Red Cross Provides Relief after Midwest Tornado Outbreak
The American Red Cross stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the thousands of people affected by the recent devastating tornadoes, providing for their immediate needs.
In West Liberty, KY, one of the hardest hit communities by the March 2 tornado outbreak, resident Martha Hall remembers the roar as the twister approached.
“(We) covered ourselves just in time,” Hall said. The roof of her home is now gone and debris is everywhere. “It went boom. You could feel the house move.”
Officials have informed Hall that her home will have to be leveled. In this small mountain town of just 3,000 people, the tornado has affected everyone in some way. Some have lost loved ones; others have lost their home or business, or both.
Besides Kentucky, communities throughout the south and Midwest were affected by these severe storms and the Red Cross is working around the clock to assist people with situations just like that of Martha Hall.
Earlier this past week, the Red Cross opened 25 shelters, providing a safe haven for more than 250 people in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, where blizzard conditions forced people to seek refuge. Red Cross emergency vehicles are distributing meals and relief supplies in affected communities, and assessment teams are helping to determine the full scope of the damage the tornadoes left behind.
The governors of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri and West Virginia have declared a state of emergency for the state or affected counties.
“The families that we’ve talked to today have expressed gratitude that they are alive, but they also recognize that a lot of their loved ones are not,” said Red Cross disaster worker Anita Foster in West Liberty, KY.
“The Red Cross is doing what we can. We have deployed our disaster mental health workers – folks who can help with the crisis counseling. We have loaded trucks and supplies and pushed them into the neighborhoods just as quickly as possible.”
People have had their lives turned upside down and Red Cross mental health support is an important part of the relief effort. Red Cross mental health workers will help people cope with the loss they have had to endure. Many remain in shock, wondering what will happen next.
“I’ve seen this on TV and could never imagine it for real,” said Hall. For the people of West Liberty, KY, including Martha Hall, finding a new normal will take many days. Adding to the already overwhelming circumstances many face, snow was predicted for much of the affected areas. Thanks to the American Red Cross, she and the many like her will not be alone in the difficult days ahead.
If someone would like to help people affected by disasters, such as tornadoes and floods, they can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to their local Red Cross chapter at
109 N Brady St., Suite 2, DuBois, PA 15801 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
As people begin to deal with the aftermath of the tornadoes, the Red Cross reminds them they should return to their neighborhood only when officials say it is safe to do so. They should also:
· stay out of damaged buildings and immediately report any fallen power lines or broken gas lines 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.
People can find Red Cross shelters by contacting local emergency officials, visiting www.redcross.org, or calling 1-800 REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). iPhone users can download a free Red Cross shelter view app from the app store.
Those affected can let loved ones know they are safe by registering on the secure Red Cross Safe and Well web site, where they can also update their Facebook and Twitter status. If they don’t have computer access, they can also register by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Loved ones outside the disaster area can use Safe and Well to find information about loved ones in the affected areas by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.
Smart phone users can visit and click on the “List Yourself as Safe and Well” or “Search for friends and family” link.
March is Red Cross Month
Every year, the Red Cross:
· Responds to nearly 70,000 disasters
· Teaches more than 4 million people how to prepare for disaster
· Engages more than half million people as Red Cross volunteers
· Trains more than 9 million people in first aid, water safety and other skills to help save lives, such as CPR and use of AEDs
· Collects 6.3 million units of blood from roughly 3.7 million volunteer donors
· Provides services to more than 400,000 military members, veterans and civilians
· Helps nearly 150 million people through disaster management and disease prevention activities
· Reconnects more than 1,000 families separated by war and disaster around the world
Since 1881, the Red Cross has provided lifesaving services across the country and around the world thanks to the generosity of the American public that has always reached into their own pocket to help their neighbor in need.
After President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the month of March “Red
Cross Month” in 1943, the Red Cross raised the largest amount ever aimed for in one campaign by any American organization. Roosevelt called it the “greatest single crusade of mercy in all of history.”
Today, the American Red Cross continues to be that symbol of mercy, providing help and hope down the street, across the country and around the world.
You can be an important part of the mission of the American Red Cross by donating your time, energy, talents, blood and financial support. Call or email the PA Heartland Chapter office today to find out more.
Complimentary One-Year AARP Membership for Volunteers
Thanks to a special arrangement, during March and April the American Red
Cross is pleased to offer volunteers a complimentary one-year AARP membership for themselves, a friend or a family member. Membership offers numerous benefits for those aged 50 and over, including trusted resources, volunteer opportunities, discounts on travel and entertainment, AARP’s monthly magazine and more. The Red Cross will receive a net $5 for each membership through this program. Click here to http://www.aarpmembership.org/redcross redeem your membership.
Red Cross Spring Charity Auction
Saturday, April 21, St, Charles Café, Clearfield
Highlights will include a silent, Chinese and live auction along with the popular Balloon Pop. The preview of items will be from 5 p.m. -7 p.m., and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. The live auction will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 and available at the office 109 North Brady St, Suite 2, DuBois, or the night of the auction.
Here is a updated list of sponsors and auction items:
Sponsors:
Silver Sponsor:
Appalachian Wood Products Inc.
Wal-Mart Distribution Center No. 6027
CNB Bank
Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company Inc.
Rainbow Dinner Theatre
DelGrosso’s Amusement Park
Clearfield Bank and Trust
Barbara Woolridge
Walter Hopkins and Company L.L.P.
Bronze Sponsor:
Progressive Publishing Company Inc.
Sight and Sound of Lancaster
Auction Items:
Roberto Clemente Print
Various CAT gift Items
Two, Adult Complimentary Tickets to Jonah, Lancaster County
Two seats for dinner and show – Rainbow Dinner Theatre
Four All-day fun passes – DelGrosso’s Amusement Park
Additional Items will be added as they are received.
Contact the chapter office at 371-2750 for information about a sponsorship or for tickets to the event.
First Bash of Summer Carnival is Returning
The popular First Bash of Summer Carnival is returning to the DuBois City
Memorial Park, Wednesday, May 30 through Saturday, June 2. Once again, the event will be providing a chance to enjoy carnival rides, food, games and live entertainment while raising funds for the American Red Cross. Watch for more information as event plans are finalized.
Follow us on Twitter @ARC_PAHeartland and on Facebook at “American Red Cross PA Heartland.”
Disaster Services:
Volunteers from across the four counties continue to provide disaster services to those in need.
The American Red Cross provides financial support for food, clothing, shelter and other emergency needs to victims of disasters. The American Red Cross partners with other organizations to avoid duplication of services.
Monthly disaster team meetings allow volunteers to gather to discuss recent disaster responses, learn new disaster operation techniques or to practice on current ones, learn about other Red Cross volunteer opportunities and network with other volunteers.
If you are interested in becoming a Red Cross disaster volunteer, you are invited to attend a Disaster team meeting in your area, or you contact the chapter office for more information. All meetings start at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 13, Brookville Presbyterian Church, Brookville
Tuesday, March 20, Glad Tidings Church, Clearfield
Schedule is subject to change.
Red Cross Partnerships
The PA Heartland Chapter partners with other service organizations to provide disaster services. These partnerships help us avoid duplication of services thus reducing expenses, share areas of strength to support disaster victims, and assist communities in building resiliency.
If you are part of an organization that is involved in disaster assistance in any way and are interested in partnering with the American Red Cross, please contact Patti Micale, Emergency Services Director at 814-371-2750, ext. 106, for more information.
Blood Services
Clearfield County Bloodmobile Schedule
3/14, Clearfield West Side United Methodist Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3/15, Treasure Lake Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
3/16, 440 Front St., Clearfield Fixed Site, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3/16, Christ Lutheran Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
3/17, DuBois Area Middle School – Girl Scouts, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3/28, Penn State DuBois, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3/30, 440 Front St., Clearfield Fixed Site, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/06, 440 Front St. Clearfield Fixed Site, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/09, Curwensville United Methodist Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/20, 440 Front St., Clearfield Fixed Site, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/23, DuBois Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
4/25, Karthaus Community Alliance Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
4/26, Grampian Church of God, 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/02, Bigler YMCA, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/04, 440 Front St., Clearfield Fixed Site, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/16, DuBois First United Presbyterian Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
5/17, Treasure Lake Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
5/18, 440 Front St., Clearfield Fixed Site, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Jefferson County Bloodmobile Schedule
3/22, Brockway St. Tobias Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3/23, Sykesville Bethel Baptist Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3/23, Brookville Calvary Church of Nazarene 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3/23, Punxsutawney Christian School, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3/27, Reynoldsville American Legion, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
4/17, Punxsutawney SSCD, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/18, Brockway Volunteer Hose Company, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/19, Brookville EUM Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/11, Big Run Volunteer Fire Company, 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/22, Brockway Presbyterian Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/25, Sykesville ABVM Catholic Church, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
5/29, Reynoldsville St. Mary’s Church, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Elk and Cameron Counties Bloodmobile Schedule
3/13, Kersey Senior Center, 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
3/14, St. Marys Moose Club, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3/15, Weedville American Legion, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
4/11, St. Marys Moose Club, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
4/12, Emporium VFW, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
4/13, Johnsonburg Senior Center, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
5/08, Ridgway Central Hose Company, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
5/09, Kersey Senior Center, 2 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
5/10, St. Marys Moose Club, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
5/11, Weedville American Legion, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Schedule is subject to change.
Call 1-800-733-2767 to schedule appointments or visit the E-donor site at www.redcrossblood.org. Call 1-866-236-3276 to ask questions about donating blood.
Health & Safety Class Schedule:
Evening classes run from 6 p.m. 9:30 p.m. and daytime classes run 9 a.m. until
3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, Tuesday, March 20 (Evening), Chapter Classroom
Wednesday, Mar 21
First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor
Tuesday, March 13, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Web-based
Wednesday, March 14, 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. & Classroom
CPR/AED for Professional Rescuer
Saturday, March 23, (Day), Chapter Classroom
Schedule is subject to change.
Visit www.redcross.org to see a complete schedule of classes, pricing and to register for classes or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Pre-registration for community classes is required. Minimum registration requirements for classes will be followed. Options for online “Blended” classes are available.
The PA Heartland Chapter is part of the Western PA Region of the American Red Cross. With regional leadership provided out of the Pittsburgh office, the Greater Erie County, the Corry, Warren County, Allegheny Region, ARC of McKean and Potter and the ARC of the PA Heartland work together with the Butler-Mercer County, Westmoreland-Chestnut Ridge, Indiana, Keystone, and Southwestern Penn Chapters to ensure that Red Cross services are available in the most efficient and caring way possible.
The ARC of the PA Heartland Chapter is a United Way and United Fund Participating Agency and RSVP Station.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
Support the American Red Cross! Checks may be sent to PA Heartland Chapter,
109 North Brady St., Suite 2, DuBois, PA 15801.
Contact the Chapter office at info@arcpaheartland.org or by calling 371-2750 or 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) opt 6.
Follow us on Twitter @ARC_PAHeartland and like us at our “American Red Cross PA Heartland” Facebook Page.