Picking Up Pieces after Midwest Tornado Outbreak
The American Red Cross continues to help people across the Midwest after the weekend’s devastating tornadoes.
In Oklahoma alone, the Red Cross estimates that more than 600 homes were affected by this weekend’s tornadoes, including 87 homes that were destroyed and 49 sustaining major damage. Another area hit hard is Thurman, Iowa, where FEMA reports 75 percent of the town sustained damage.
Red Cross disaster teams are operating shelters, providing meals and distributing relief supplies throughout the affected communities. The Red Cross is also moving additional relief supplies into the tornado-stricken areas, including comfort kits, tarps, coolers, rakes and other cleanup supplies.
VOLUNTEERS LEAD DISASTER RESPONSE
Many of the Red Cross responders are volunteers. It was a busy weekend in Iowa as they helped in communities hit by the tornadoes, and also responded to large fires and other severe weather.
The weekend began with volunteers helping people affected by a large apartment building fire in Des Moines. Tornadoes slammed into the Thurman and Creston areas Saturday. By Sunday morning, volunteers were on the scene supporting firefighters responding to a multiple business fire in Titonka.
After the tornadoes struck in Thurman and Creston, volunteers opened two shelters, activated three mobile feeding trucks, and began damage assessment. Red Cross volunteers served more than 1,650 meals and snacks Sunday and provided emotional support for clients.
Red Cross volunteers also responded to severe weather damage in Sioux City, Des Moines, Knoxville, Council Bluffs and Keokuk County. Most of the cases reported were wind and tree damage to homes. In Titonka, volunteers served 250 meals to firefighters battling a multi-business fire.
“There were a significant number of disaster-related incidents this weekend which affected many people’s lives here in Iowa,” said Leslie Schaffer, Red Cross spokesperson. “Our volunteers have really worked tirelessly to make sure people had a safe place to stay, food to eat and help getting their lives back on track. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the storms and fires this weekend, not only here but across the country.”
SAFETY STEPS The Red Cross reminds people who live in the tornado-damaged areas that they should stay out of damaged buildings. Other safety steps include:
- · Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes when examining homes for damage.
- · Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately.
- · Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles.
- · If someone notices a gas smell or hears a hissing noise, they should open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly. They should also call the gas company or fire department.
- · Keep animals under control.
- · Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard.
People can help those affected by disasters like these tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.
Chapter Announces Annual Membership Meeting
The American Red Cross PA Heartland Chapter’s annual membership meeting will be held on Friday, May 4, 6 pm at the Penfield United Methodist Church. This meeting is open to all volunteers, financial and blood donors from the PA Heartland Service area. Election of board members, election of representative to the annual meeting of the corporation and status reports will take place. A meal will be provided and door prizes will be awarded. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to the Chapter office at 371-2750.
Red Cross Spring Charity Auction is This SATURDAY!
Saturday, April 21, 2012, St, Charles Café in Clearfield.
Highlights will include a Silent, Chinese and Live auction along with the popular Balloon Pop. The preview of items will be from 5:00-7:00, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served. The live auction will begin at 7:00. Ticket are $12.00 and available at the office 109 North Brady Street Suite 2 DuBois or the night of the Auction.
Here is a updated list of Sponsors and auction items: BOLD TYPE: NEW SPONSORS OR ITEMS.
Sponsors:
Gold Sponsor:
Gant Daily
Silver Sponsor:
Appalachian Wood Products Inc
Wal-Mart Distribution Center No. 6027
CNB Bank
Cleveland Brothers Equipment Company Inc.
Rainbow Dinner Theatre
Del Grosso’s Amusement Park
Clearfield Bank and Trust
Barbara Woolridge
Walter Hopkins and Company L.L.P.
Winter Barn Antiques
Citizens Committee for Camille George
Destini’s Day Care
Rowles Family Furniture
Bronze Sponsor:
Progressive Publishing Company Inc.
Sight and Sound of Lancaster
Fuel and Save Inc.
Cindy McMurray
Woodland Campground
CAST
James Ferguson
Susie’s Fashions
Lucas Oil
Auction Items:
Roberto Clemente Print
Various CAT gift Items
Two Adult Complimentary Tickets to Jonah Lancaster County, PA
Two seats for dinner and show – Rainbow Dinner Theatre
Four All day fun passes – Del Grosso’s Amusement Park
Gift certificate for a one hour massage – Cindy McMurray
Gift certificate-two free fours hour care blocks – Destini’s Day Care
Two lamps – Rowles Family Furniture
T-shirt, hat, gift certificate one night free camping – Woodland Campground
Two tickets to opening night of the May, September and November productions – CAST
Bench – James Ferguson
Purse – Susie’s Fashions
Four 6 inch sub gift certificates – Subway-Wal Mart, Clearfield
Four 6 inch sub gift certificates – Subway-440 Front Street
Gift certificate-1 medium pizza- Fox’s Pizza, Clearfield
Gift certificate-1 free meal – Aunt Lu’s Café-
$10.00 gift certificate – Country Butcher
Two ice cream cake gift certificates – Dairy Queen, Clearfield
Michael Waltrip die cast – NAPA, Clearfield
Coleman sleeping bag – Bob’s Army and Navy
$15.00 gift certificate – Sids Subs
Partylite Candles-Exprescents-Friendship – Gray Engine Service
Gardening Tools – Gates Hardware
Turquoise Necklace and Earrings – Clearfield Pharmacy
Sweatshirt, golf shirt and t-shirt – Hubler Brothers, Inc
Plant – Ridgeview Elder Care Rehabilitation Center-
Gift Certificate-1 large pizza – Scotto’s Pizza
Two tickets – State College Spikes
Two DVDs – Silver Screen Video
Flowering Tea Pot-The Strawberry Tree
Candle and soaps – Bouquets by Jill
Two t-shirts and a hat – Purcell Tire
Shop Broom – H&H Hardware and Builders
Carnelian, chrysophase and sterling silver necklace – Jo Thompson Designs
Morgan Silver Dollars and Basket of Antique Items – Duane Test
Gift basket with one month’s membership – Curves of Clearfield
Troy Polamalu Autographed picture – Steelers
Free tune up – Shugarts Lawn and Garden Power Equipment
$10.00 gift certificate – Aletta’s Farm Market
Two free pizza gift certificates – Checkerboard Pizza
18 holes green fees and cart – Eagles Ridge Golf Club
$25.00 gift certificate – Central Hotel
Gift certificate for a one hour massage – Body Works Massage for Women
And many more wonderful items.
Contact the Chapter office at 371-2750 for information on 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, 2012. Once again providing a chance to enjoy carnival rides, food, games and live entertainment and raise funds for the American Red Cross. Watch for more information as event plans are finalized. Sunny 106 once again is the media sponsor for this event.
First Bash of Summer Carnival Sponsors: BOLD TYPE: NEW SPONSORS.
Community Sponsors:
S & T Bank
Kohlhepp’s True Value
Veolia
Hallstrom Construction, Inc.
DuBois Harley Davidson
Media Sponsor:
Sunny 106.5 FM/WCED 1420 AM
Prize Sponsors:
Ramada Altoona
Wal-Mart Distribution Center
Golf Tournament Date Set
The PA Heartland Chapter is working with the Bavarian Hills Golf Course and area volunteers to make the annual Red Cross Golf Tournament one of the great events of the summer. Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 21. Watch for more information to come.
Follow us on Twitter @ARC_PAHeartland and Facebook at “American Red Cross PA Heartland” Facebook Page.
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 for volunteers to gather to discuss recent disaster responses, learn new disaster operation techniques or practice on current ones, find out 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 contact the chapter office for more information. All meetings start at 6:00 PM.
Tuesday, April 24 Chapter office DuBois
Tuesday, May 1 American Legion St. Marys
Tuesday, May 8 Brookville Presbyterian Church Brookville
Tuesday, May 15 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 x 106 for more information.
Blood Services
Clearfield County Bloodmobile Schedule
4/20 440 Front St. Clearfield Fixed Site Noon – 6 pm
4/23 DuBois Lakeside United Methodist Church 1 pm – 7 pm
Sponsored by DuBois Area Jaycees
4/25 Karthaus Shepherd of the Hills Church 2 pm – 7 pm
4/26 Grampian Church of God 12:30 pm – 6 pm
5/2 Bigler YMCA Noon – 6 pm
5/4 440 Front St. Clearfield Fixed Site Noon – 6 pm
5/14 Clearfield Presbyterian Church Noon – 6 pm
5/15 Treasure Lake Church 1 pm – 7 pm
5/16 DuBois First United Presbyterian Church 1 pm – 7 pm
5/18 440 Front St. Clearfield Fixed Site Noon – 6 pm
5/28 DuBois Mall 10 am – 3 pm
Jefferson County Bloodmobile Schedule
4/17 Punxsutawney SSCD Noon – 6 pm
Sponsored by Punxsutawney Lions Club
4/18 Brockway Volunteer Hose Company Noon – 6 pm
4/19 Brookville EUM Church Noon – 6 pm
Sponsored by Brenda Shumaker Funeral Home
5/11 Big Run Volunteer Fire Company 12:30 pm – 6 pm
5/22 Brockway Presbyterian Church Noon – 6 pm
5/23 Brookville Borough Complex Noon – 6 pm
5/25 Sykesville ABVM Catholic Church Noon – 6 pm
5/25 Punxsutawney First Church of God Noon – 6 pm
5/29 Reynoldsville St. Mary’s Church 1 pm – 7 pm
Elk and Cameron Counties Bloodmobile Schedule
5/8 Kersey Senior Center 2 pm – 6:30 pm
5/9 St. Marys Moose Club 10 am – 4 pm
5/10 Weedville American Legion 1 pm – 6 pm
5/11 Ridgway Central Hose Company 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
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 6:00 pm till 9:30pm and daytime classes run 9:00 am till 3:30 pm unless otherwise noted.
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Saturday, Apr 21 (Day) Chapter Classroom
Adult CPR/AED Saturday, Apr 21 9 am – 12:30 Chapter Classroom
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Saturday, May 12 (Day) Chapter Classroom
Adult CPR/AED Saturday, May 12 9 am – 12:30 Chapter Classroom
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Tuesday, May 15 (Evening) Chapter Classroom
Thursday, May 17
Adult CPR/AED Tuesday, May 15 (Evening) Chapter Classroom
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Saturday, Jun 2 (Day) Chapter Classroom
Adult CPR/AED Saturday, Jun 2 9 am – 12:30 Chapter Classroom
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Tuesday, Jun 19 (Evening) Chapter Classroom
Thursday, Jun 21
Adult CPR/AED Tuesday, Jun 19 (Evening) 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 on-line “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 N Brady Street, 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.