day-to-day job entail?

A: A lot of oversight and building for the future. My main concern everyday is how we are serving our potential volunteers, that is our potential workforce as well as the department we serve. How are we responding to both of their needs, and then always looking at ways in how can we do things better; we can always take it to the next level.  

Q: What kind of challenges do you run into during your day-to-day?

A: Trying to address the cultural differences of our large geographic area is something we do quite a bit. You realize that every single community we serve is different; another big thing is how we make our workforce diverse.  

Q: Lastly, in your opinion what attributes do you think it takes to be a good volunteer?

A: To be a Red Cross volunteer, you have to be dedicated to serving the Red Cross clients and you have to have passion for taking care of people in need that have been affected by disaster or emergency. You have to want to help others because we ask a lot of our volunteers. They do everything across the organization. You have to be willing to go in and do what ever it takes. You should also be vocal because we become better when we all come together collectively. 

Volunteers work seven days a week, 365 days a year. If its 3 a.m. and there’s a flood or house fire, you can bet that our volunteers have received a phone call and are on their way. Therefore, next time you see someone in a Red Cross vest helping out their fellow man, just remember that they are more than likely a volunteer and are helping completely free of charge. 

If you are interested in being a part of the Red Cross volunteer force, please visit RedCross.org/DFW for additional information. Volunteer opportunities range anywhere from disaster preparedness to public affairs to mental health counseling. There is never a better time than now to help those in need. 

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Talk About Tornadoes: How to Prepare Your Family for Storm Season at Home or School

by Kay Pinkerton, volunteer contributor 

A tornado outbreak hit the DFW Metroplex
April 3 last year

As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas.  

It can definitely be true when it comes to storms.

On April 3 of 2012, just one year ago, a tornado outbreak roared through North Texas, leveling houses, damaging schools and tossing tractor-trailers into the air like toys.  

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the storm system’s most violent tornado occurred in Forney/Rockwall. The F3 tornado touched down in Forney’s Diamond Creek subdivision, located near Crosby Elementary School. Crosby wasn’t directly hit by the tornado; however, high winds broke windows, damaged air conditioning units and ripped off sections of the roof. Children were in class at the time of the tornado. Neither students nor staff members were injured during the storm. 

The Fujita Scale classifies tornado intensities with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). An F3 tornado is considered severe, with wind speeds between 158-206 mph. 

Severe weather is one of the most common hazards in the North Texas area. If severe weather threatens while your child is at school, the Red Cross offers the following safety tips: 

Before a Tornado

• Have a plan. Learn the safest places to seek shelter when at home, work, school or outdoors. Discuss with your children. The American Red Cross offers a one-page Tornado Safety Checklist to help you and your family become "Red Cross Ready."
• Know your school’s severe weather procedures. For parents, it’s vitally important to review the school’s emergency procedures -- including its parent notification system -- before disaster strikes. School-to-school protocol can vary widely. And rules that detail early dismissals, bus runs and parent pick-ups can be daunting. Further, as situations change, so may the associated policy. The final goal is to keep children safe.
• Know where you live. Know the counties where your home and your child’s school reside. Make sure every family member knows, as well. 
• Remain alert. During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center can also help you remain alert to the possibility of severe weather during the school day. A great new way to stay on top of tornadic activity is to download the Red Cross Tornado App (more on that below!)
• Learn basic weather terms.  Know the difference between a watch and a warning:
• Tornado watch – tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area.  
• Tornado warning – a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Seek shelter immediately. 
• Know your community’s warning system. Communities warn residents about tornadoes in different ways. Many have outdoor warning sirens.
• Watch for tornado danger signs:
• Dark, often greenish clouds – a phenomenon caused by hail
• Wall cloud – an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm
• Cloud of debris
• Large hail
• Funnel cloud-a visible rotating extension of the cloud base
• Roaring noise
• Download the Red Cross Tornado App. The free Red Cross Tornado App offers instant access to life- and property-saving information before, during and after tornadoes. You can receive real-time NOAA tornado watch and warning alerts – whether it’s in your community or places where your loved ones live. There are also apps available that provide both first-aid information and Red Cross shelter locations.   

During A Tornado

• Have Your Child Stay at School. According to NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, your child is safer at school than he would be traveling home early by foot, car or bus. If the tornado sirens are sounding, parents should wait until the danger has passed to pick up their children. School staff members are trained to follow specific procedures designed to keep the students safe. Children will be taken to a safe place, such as a basement, to wait out the storm. Students with special needs will be accommodated, as well. If children are riding on a bus when a tornado siren goes off, bus drivers will be instructed where to go and when they can safely deliver the children to their homes.
• For Families at home:
• Go to a basement, underground shelter or safe room.  If these aren’t available, use a small, windowless interior room (such as a bathroom), hallway or closet on the lowest floor.  
• If you can, crawl under a sturdy piece of furniture, like a table.
• If you’re in a mobile home, go to basement, sturdy building or shelter, if possible. 
• If you are outdoors and cannot quickly walk to a shelter:
• Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. 
• If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park.  The following are considered last-resort options:
• Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible. 
• If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. 
• Remaining in your car or seeking shelter in a depression or ditch are last-resort options that provide little protection. The safest place to be is in an underground shelter, basement or safe room. 

After a Tornado

• Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions.
• Avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report them to the utility company immediately. 
• Stay out of damaged buildings. 
• Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive. 
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls. 
• If your community experiences a tornado or other disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well website to let your family and friends know your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family, or click on the I'm Safe button on any of your Red Cross apps. You can even share that you're safe with your social networks.

To learn more about how you can prepare your family for tornadoes or to learn more about the Red Cross, visit us online at redcross.org. 

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Remember, Connect & Give: The April 3 DFW Tornado Outbreak, One Year Later

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross

April 3 DFW Tornado Outbreak
Infographic: Click to enlarge

One year ago today, the Metroplex got a scary reminder of what it means to live in tornado alley. Multiple tornadoes touched down, causing large-scale damage in Lancaster, Forney, Arlington and other areas. While miraculously, there were no fatalities, more than 1,000 homes were damaged and the American Red Cross was there to respond.

“That was my first disaster. I had only been with the Red Cross for three months when those things hit,” recalled T.D. Smyers, Regional CEO for the North Texas Region. Wanting to see for himself how his new organization operated during disasters, he went to Lancaster with the Red Cross disaster response team.

“I got to see up close and personal the devastation Mother Nature had on the community. People started coming out of their homes, looking at all the damage, and then I saw a beacon of hope coming up the street. It was a Red Cross feeding truck. Everyone was so glad to see our volunteers providing meals for everyone from the side window. It was a privilege to witness our mission in action.”

Remember

 

Looking back at the disaster a full year later, it’s sometimes hard to remember that some families are still recovering. Hundreds of homes were completely destroyed, and hundreds more damaged. In the immediate aftermath, many families stayed at Red Cross shelters while the clean-up process began.

T.D. Smyers visited a shelter in Lancaster and was struck by the reaction of the residents coming in. 

“When the tornadoes struck, most people were caught completely unprepared. People whose homes were hit were in despair, with nowhere to turn because they never thought about where they would stay or what they would do in a situation like this,” he explained. “To see them show up at the shelter and be greeted by Red Cross staff, who showed the face of friendliness and professionalism, saying ‘we’ve got you covered’—that was such a relief to those people. Seeing the impact that my organization had in real human lives was extremely gratifying. I carry it with me to this day.”

In total, the Red Cross served nearly 41,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 6,100 relief items, provided nearly 200 mental health consultations and opened four shelters while responding to the tornadoes. Some 600 Red Cross relief workers were involved in the relief effort with 90% of them being volunteers. 

“As we commemorate this anniversary date, I’d like to ask other to join me in remembering the families who are still in recovery,” said Smyers. “And remember how the Red Cross responded to the needs in our own community instantly. That’s what your support allows us to do.”

Connect

Whenever there is a disaster like this, we are always thinking about how we can make the community better prepared in the future. One way to be prepared is to connect with us via our social networks, where we are constantly working to post the most up-to-date information about what’s happening in our community—whether that’s preparedness tips when the sky is blue, weather alerts as they happen and shelter and food service locations afterward.

“We’re proud of our social media presence,” said T.D. “I think it’s a vital part of our communications. It’s really the way to stay updated on the latest information we have.”

You can connect with us on our Facebook page and on Twitter @redcrossdfw.

Another easy way to stay prepared is to download our mobile apps, which are designed to put Red Cross tools and information directly in your hands. Here in tornado alley, the Tornado app, which sounds a siren when a tornado warning is in your area, can actually save your life by warning you of danger when you might not be monitoring the weather. In a situation like last year’s tornadoes, which occurred in the middle of the day while many people were at work and not watching the weather, it can make a world of difference.

All Red Cross apps are free and available now for iOS and Android devices. Find download links here.

“We know that people who were connected to our social feeds a year ago were able to learn what was happening around them and alert others,” T.D. reflected. “Those connections helped to save lives and with our new series of apps, it’s going to be even easier to get lifesaving information into people’s hands when they truly need it.”

Give

As we remember the destruction that our community experienced last year, we continue to look to you to help us be ready to respond when the next time disaster strikes. Last year, we ran low on clean-up supplies, leading to a delay in getting supplies out to people as they tried to clean up the wreckage. This year, we’re trying to build up our storm supply inventory, so we’ll have enough ready to provide the next time they are needed.

“The Dallas/Fort Worth area is among the most disaster-prone regions in the United States. We’re in tornado season and we’ve depleted some of our supplies that we need to be on the shelf and ready to go at a moment’s notice,” explains T.D. “People are always saying they want to help and they’re always very generous with wanting to donate so we’ve put together a list of items we’re needing and hoping that our supporters can help us out.” 

Please donate to our Storm Supplies drive all this week at DFW Red Cross locations. See details here.

As always, we are also looking for your help however you can give—donating, giving blood or volunteering. Learn how you can help at RedCross.org/DFW.

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Help Us Get Ready For Storm Season! Storm Supplies Drive at DFW Chapters All This Week

by Amy Yen, Digital Communications Manager, American Red Cross

We need your help getting
ready for storm season!

Wednesday will be the one-year anniversary of the tornado outbreak that hit the Metroplex last April. While, thankfully, there were no deaths in that outbreak, more than 1,000 homes were destroyed or damaged, leaving residents to begin the lengthy clean-up process.

In the days after the storm, the Red Cross ran low on clean-up supplies, causing a delay in getting gloves, rakes, shovels and other materials out to people as they tried to sort through the wreckage. With spring storm season upon us again, we’re looking for your help to build our storm supply inventory, so we’ll have enough ready to provide to people in your community the next time disaster strikes. 

We’re holding a Storm Supplies Drive all this week at DFW Red Cross locations. We’re looking for the following items*:

• Large men's leather work gloves
• 6 oz. insect repellent
• Flashlights with batteries
• LED lanterns with batteries
• Dust masks (in package)
• Gift cards of any value from Lowes, Home Depot or other local hardware store

*NEW items only please!

Drop-Off Times

Monday-Friday, April 1-5, 9am - 4pm

Saturday, April 6, 10am - 6pm

Drop-Off Locations

• Dallas Chapter, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75235
• Chisholm Trail Chapter, 1515 S. Sylvania Avenue, Fort. Worth, Texas 76111
• Johnson County Branch, 915D North Nolan River Rd , Cleburne, TX 76033
• Corsicana Branch, 701 W. Second Ave., Corsicana, Texas 75110
• McKinney Branch, 1450 Redbud Blvd., McKinney, Texas 75069
• Denton Branch, 1200 Woodrow Lane 200, Denton, Texas 76205

If you come by the Dallas chapter between 4-6pm on Saturday, April 6 to drop off your donation, you can get delicious gourmet shaved ice from Enticed. Or come by the the Chisholm Trail Chapter between 3-6pm on Saturday and grab a tasty snack at the Gypsy Scoops gourmet ice cream truck! 

Thank you in advance for your help making sure we’re ready!

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Rocking For the Red Cross – How Dallas Area Chapter Board Member Bob Boulogne Harmonizes Life, Music and Charity

by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

Father, philanthropist, hospitality pro and rock star – these are the four terms that best describe Red Cross Dallas Area Chapter board member and drummer of the Lost Coyote Band, Bob Boulogne.

The Lost Coyote Band was formed nine months ago when nationally acclaimed chef Dean Fearing and Boulogne, old friends from Boulogne’s time as chief operating officer of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, picked up their instruments and started playing.  

“I had left my 30-year-old drum set at his house and one day while I was over there he picked up his guitar, I got on the drums, and we said, ‘Hey this is a lot of fun; let’s start a band,’” Boulogne said. 

The Lost Coyote band raised more than $10,000
for charity last month.

Other members of The Lost Coyote band include bass guitarist Dave Brummell and guitarist Dave Cook. 

Last month the band raised more than $10,000 for charity. Boulogne hopes to continue their fundraising success this weekend by hosting a concert and live auction with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting one of his favorite causes, the American Red Cross.

Boulogne became involved with the Red Cross three years ago through the suggestion of a friend. He says, as a member of the Dallas Area Chapter Board of Directors, he enjoys having the opportunity to brainstorm exciting ways to keep people plugged in to the great work the organization does. 

“We’ve been having discussions about how we could take a more youthful approach to the Red Cross - not necessarily in terms of age, but as in thinking,” Boulogne said. “We just want to have some fun with it.”  

If you are a fan of loud rock and roll, lead guitar riffs and late 60s through early 70s style rock, you will definitely enjoy the two sets the band has planned for the show, Boulogne promises.

“It’s a good excuse to get friends and like-minded music lovers together to not take life seriously, have some fun, and most importantly raise money for charity,” Boulogne added.

The band will rock out for the Red Cross Friday, March 29 at the Green Elephant Bar in Dallas from 8-11 p.m. Admission is $20 and will benefit the Red Cross Dallas Area Chapter.

So, how does one balance a busy career in hospitality, two children and a band while also volunteering on the board for the Dallas Area Chapter? 

“I just try to keep a positive attitude, keep the balls moving and keep great lines of communication with my kids,” Boulogne explained. “I never take anything too seriously; life is short.”

For more information about the concert or to learn how you can contribute to the Red Cross, visit redcross.org.

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Spring Into Action, Volunteer and Change Lives

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor 

It’s the first day of Spring. The seasons change. The animals start to have their babies, and we celebrate the beginning of longer days. 

What better way to spend those longer days than by volunteering and giving back to your community?

Volunteers helping at a shelter
during Hurricane Issac

The Red Cross makes it easy to volunteer in a variety of ways. 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood supply; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families.

The next number is what makes all of that work truly remarkable: The Red Cross is made up of a group of people who want to dedicate their time and talents to bringing good to the world, more than 90% of whom are volunteers. 

Want to truly put a spring in your step this season? Here are some ways you can bring life to others as we watch the world bloom around us

• Volunteer in the community. From serving on our disaster response team to helping with clerical work in our offices, we need folks from every background whether you can help an hour or month or 40. 
• Give blood. The American Red Cross provides about 40 percent of the nation’s blood. You can help literally save lives by donating your blood. 
• Be a digital advocate. Help us to support the Red Cross cause using social media. Read and share stories with the thousands of people whose lives have intersected with the Red Cross. 

Thanks to our new site especially for volunteers, Volunteer Connection, finding and managing your volunteer path with the Red Cross is easier than ever. "We believe Volunteer Connection will improve our response to community needs and deliver services of the Red Cross mission by better engaging one of our greatest assets — the talents, time and dedication of our volunteers," said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the Red Cross. Check out this video for more:


And perhaps the best part of volunteering for the American Red Cross, is what YOU get out of it. Volunteers that joined us at this time last year had no idea in just a few weeks they would be helping us with the DFW tornado outbreak, and there is no way we could have served the people affected by those storms without their help! 

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to become a Red Cross volunteer, it’s right now. Check out this infographic for more on how you can help and visit redcross.org to begin your story today! 

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