The Red Cross, a place to start

By: Donna Walker

American Red Cross

 

In the aftermath of a flood amidst the dust and destruction, a dazed, where-to-begin feeling mixes in with the muddy mess. For one Winona family, the American Red Cross provided a place to start.

Gaby Juarez took refuge with her parents and her son at her aunt’s trailer-park home in St. Charles, Minn. Others in the park had been evacuated but her aunt, Maria Loera, didn’t get the word.

“My home is higher up,” Loera explained. The day-long rain and buildup of water around her trailer didn’t keep Loera and her family from retiring for the evening as rain continued. Not even the 2 a.m. arrival of her sister’s family caused too much worry.

When she awoke in the morning, Loera began to open a window and noticed water seeping in. She called 9-1-1 and a boat was sent to rescue them. In all, nine were evacuated – Maria and her husband and daughter, her sister, brother-in-law, niece and grand-nephew. The cat and the dog made nine.

Loera’s niece, Gaby, left for her second shelter and headed for a friend’s house. Loera went to a son’s house.

“It’s tremendous how everyone is helping, volunteers and neighbors. It hits you and stops you and you can’t think what to do next. This is a place to start,” Juarez said.

Juarez and Loera were two of more than 300 clients served at the Red Cross Service Distribution Center in Winona. Upon leaving the table at which a client caseworker took her information, Juarez had a guarantee of a month’s rent if her landlord fills out the proper forms.

“With all that’s going on, some of us can’t work,” she said.

But Juarez’ mom has since hurt her knee from constant pressure while kneeling to reach for clothes stored for the time being in garbage bags; and from climbing in and out of sleeping bags. Her mother is now on crutches.

“I’m taking it one day at a time and my main concern today is finding a bed for my mom to sleep in,” she said. “There come moments when we’re just so dazed. We just feel so clueless and don’t know what to do. Red Cross is a place to start.”

Juarez and Loera are receiving help as they move forward a day at a time.

“We have life,” Loera said. The Red Cross provided Loera with clean-up supplies, food, clothes, shampoo, pillows, blankets in the immediate aftermath.

“That’s good people. That’s beautiful people.”

Donna Walker ia a volunteer with the Iowa Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross assisting with the Minnesota/Wisconsin floods.

Partnership provides meals with caring, kindness

By: Donna Walker

American Red Cross

 

Unassuming under a white tent at the edge of a Winona highway in front of a Baptist church, sits a mobile kitchen that cooks thousands of meals a day for those affected by the Minnesota/Wisconsin floods.

In 10 days from Aug. 20 to 30, the kitchen prepared more than 40,000 meals for people in these southeastern Minnesota counties and neighboring Wisconsin towns.

A three-sided partnership makes these meals happen. It begins when the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) arrives to set up the mobile kitchen. With SBC providing the equipment and cooking, American Red Cross is able to deliver meals in its Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) to those affected by disaster. Finishing off the partnership is the Salvation Army which also assists with delivery.

A volunteer crew, that totals more than 40 for this operation, has at the helm Ronald and JoAnn Hahs from Daisy, Mo. Ron is the on-site cooking manager, or “Blue Cap,” as evidenced by the color of his hat. He and his wife plan the meals and supervise their preparation and packaging.

“The Red Cross tells us how many meals they want in each Cambro,” Hahs said, pointing to large, red, insulated carriers for food. The crew arrives at 6 a.m. to make the noon meal which they finish by 10:30 a.m. They clean up, eat, then cook the evening meal.

Fourteen ERVs line up in the church lot with their noses pointed toward the tent, waiting. Once ready, they back up to the tent and Red Cross and SBC volunteers load the Cambros and leave for their routes. Some will deliver to Red Cross Service Centers. Others will drive through once-flooded streets and announce their presence with horn blasts and announcements.

Somehow, the three partners find a way to cook and deliver lunches and dinners with the caring and kindness of their respective organizations. The Hahs’ experience, which includes 55 days at the Katrina/Rita disaster, finds them repeatedly meeting up with the same Red Cross volunteers.

“There’s one man here we’ve met for the third time,” said JoAnn. “I’m very impressed with the quality of people from the American Red Cross.”

Donna Walker is a volunteer with the Iowa Rivers Chapter assisting with the Minnesota/Wisconsin floods in Rochester, Minn.

Update for Minnesota/Wisconsin Relief Operation

Shelters/Evacuation Centers Open: 0 

Fixed Feeding Units: 5 Mobile Feeding Units/ERVs

11 Service Delivery Sites: Two (2) closing today (Northrop and Steele). Three (3) remain open (Soldier’s Grove, Rushford & Winona)

# of EOCs Open: 0

# of EOCs w/ Red Cross: 0

Emergency Aid Stations: 1 (Rushford)

Media partnership aides Red Cross efforts

By: Jeffery L. Biggs

American Red Cross

ROCHESTER, Minn. – We definitely live in a high-tech world. When disaster struck the residents of southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, the local media was on the job, bringing weather updates, information, and more to the public. In many instances, they were working right beside American Red Cross volunteers who were busy helping residents salvage pieces of their lives, and in some cases, find a way to start anew.

Thanks to the on-the-spot partnership forged between the local media and the Red Cross, affected residents were able to get the latest in disaster relief information in a timely fashion. But the partnership goes much deeper in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In fact, thanks to the media, the Red Cross was able to raise a great deal of money to assist in the relief operations – more than $800,000 was raised.”

“We cannot thank the media enough for its support and help in delivering the message about Red Cross services and communications to the communities affected by the devastating floods,” said Phil Hansen, fundraising officer for the American Red Cross in the flood zone. “We also thank them for their tremendous efforts in helping us with our fund-raising efforts. The more than $800,000 that was raised will certainly help us with our relief operations.”

The money was raised in a variety of ways – from simple drop-off points to full-out appeals.

Radio and television stations in the Scenic Bluffs Chapter territory in La Crosse, Wis., were able to raise more than $395,000 in a single Friday Flood Relief Drive.

“We knew the people of the Scenic Bluffs area would band together to lend a helping hand,” said Cheryl Hancock, Executive Director of the chapter. “The people heard the call, the media got the message out, and we are greatly appreciative of all their efforts.”

But it’s not just in La Crosse where the media stepped up to lend a helping hand.

In Rochester, KAAL, the local ABC affiliate, held fund drives that raised a total of $23,183 for the Red Cross disaster relief efforts; and KTTC, the local NBC affiliate raised $32,839.

 “It’s just astounding the amount of financial contributions all of the media were able to raise,” Hansen added. “And of course, we can’t overlook the newspapers and radio stations that raised money, and donated countless advertising space and airtime to help us get our message out to the people of Minnesota and Wisconsin.”

Red Cross thanks media for help

ROCHESTER, Minn. – Thanks to the outstanding support of the local media in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, the American Red Cross has been able to raise more than $800,000 to date to assist in the flood relief efforts.

“We cannot thank the media enough for its support and help in delivering the message about Red Cross services and communications to the communities affected by the devastating floods,” said Phil Hansen, fundraising officer for the American Red Cross in the flood zone. “We also thank them for their tremendous efforts in helping us with our fund-raising efforts. The more than $800,000 that was raised will certainly help us with our relief operations.”

Many local media outlets conducted fund-raising drives, Hansen said, making it easier on the Red Cross to help fund the disaster relief operation. “The local drives established by the local media were simply outstanding,” he said. “Their desire to help proves that the local media care about their viewing, reading, and listening audiences.”

Laurel Goforth, manager of disaster public affairs on the Minnesota-Wisconsin disaster operation said, “The media has helped us send the message that the Red Cross is out in the community and working. They have responded very positively when we have told them about unique stories from the Red Cross and most importantly, when we have important information to distribute. During a disaster, information constantly evolves. “They understand the importance of getting the latest information out in a timely manner and assisted us in every way possible.”

Hansen added that the relief operation is still an ongoing process in both states, and that contributions are still needed. “Anyone who wishes to make a contribution is reminded the Red Cross is still needing financial contributions to help supplement the disaster relief operation,” he said. “They may make a contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW, or by mailing a contribution to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Contributions may also be made online at www.redcross.org.”

A perfect fit

By: Jeffery L. Biggs

American Red Cross 

ROCHESTER, Minn. – “No disaster is ever the same. No disaster relief operation is ever the same – except for one key factor, the people.”

If you were to ask Robert Scheifele if one disaster was like another one, you’d get some version of the quote above. Robert – or Bob as most call him, a volunteer with the American Red Cross from Nashua, N.H., should know. He’s seen disasters of all kinds, and been part of disaster relief operations of all magnitudes since 1993. Disasters as varied as single-family fires, to 9-11 to Hurricane Katrina; and now, the Minnesota/Wisconsin floods of 2007.

“There is a single common denominator in every disaster,” Bob says with all the enthusiasm of a college football coach. “That is helping people. Someone is hurting, and we – as the Red Cross – bring an element of relief to those who are hurting.”

Bob’s journey to Red Cross volunteerism is one that many might not expect. Being part of an organization that is known to react very quickly when the need arises – often without a lot of advance notice – might not seem like a logical fit for a former military man. But according to Bob, the fit is a perfect one.

“I had a full 35-year military career,” he notes with an obvious since of pride. “When I retired, I was still young enough and wanted to stay busy. Being part of the Red Cross allows me to utilize my skills in logistics and other areas. It’s a very good fit.”

So how exactly did this career military man find his way to the organization? A simple newspaper ad.

“I sought out several volunteer organizations when I retired. I saw an ad in the newspaper asking for help, and I replied,” he decrees. “I fell in love with the organization and have been involved ever since.”

That was in over 13 years ago. Since then, Bob has been a part of the some of the most storied Red Cross responses nationwide – including  the current Minnesota/Wisconsin flood relief operations.

“The September 11 response was the most emotionally draining operation I’ve been involved with,” Bob says bluntly. “I didn’t know if I wanted to continue after that, but I got over it and realized it was more important to continue helping than to just quit.”

And keep going he has.

“Clients are the reason we do this,” he says. “They are hurting, and we are there to help heal some of that hurt.”

When he’s not out on assignment with the Red Cross, Bob is a busy father and husband.

“I have two adult sons in Europe and a 13-year-old daughter back home in New Hampshire,” he says. “My wife is also involved. She’s a teacher – and she’s the blood drive coordinator for her high school. My whole family is very supportive. My daughter’s been an active volunteer since she was 8-years-old. They all understand the importance of the Red Cross and the job we do.”

Working on disaster relief operations can be tiring, but Bob keeps going. He understands why the Red Cross does the work it does, and he understands the importance of keeping the organization strong with fresh volunteers who can gain the same valuable experience he has. And according to Bob, it all starts at home.

“Get involved with your local chapter,” Bob tells those who ask him how to become a Red Cross volunteer. “Learn the basics, get your hands dirty, find out if this is really for you. You’ll probably realize it is, and those local chapters keep the organization alive and going. They need volunteers daily, and then you can work your way into the bigger operations. But remember, all Red Cross work is local Red Cross work.”

 Jeffery L. Biggs is the Chapter Executive of the Covington County, Ala. Chapter of the American Red Cross, and a member of the American Red Cross national public affairs team. He is currently on assignment in Minnesota and Wisconsin as part of the national disaster relief operation headquartered in Rochester, Minn.

Fast Facts for Minnesota/Wisconsin Relief Operation

Statistics as of August 30, 2007, 11:00 a.m.

Shelters/Evacuation Centers: Total 5, last night, 0

Shelter residents: Total, 177, last night, 0

Meals served, 36,802

Snacks served, 53,194

Wisconsin Governor Speaks with ARC Representative

Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle speaks with Red Cross representative Peter Tehan and Scenic Bluffs Chapter Executive Cheryl Hancock about the recent flooding that occured in southwest Wisconsin earlier this month. (Photo/Tom Jacobson – American Red Cross)

Wisconsin Governor speaks with ARC rep

Partnership flourishes between Red Cross and Children’s Disaster Services

Joe Becker, Senior Vice President of Disaster Preparedness and Responsespeaks with Lorna Growe of Childrens Disaster Services.

By: Jeffery L. Biggs

American Red Cross 

 

 

RUSHFORD, Minn. – Since 1980, a unique partnership has been in place between two very important organizations – the American Red Cross and Windsor, Md.-based Children’s Disaster Services (CDS).

For those who might not know, Children’s Disaster Services is a faith-based organization affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, dedicated to assisting and comforting children affected by disaster. Its partnership with the Red Cross is one that provides for disaster child care to allow parents to consult with Red Cross case workers and other relief agency case workers privately, without having to worry about who’s watching their children.

“It’s been a wonderful partnership,” said Lorna Growe, of Iowa, one of the CDS workers. “I’ve been involved since 1983 and have enjoyed every minute of working with the Red Cross.”

The history of the program is one that Growe knows well. “The program started because the founder of the organization noticed that children were in line to check in with their parents for assistance,” she said. “He wanted to do something to help out. So he began working with child development agencies to develop this program. Now, it has developed into the program developed it is today. It’s a way to help keep children occupied so their parents can get what they need to.

“I guess you could say we offer a caring lap for kids to sit on and a friendly person to talk to and play games with.”

For Gail Howatt, also of Iowa, the CDS is a way to expand her volunteer work with the Red Cross. A volunteer of the Tri-States Chapter in Dubuque, Iowa, Howatt takes her duel volunteer role seriously.

“It is important for me to help,” she said with a smile. “I think it’s necessary for people to help, and I think this organization (CDS) sees how stressed out parents are. This helps them out.”

Howatt also sees her assistance in the partnership as a neighbor helping neighbor action.

“I’ve driven through Rushford many times,” she said. “I haven’t been down into town to see what it looks like, but I can empathize with the residents. I just live a short distance from here, so we’re neighbors. I feel like we all need to chip in and help each other out.”

Baby boomers drawn to Red Cross

By: Tim Kane

American Red Cross 

 

Dick and Judy Pike are a retired ‘fifty-something’ couple from St. Cloud, Minnesota who first volunteered for the Red Cross during Katrina and have not stopped since.  “We’ve volunteered in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma a couple of times, Browns Valley, Minnesota, we were in Greensburg, Kansas after the tornados, and now, here we are delivering hot meals in Wisconsin,” reflected Judy. 

“During our working lives we never really had hobbies.  We never got into camping or fishing or snowmobiling, stuff like that – we just worked.  So now that we were going to have all this free time, we had to think about how to spend it.  We wanted to do something that we’d enjoy, but we wanted it to be meaningful too,” Dick commented.  “I think you are going to see a lot more baby boomers getting into this kind of thing,” added Judy.  “When our friends ask us what we’re doing and we tell them, they inevitably say, ‘Wow, that really sounds neat – I’d like to do something like that.” 

The Pikes have spent a lot of time and effort in preparing themselves to serve the Red Cross in a number of capacities.  “We take as many training courses as we can, either in the classroom or online,” said Judy.  “We’ve taken courses in disaster assessment, shelter management, driving the ERV, and client casework.”  Dick continued, “We want to be ready to serve anywhere and in any way.”

Volunteering in so many locations has brought the Pikes a benefit that they weren’t anticipating.  “We are meeting so many volunteers that we end up running into again at other disaster locations,” reports Judy.  “Just last week we were loading the ERV up in Winona, Minnesota and I saw this woman there that looked so familiar.  Finally, I asked her if we’d worked together before and she said started laughing and said, ‘Yes, down in Florida.’ It turned out she and I had scrubbed 2000 floor mats together one night.  So we hugged and reminisced.  You really do start to feel like you’re becoming part of an ever-widening community.”

Another enjoyable aspect for the Pikes is the partnerships that develop in disaster situations.  After Hurricane Rita, the Pikes were delivering clean-up kits to a relief center sponsored by the Salvation Army.  An older lady at the center had lost everything and was becoming very emotional.  “A woman from the Salvation Army and I just kept talking to her and holding her and at one point I realized that the Salvation Army woman was on one side of the woman with her arm around her and I was on the other side with my arm around her and I thought how perfect this was,” said Judy.  “I thought this is how it’s supposed to be – we are just people helping people.”

 The personal satisfaction the Pikes’ get from their Red Cross experiences are many, even though some days they wonder if they’ve accomplished anything.  “All the disasters are really different and often things don’t go as planned.  Sometimes at the end of the day you just think to yourself, did I really do anybody any good today,” Dick said.  “But,” he continued, “that’s when you have to remember that just being at a disaster location and wearing that red vest is making a difference.  You represent the goodwill and concern of the American people.  Just being there let’s those folks know that there are people out there who really care about them.”