Five Sisters, One Mission: A Family's Lifelong Commitment to Service

When you grow up in a family of nine siblings – seven girls and two boys – it’s only natural that you’d become skilled in the art of “give and take.” 

For the Travis (maiden name) sisters Martha (Hanley), Betsy (Simpson), Sarah (Sennett), Susan and Nancy (Tellier), the giving part was especially mastered as all five have volunteered for the American Red Cross at some point.  Four are currently volunteering (Nancy recently stepped away from her role) for the American Red Cross, three in the Western New York Region and one, Betsy, in Florida’s Palm Coast Chapter as she splits time between Vero Beach, Florida and her home in Geneseo.

While Nancy was not able to participate in a recent group conversation, the enthusiasm for, and dedication to volunteering with the Red Cross readily flowed from the very close-knit group. For most of the Travis sisters, their experience with the Red Cross started out as blood donors and many have served as volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors.

“I remember my first donation attempt was in high school (West Irondequoit). They had a drive at our high school, so I was 17 at that time,” said Susan, recounting that she could not donate because “I was nice and skinny then, too underweight. But I didn't give up, kept trying.”

School was also the backdrop for Betsy’s desire to help others through blood donation.

“I started donating in college (SUNY Potsdam) - freshman year in college - and same thing,” she said, piggybacking off Susan’s experience.  “Sometimes I was able to donate, sometimes not because of anemia mainly.”

By the time 1992 rolled around, many of the Travis girls had become regular blood donors. They were also already passing along the importance of giving to the next generation.

“Susan and I are twins, and our girls (Sarah’s daughter Elizabeth, and Susan’s daughter Laura) were born only a day and a half apart” Sarah shared, adding yet another layer to the unique, close bond of the sisters. 

“They had just started kindergarten, and we went to Red Cross on Prince Street to donate blood, Susan and I. The girls wanted to give blood and Susan and I told them they couldn’t because they were too little. We said, ‘next time we come to donate, you can bring a toy.’ So, the next time we went to give blood, weeks later, we let them each bring a toy to donate into this toy box they had in the waiting area.

“Really this was just doing it for the girls' sake so that they could give, like we were giving blood. Somewhere, someone got word the PR office or something. This lady came down with a photographer, and they took their picture and information. It was so sweet. They followed up even a month or two later with a newsletter and a printout of the picture.”

“I just love that story because that's how the Red Cross, I think, still exists; they're so appreciative. Anything you can do, you do your part. I think Susan feels the same way. It just grabbed me that they took that regard and care and followed up and all that,” said Sarah, explaining how the pull to be involved with the Red Cross grew even stronger.

“So, between 1992, and 2001, we just donated blood. We both worked full-time, so we weren't doing drives or anything.”

Beyond Sarah’s brief role as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer in the mid-1990s, it was the tragic events of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001 that inspired Sarah and Susan to jump into an ongoing, formal volunteer role with the Red Cross.

“That's when we signed up to be full-time volunteers. It was because of 9/11,” Susan stated, asking her twin, Sarah for confirmation.

Right on cue, the same memory comes back to Sarah.

“Oh, that rings a bell. And that's the same year we started volunteering full-time for blood services – 2001.”

Having her sisters involved with her wasn’t enough for Sarah.  She pulled her husband, Mark, into the fold as well. 

“When he retired. I was still working, but then that's when we joined - in September, following 9-11, which I'm sure drew lots of people into volunteerism.”

Similar to Sarah, Susan also engaged in DAT responses, from around 2003 to 2005, before she began to deploy nationally to continue to serve those experiencing disaster.

“Afterwards, I did Katrina. That's how I tried to stay in it,” Susan said, explaining her first deployment was in response to one of the worst disasters in U.S. history.

The “twin effect” often surfaced during the storytelling, with Sarah and Susan at times finishing each other’s sentences or having similar, shared experiences.

One of the benefits of Susan’s service during Katrina was the opportunity to meet an individual who would become one of her best friends.

“We stayed in touch. She just died last year. Sarah became friends with her too. This is a funny story. So, Sarah later deployed to Texas. And this friend of mine (Pat) was also deploying to Texas. She lived in Knoxville, Illinois and I had gone to visit her a couple of times.

“And I said, well, look for Sarah and she said ‘oh yeah, she looks just like you. I'll look for her. And Sarah was going to look for her because I'd shown Sarah what Pat looked like. And weren't they standing together at the dome in Texas?”

Sarah jumps right in, continuing the story.

“It was Hurricane Harvey, headquarters pre-storm, in Houston, and there had to be 300 Red Crossers in that room, just like ants packed in because they brought everybody in pre-storm. And then she saw me - I'm tall and Susan's tall. She came up and tapped me on the shoulder. She was maybe 78-80 at the time. And this woman's amazing… she tapped me shoulder and asked, ‘are you Susan's sister’? This little white-haired lady behind me was so cute. And then we became fast friends. Mark (Sarah’s husband) was on that deployment as well, so Mark and I sent a picture of her to Susan.”

Volunteering for the Red Cross is just one part of the history of shared experience for these five Travis sisters as Betsy explained that all five also worked for the New York court system at the Monroe County Hall of Justice.

“Sarah and Susan started the blood drives in the courthouse at the Hall of Justice, and I was giving blood during those,” Betsy states.  “Then I got a promotion and moved out to the Ontario County courthouse in Canandaigua. So, then I started blood drives there and did that from 2010 to 2020, when I retired. 

“Then I came down to Florida, and I'm like, ‘I really want to do something’. So, Sarah and her husband, Mark, were deploying to Naples and Sanibel Island for Hurricane Ian (2022) and I did all the training, and I got to deploy with them. I was lucky enough to do it with Sarah and Mark - I was a newbie. After that, we did Milton and we did the Nashville Ice Storm.”

That concurrent deployment of Betsy, Sarah and Mark was the closest the Travis clan has had to all of them working together, though Susan immediately chimes in that “that’s the goal for me, we all go together!”

Martha, a retired Wayne County Schools Speech Teacher and Ontario, NY resident, is the eldest of the sisters who volunteer, yet also content to let her sisters tell the family story before sharing that she, too, started her tenure as a volunteer for blood drives.

“I started as a Blood Donor Ambassador (BDA), two years before COVID, and I think my sisters are my inspirations. You know, they were doing blood drives and I was giving blood. My husband gives blood, double reds always. I saw them in blood drives and donation centers and thought, ‘I could do this’. So, I did. And then last year, 2025, they had a DCS boot camp. So, Susan, myself, and our friend Jane decided to do the boot camp. We thought that was done, that was all for the training. But then there was lots of training after that! So, I’m already doing local DAT for Wayne County, and I've done mass care and sheltering.” 

When asked to share some of their most memorable moments serving with the Red Cross, Betsy was eager to respond.

“So, we went to Hurricane Ian and I think we were in the Naples area and doing the mass feeding. We were going out and it kept raining and it kept reflooding and reflooding. But we kept going with the ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) and feeding them. I kind of got to know the ladies and stuff. And they were really sweet. Every day they would teach me some Spanish language and they were just really, really nice.”

“The last day they brought me little handmade things,” Betsy recalls. “We were all crying and it was so sad that we had to leave.”

Susan immediately responds with a similar but unique experience.

“It's so funny. My passport cover is an alligator red leather passport cover that one of the co-volunteers bought for me. It's still my passport cover today. So, people were great. Everybody, the residents within the shelters were phenomenal, and your co-workers were phenomenal.  It was an amazing experience. Really, what I say about my experience, at least with Katrina - and all the volunteerism - you get more out of it than you give.”

Martha quickly adds that her local experience provides a reward as well.

“I've been training for mass care and for feeding, ready to go, but not lucky (to deploy) like my sisters. But local DAT is very meaningful too, I feel.”

Sarah also shared how she has been touched by the gratitude of those she has helped.

“It was (Hurricane) Matthew back in 2016. This young couple, their names escaped me right now…but we fell in love with them, who we're still friends with on Facebook, all the other clients and stuff. And they came up to me, and they said - still makes me cry – ‘you really made a difference’.

“I don't know, it was weird, but I've just never forgotten how struck I was when they said that to me because I had no clue. But you're being appreciated, even though you might not know it.”

What’s even more striking is that this group of sisters is not the first generation of the Travis family to volunteer for the Red Cross and other organizations. Their mother, Anne, served as a Blood Donor Ambassador from 2001-2005 and is part of their inspiration for serving today.

“It's funny because I met somebody at Red Cross last week and I did this event out in Hamlin,” Susan says. “He goes, ‘are you a Travis?’ He remembered my mom, me and Sarah, because we did Meals on Wheels. We've all done other volunteer work too. I have a special needs daughter. I volunteer for that agency.”

For Martha, it comes down to something more simple.

“Reaching out and community is important. I don't know, I just like to help people and I believe my sisters are all the same way. And Mark, of course, we know that about Mark, our wonderful brother-in-law.”

As all of the sisters compliment their brother-in-law, Sarah states that they have been married for 43 years as of October.  With a quick grin, her twin, Susan, jokes that “he’s only kissed me once by mistake.”

When asked if working alongside your sisters makes it an extra special volunteer experience, Susan responds in a more serious tone.

“Damn straight. It's like when we all worked together in the court system. We have this tie and we can get together and we get to talk about experiences and people we met and trying to do it together when we can. And just what a great experience we've all been able to share and that we've all gotten the amazing feeling from volunteering for the Red Cross.”

Delivering help & hope: DAT volunteer plays Santa for family in need

“I always try to take it a little further if I can. Take that extra step.”

John Rudolph has taken on many roles as a volunteer with the American Red Cross of Western New York. Since joining in 2019, the former paramedic and volunteer firefighter has served as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder, a deputy director of operations during disaster response operations and now serves as regional program lead for the DAT team.

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Last December, after receiving a call for assistance following a home fire in Otsego County, he added one more to the list – Santa Claus.

Rudolph, along with his girlfriend Katie, have long played Santa and Mrs. Claus in an annual Christmas parade and also visit an area elementary school to meet with children ahead of the holiday. Halfway through the parade, Rudolph received a DAT call about a home fire that impacted a local family with two young children.

“Our goal with DAT is to respond within two hours of the request for assistance,” Rudolph explained. “So, we made arrangements to meet the family at a local McDonald’s immediately after the parade and initially, I had no idea that there were kids involved with the call. My beard was still dyed white and I still had my costume on. We were doing the intake, getting their information and you could tell they were just very affected by it. They were down and out knowing that Christmas was coming in a week and a half at that point.”

Every 8 minutes across the United States, DAT responders like John help to provide immediate emergency assistance to families in the wake of emergencies like home fires. Upon intake, families after often provided with blankets, comfort kits with hygiene items, and financial assistance to help provide temporary housing, food, clothing and more as needed. Specially trained Disaster Mental Health volunteers or Spiritual Care volunteers are also available to assist families in their recovery process while Red Cross casework team members help to connect families with resources to support them in the long-term recovery process.

But with Christmas just days away, Santa and fate stepped in.

“Each Christmas, my father asks us to donate to a give-a-tree instead of a gift for him. And I missed it.

This year, I was a day late donating. I’d gone to the local store, got a bunch of toys like jump ropes, glow-in-the-dark stars for kids’ ceilings and some toys that you figure would spread far and wide. I still had them in my car and so I grabbed them for the kids,” Rudolph said. “I asked if they wanted a photo with Santa, gave them the presents and both of them kind of lit up. They left spirits completely boosted up at that point. It wasn’t planned but it all came together that way.”

As for Rudolph, who called his volunteer role with DAT was a no-brainer, said playing Santa that day was just one of the many ways he and Red Cross volunteers like him deliver help and hope to those in some of their darkest moments.

“I really enjoy it. It feels good being able to do something like this, too. I’ve always heard of stories like that, but I always try to take it a little further if I can.”

Volunteers like John make up 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce and embody its mission, making it possible for the Red Cross to help families in need every day. This National Volunteer Week, you're invited to put on a red vest to join the team. If you're interested in volunteering with John and the Disaster Action Team (DAT), or one of the many volunteer positions within the American Red Cross of Western New York visit our website.

Written by: Meg Rossman, Regional Communications Manager, American Red Cross of WNY

Giving the gift of time this holiday season

The holidays are a time for loved ones to gather, to share food and stories that inspire the holiday spirit; unfortunately, some find themselves faced with tragedy.  Thankfully the American Red Cross (ARC) and its surplus of volunteers are always there to lend a helping hand. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home fires, followed by Christmas Day, the day before Thanksgiving then Christmas Eve.  Cooking equipment and decorations are involved in roughly 20% of these fires.  The ARC is no stranger to providing immediate relief for families displaced by misfortune.  I had the pleasure of speaking with Chuck Haupt, a retired photojournalist, and an American Red Cross Disaster Assistance Team (DAT) volunteer. 

Mr. Haupt remembers one specific fire, that happened in Binghamton, NY the day after Christmas. “It was a five-family apartment building, all of the families were displaced, I had to help”.  Once volunteers like Chuck arrive on a scene, they locate a warm, dry place to get the families inside out of the weather. On this particular day the local Loyal Order of the Moose opened its doors and welcomed the families in, while Chuck and the other volunteers were interviewing the families and tending to their immediate needs.   No sooner did Chuck get his interviews underway, he realized that one of the families did not speak English, “they were very skittish to meet with anyone”, he recalls.  They couldn’t understand that we were there to help, they considered that we might be there to deport them as some suspected they were not in the country legally.  They were assured that the Red Cross’s intent was simply to help! 

The Red Cross provides immediate aid to individuals during a disaster which can include funds for temporary housing, food, and clothing.  Comfort kits are also in huge demand.  These kits contain personal care items like toothpaste, a washcloth, and a comb.  Mental health referrals are also given on an as needed basis along with a directory on how to replace their driver’s license, insurance cards and the likes.

Mr. Haupt, why do you volunteer on holidays when you can be home, with your own family?  “It is simple, someone is hurting out there.  We are volunteers, this is what we signed up for, to get that call for help, whether it is a holiday or any other day that ends in a “y”, they need help”.  

“For me to take three hours away from my family on a holiday to help someone is the right thing to do, I can return to my home and be with my family, they have no home to return to”.  “It reassures us what the holidays are all about – and it’s not about the material things” Chuck stated.  He encourages people to help others this holiday season by donating or volunteering.  

For some people volunteering is about giving but for the likes of you, it is a way of living. Thank you, Mr. Haupt, for all you do!

To learn more about volunteering with the American Red Cross or to donate, visit RedCross.org.

Story by Holly Gassler, American Red Cross of Western New York communications volunteer

'We Had Nothing Before You Showed Up': A First-Hand Account Of A Red Cross Disaster Volunteer

How the Red Cross Helps Our Neighbors

When my partner and I arrived on the scene, the family was sitting on the curb as soot-filled water ran past their feet. The man held onto his small daughter and the woman held their baby son as they watched their house disappear into smoke and memories.

As Red Cross responders, I went to talk with the family while my partner went to talk with the fire chief and get an idea of the extent of damage to the home. The man looked up as I approached, recognizing my bright red and white Red Cross gear. His daughter looked up too, with tear streaks still visible on her face. The father wasn’t that far from tears himself. You could tell he was holding it in to be strong for his family. I sat down next to him and said hi to his daughter, Sarah, who was suddenly shy and ducked beneath her father’s arm, still paying attention to what I had to say.

Apparently the parents were just about to get the kids to bed when they smelled smoke and went downstairs to find the kitchen engulfed. They escaped only with what they were wearing and a blanket around the sleeping baby. The father kept saying that he was grateful they had each other, and that is what counted, that the little family was together.

My partner returned and I excused myself to consult with her. The fire chief had confirmed that the house was a total loss and it was unlikely anything could be salvaged.

After a brief stop to my car for supplies, I rejoined the family on the curb. As my partner started the paperwork with the mother, I brought out a stuffed toy to give to the little girl. Her eyes lit up and then I gave her another little toy to keep safe for her baby brother. She clutched both tightly, almost as tightly as her father hugged her to his chest. When I gave the parents comfort kits for each of them, the father’s eyes finally overflowed.

“We had nothing before you showed up,” the wife said. “Now we have something again, even if it is only a comb and toothbrush.”

We put Red Cross blankets across their shoulders as we talked further with the family and arranged for them to stay a couple of nights in a local hotel with a debit card to cover food and clothing costs until they could make more long-term arrangements. They would not have to stay out in the cold.

The American Red Cross was there to help this family take their first steps toward recovery. We made sure, as we do for all our neighbors facing disaster, that they were safe and warm and had food and shelter to restart their lives. The American Red Cross is ready to help you every hour of every day.

Nationally, every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to an emergency. As in this case,  Red Cross volunteers are usually members of your own community, helping neighbors whenever they are needed. Last year alone, Red Cross volunteers across the Western New York region provided immediate emergency assistance to hundreds of individuals and families following nearly 900 disaster-related events, the majority of which were home fires.

In the days and weeks to come, residents here in Western New York and across the country will rely on the support of Red Cross volunteers once again, as weather experts predict a busy disaster season this year. That's why there is a critical need for volunteers to join the American Red Cross of Western New York in helping to prepare for emergencies here at home and across the nation. 

From shelter volunteers to health professionals and disaster response, we need volunteers to help make a difference when disaster strikes. 

If you're looking to make a difference here in the Western New York region, or across the country, I encourage you to sign up for available volunteer opportunities near you or contact our local chapter at RecruitWNY@redcross.org for more information.  

Kathleen Rourke is the Red Cross community volunteer leader in Tompkins County, Spiritual Care lead and Disaster Action Team member with more than 20 years of experience. 

National Volunteer Week: Disaster Action Team Volunteer Anna Underhill

In observation of National Volunteer Week, we are highlighting some of our extraordinary volunteers who serve our communities every day. 

Today, communications volunteer Karin Schneider introduces us to Disaster Action Team member Anna Underhill. 

Anna Underhill

Anna Underhill, a woman in her 20s, found her way to the Disaster Action Team (DAT) during a blood platelet donation.  While at the donation center, she saw a local news story about a DAT response to a home fire. Anna felt drawn to the services DAT teams provide to people who are impacted by home fires - funds for immediate need items, lodging, and most importantly, emotional support, so she contacted her local Red Cross chapter in Ontario County to sign-up. 

Initially, she felt intimidated by the amount of training being a DAT member requires. However, since most of it was online, she was able to work on it around her schedule.  Once her formal training was complete, she went on responses as a trainee, being guided by her mentor, until she graduated to member status.   About 15 people are on DAT teams in Ontario, and if they are called to five fires during a month, it is a busy one, but DAT also helps the community in other ways.  For example, Anna and other DAT members install smoke alarms in homes and man a table at the local farmer's market once a month to provide information about disaster preparedness.

What makes Anna rare as a DAT member is her age.  Most DAT members are decades older than her, and I was curious about Anna's thoughts as to why more young people don't join DAT.  She said her peers do want to volunteer, but usually for one-time events.  She thinks the idea of a long-term volunteer commitment scares off some, and others are intimidated by the idea of helping others during a crisis.  I then asked how Anna made it work for her.  She said although her initial thought of helping people in crisis was a daunting one, the training and mentoring she received made her feel very prepared for the role.  Although the training is extensive, it is absolutely possible to do it around one's schedule.  House fires are unpredictable, of course, so she cannot schedule around those, but options are to respond when available, or pick a shift to be on call when she can make responses a priority (i.e. an overnight shift since she works during the day).

Regardless of age, the DAT members are a very committed group of volunteers, and the residents they serve during time of need can attest to the invaluable help that is provided both during and after a crisis. Yet, since home fires and other emergencies can happen to anyone, regardless to age, race and economic status, it can only make DAT stronger when the members are as diverse as the communities they serve.  In addition, having members at different stages of life provides reinforcement. For example, retirees can cover day responses younger working people cannot. In return, younger people can cover responses at night that older members may be hesitant to, and during times like now, when Matilda’s Law is in effect.  Fortunately for all, DAT is currently able to handle most responses virtually to conform to social distancing rules and protect the volunteers and neighbors they serve.

To learn more about what it means to be a DAT member, please contact your local Red Cross chapter, or you read more about it here. 

-Story by: Karin Schneider, American Red Cross Communications Volunteer

Volunteerism: Above & Beyond

I spotted a whole box of bagels at the kitchen on Friday!

“Doug is here!” said by one staff member at the Central New York Chapter. The “anonymous” guy (at least he thinks he is) is Doug North, who was here at the Syracuse office attending a meeting for the launch of Sound the Alarm and he brought us bagels like he often does.

Today, I am going to introduce you to Doug North, our amazing volunteer. Last Wednesday, Doug was presented with the Volunteerism: Above & Beyond award from the United Way of Central New York, honoring his exemplary selfless service to members of the community. Doug became a Red Cross Volunteer with the Central New York Chapter on October 9, 2014. He is an outstanding Chapter Disaster Action Team Leader responsible for coordinating the efforts of his team as first responders on the scene of a local disaster. The team responds to disaster scenes, day or night, so they can provide emergency assistance to families who have been displaced due to fires, floods, etc. He and his team responded to 47 emergency calls in 2017.

Doug works full time, but he logged an amazing 2,066 disaster response on-call hours and an impressive 423 general hours volunteering in a variety of positions last year. In addition to Disaster Services, he works as a volunteer caseworker for the Service of the Armed Forces Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) team. Doug provided 20 briefings for 963 family members of new military recruits.

When Doug and his team respond to home fires, they meet with the impacted residents to determine their immediate needs. “They may have just lost everything and what we can do is to provide the financial assistance to provide them clothes, to book hotels for them, to help them get through the first few days,” said Doug. No matter what the need, Doug never hesitates to leave his bed, his home and his family to help strangers in their time of greatest need. His family says they don’t think he knows the words “no” or “can’t.” Doug is often on call, and he volunteered his time on Independence Day and Thanksgiving last year. It’s in his nature to help people in need. The question they often ask is, “What should I do now?” It may be 2 a.m., they’re in their pajamas watching their home burn and here comes the Red Cross to offer help and comfort.

When I asked Doug to give me some inspiring quotes so that we can pass on to people. He said, “I don’t know if I really have any inspiring quotes, but I know the Red Cross is helping people when they are lost. The power of the Red Cross is being able to coordinate with our partners and supporters to pass the kindness of people to those in need.” People like Doug, and other Red Cross volunteers build bridges to help in their lowest points.

Thank you, Doug for all you do for our community.

Cara Wang - Communications Intern

Red Cross Responds to Three Weekend Fires Across Western New York

Volunteers from the American Red Cross responded to three separate fires in Erie and Chautauqua counties over the weekend, providing immediate emergency assistance for 15 people. Red Cross assistance typically includes vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as needed, and Disaster Mental Health volunteers are available to help with the emotional aspect of disaster. Those affected will meet with caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan.

Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers responded to fires at the following dates and locations:

• ·         Saturday, April 9
  Brookhaven Drive, Cheektowaga
  Two adults and two children assisted
  Volunteers: Betsy Crocker and Diane Sargent
  
  
  ·         Saturday, April 9
  Newton Avenue, Buffalo
  Two adults and four children assisted
  Volunteers: Betsy Crocker and Diane Sargent
  
  
  ·         Sunday, April 10
  King Road, Forestville
  Two adults and three children assisted
  Volunteers: Christine Thompson and Mary Walker

The American Red Cross has launched an initiative to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent over five years. The Red Cross is asking every household in America to take two simple steps: check their existing smoke alarms and practice fire drills at home. As part of the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross is joining with fire departments and community groups nationwide to install free smoke detectors in homes that need them. For more information or to schedule an installation appointment, email smokealarms.wny@redcross.org or call 716-878-2353.

The Red Cross relies on financial contributions to provide help and comfort to disaster victims anywhere, anytime. You can help people affected by disasters like home fires and countless other crises by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

Meet James Roback, Red Cross Volunteer

     James Roback, a 19 year old volunteer at the Western New York Chapter of the American Red Cross, is not your typical 19 year old. Originally from Utica, NY, James moved to the Buffalo area after he graduated high school to attend Erie Community College for emergency management. Once he started college, he was really busy between school work and his job as a ride operator at Darien Lake. But when that seasonal job came to an end, he needed something else to do, and that is when his Red Cross journey began.

Volunteer James Roback installing smoke
alarms as part of the Home Fire Campaign

  "I looked up the Red Cross on the Internet while looking for a paid position, and saw they were in need of volunteers to help install smoke alarms," James said. He immediately applied for the volunteer position, while also applying for paid positions at other companies. Just one day later, he was offered a job at a hotel and also heard back about becoming a volunteer.

  "Instead of choosing between the hotel job and volunteering with the Red Cross, I decided I should try to do both, while still going school," James said

   At the Red Cross, James has various roles that he fulfills. As a volunteer, James in usually in the Buffalo office everyday from 9 to 5. When not serving as an office assistant, his primary job is to go out into the community and install smoke alarms as part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Clearly that doesn't keep him busy enough, however, because he is also currently training to become a member of the Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT), the volunteers that help families at the scenes of home fires and other disasters. He also helps out with the Pillowcase Project, a Disney-funded project that teaches kids in grades 3-5 about emergency preparedness.

    In just four months as a Red Cross volunteer, James has installed over 175 smoke alarms and has put in over 150 volunteer hours, while working a job and going to school.

Volunteer James Roback hard at work at the
WNY Chapter offices

  "It keeps me busy," he says. "Volunteering allows me to continuously meet new people, and I love that I'm able to provide people with one less thing to worry about, such as installing a new smoke alarm to keep their home safer." James enjoys giving back to his community, and says the stories and experiences from his time as a volunteer are something that's hard to find anywhere else. He's hoping that this will help him find a job in emergency response in the future, either with the Red Cross or another agency.

  James is just one of the many dedicated volunteers here at the Red Cross, the people who make up 90% of the workforce and fulfill our humanitarian mission. The Red Cross is always looking for new volunteers, and has opportunities to fit every skill set and schedule. You can go to redcross.org and apply to be a volunteer today.

-Jacquelyn Fricano, Communications Intern
American Red Cross, WNY Chapter

Volunteers helping nine people after two fires in SWNY

Volunteers from the American Red Cross responded to two fires in Chautauqua and Allegany Counties Friday night and Saturday morning, providing immediate emergency assistance to nine people. Red Cross assistance typically includes vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as needed, and Disaster Mental Health volunteers are available to help with the emotional aspect of disaster. Those affected will meet with caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan.

Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers Phil Baker and Deborah Miller first responded to a fire in Ellington, Chautauqua County Friday night, providing three adults with vouchers for food and clothing. Early Saturday morning, DAT volunteers Dominic DiGioralmo and Bob Shook responded to an apartment fire in Cuba, Allegany County, where they opened four cases, providing immediate emergency assistance for six people.

The American Red Cross has launched an initiative to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by home fires by 25 percent over the next five years. The Red Cross is asking every household in America to take two simple steps: check their existing smoke alarms and practice fire drills at home. As part of the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, the Red Cross is joining with fire departments and community groups nationwide to install free smoke detectors in homes that need them. For more information, please contact Individual and Community Preparedness Specialist Veronica Chiesi Brown at 585-241-4405 or veronica.chiesibrown@redcross.org.

To support home fire survivors across the country, the American Red Cross has launched a new social media campaign called #GiveWhatFireTakes. Donors nationwide have the opportunity to support Red Cross relief efforts. For every amount raised, the Red Cross is able to provide not only recovery items for home fire survivors, but also critical fire safety training and smoke alarm installations to help prevent deaths and injuries. Visit our Crowdwise campaign page, make a direct donation on redcross.org and share what moved you to join the campaign on social media with #GiveWhatFireTakes.

"Smoke Detectors Save Lives"

I woke up this morning and saw this Tweet from WKBW-TV in Buffalo:

The story of a home fire is all too familiar. Volunteers Diane and Fred helped five people after that early morning fire on Ideal Street, hours after Diane and Nicole provided for the immediate emergency needs of one person after a fire on Best Street. Volunteers responded to three disasters in Syracuse overnight, and on Tuesday DAT members responded to separate fires in Olean, Jamestown and Ripley.

Here's what made this story a bit different: "A fire official told 7 Eyewitness News smoke detectors in the home were working and 'saved their lives'." 

The American Red Cross has launched a campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries from fires by as much as 25% over the next five years. The Red Cross is calling on everyone to take two simple steps that can save lives: check their existing smoke alarms and practice fire drills at home.

Unfortunately, not every home has a working smoke detector. Seven times a day, someone in the United States dies in a fire. The Red Cross is joining with fire departments and community groups nationwide to install smoke alarms in communities with high numbers of fires.

For more information about how you or a loved one can have a free smoke alarm installed in your home, contact Individual and Community Preparedness Specialist Veronica Chiesi Brown. Together, we can help change the statistics and wake up to more success stories.

-Jay Bonafede, Regional Chief Communications Officer

Preparedness doesn't end with September

As we get ready to turn flip the calender from September to October, we also prepare to close the book on another National Preparedness Month. That doesn't mean our focus on preparing our families for emergencies should be closed with it, however.

Just look at what happened last weekend. Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to 16 fires across our 17-county Region between Thursday and Tuesday. None of those families knew ahead of time that an emergency was about to turn their lives upside-down. But of course, we do know what happens as we continue to flip calendar pages towards the winter months. You may not want to think about "Polar Vortexes" when the sun is shining and temperatures are in the 70s, but now is the time to prepare for the inevitable winter weather.

The American Red Cross has partnered with New York State to offer the Citizen Preparedness Corps training, a free one-hour session that provides a comprehensive overview on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from both natural and man-made disasters. A number of sessions have already been scheduled across the region, including next Saturday, October 4, during the North Tonawanda Fall Festival and Craft Show. Thanks to the support of the East Hill Foundation, every family that attends either the 1pm or 3pm session will receive a free fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector!

If you can't make it to North Tonawanda, a full list of Citizen Preparedness Corps trainings will soon be available on our website. You can also schedule a free, one-hour training at your business, school or organization by contacting Justin Pitts or calling (716) 878-2238. You may not get some of the freebies at the other sessions, but you will receive information that could save your family's life, and isn't that reason enough?

The Story Behind the Video

“I don’t know where we would be without the Red Cross stepping in to help.”

Jessi Evans, her four children and their father Cliff have been living in a hotel provided by Red Cross volunteers and supporters since their Middleport, NY apartment building was destroyed by fire two days ago. The story of how Evans and the children survived is getting a lot of attention, largely thanks to a video shot by one of the many people who came together to rescue them.

“Cliff and I watched the video last night, it took us two tries to get through it,” Evans said. “We saw how everyone came together to help.”

Evans and the children, all under the age of seven, were in a bedroom when Jessi’s sister noticed smoke. They called 911, grabbed the kids and went to a window. “

My sister kicked out the window and we started screaming for help,” Evans said. Middleport police and fire officials rushed to the back of the home, where Evans and her sister started passing children to them through the window. Evans actually went back into the home to try to rescue her pets before being forced onto a rooftop.

Jessi Evans, her children Hayden, Bryson, Connor and
Taylor with their father Cliff

“I had to think that if I went back to get the animals, my kids might not have their mother,” Evans said. A volunteer firefighter from a nearby district, who shot the video, happened on the scene, grabbed a ladder from a neighboring apartment building and helped Middleport officials safely get Evans and her sister down before the building was destroyed. Evans, her sister and the kids were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation, but would be okay.

“I started screaming for my family,” said Cliff, who was at work when the fire started. “My family is my life, the reason I get up and go to work every day. Thank you for helping them.”

“I was informed at the hospital that the Red Cross could help, and that’s where I met with Mike,” Evans said of Disaster Action Team volunteer Mike Hoplight. “The extended stay at the hotel has helped a lot. Otherwise we might have stayed with family, but probably would’ve been separated because of space.” The Red Cross has also provided the family with vouchers for food, clothing and baby supplies such as diapers, and Hoplight and other caseworkers continue to meet with the family to help them get back on their feet.

“The support from the community has been tremendous,” Evans said. “I wish I could thank everyone individually.”

Evans, Cliff and the children are just six of the over 50 Erie and Niagara County residents receiving Red Cross assistance after nine separate fires over the past four days. We can only help these neighbors in need thanks to your support. Please consider making a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, visiting www.redcross.org, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to charge a $10 donation to your phone bill. And we’d love to have you as a volunteer as well.

Western New York/Finger Lakes Red Cross Assisting 26 People Following Weekend Disasters

Volunteers providing shelter, food, clothing and support after six incidents

BUFFALO, NY, November 4, 2013 – American Red Cross volunteers are assisting with the immediate emergency needs of 26 people following six separate fires or other disasters in the Western New York/Finger Lakes Regions over the weekend. Red Cross assistance typically includes vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as well as mental health support. The families will then meet with caseworkers at their local Red Cross headquarters to develop a long-term recovery plan. Several of these incidents took place at multi-unit buildings, so it is possible additional residents will come forward seeking assistance.

Fire scene on Steuben St. in Corning.
Photo courtesy Corning Leader

On Saturday, volunteers from the Disaster Action Team (DAT) were called to Gasport Road in Lockport, where they assisted two adults affected by a house fire. Also Saturday, volunteers assisted three people displaced after a car drove through their Williams Street home in Elmira. Sunday, DAT members assisted seven people after an apartment fire on Steuben Street in Corning. Also Sunday, volunteers responded to a fire at the Russo Building on Park Place in Fredonia, assisting 11 people who had been displaced, while a separate team of volunteers assisted two people following a fire on Webster Road in Brocton. Early Monday morning, DAT members responded to the scene of a fire on North Division in Buffalo to provide assistance to one person that had been displaced.

The American Red Cross spends an average of just over $1,000 when responding to a single house fire affecting a family of four.  To support people affected by house fires and other disasters, please consider making a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund at www.redcross.org, by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation (charges will appear on your cell phone bill).

Busy weekend for our amazing volunteers!

Volunteers set up refreshments in shelter
at North Tonawanda HS

Volunteers from the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties provided immediate emergency assistance for 19 people following four separate fires in less than 24 hours this weekend.

Members of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) were called to two storm-related fires in the early morning hours on Saturday, assisting a family of five after a tree fell on their Austin Street home in Buffalo and started a small fire, and assisting an elderly man after his Lackawanna trailer home was destroyed by fire. Before 3pm Saturday, DAT volunteers had responded to two calls in Niagara Falls, assisting three adults and a child after a fire on LaSalle Avenue in and seven adults and two children after a separate blaze on 5^th Street. Red Cross assistance typically includes vouchers for temporary housing, food and clothing as well as emotional support. Clients will then meet with caseworkers to begin working on a long-term recovery plan.

Thankfully, we did not need to unload the cots from this
trailer, but they were ready at North Tonawanda HS
just in case

Meanwhile, volunteers opened a shelter at approximately 10:30am Saturday at North Tonawanda High School at the request of Emergency Management officials for residents flooded and left without power following Friday night’s storms. No clients sought assistance at the shelter before it was closed Saturday afternoon, but the Red Cross remained in contact with Emergency Management officials from across the region to assess needs throughout the weekend.

All Red Cross is assistance is free, and we rely on the generosity of the American public to provide these vital services to the community. Anyone wishing to help people affected by fires, flooding or other disasters is asked to consider donating to the Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-REDCROSS, visiting www.redcross.org, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to charge a $10 donation to their cell phone bill.

Red Cross Assisting 11 People Following Apartment Fire on Elmwood Avenue

Disaster Action Team providing food, clothing, and temporary housing as needed

BUFFALO, NY, June 25, 2013 – Volunteers from the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties are currently assisting 11 residents following an apartment fire on Elmwood Avenue in the City of Buffalo Tuesday afternoon. Disaster Action Team members Jose Latalladi and Nicole Roma are providing immediate emergency assistance including vouchers for temporary housing, food, clothing as well as emotional support as needed. Additional units were affected by this fire, so it is possible that more residents will be seeking assistance. Other residents have been allowed to return to their apartments.

The Disaster Action Team is a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a local disaster when called upon 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information on how to Join Us as a Disaster Action Team member, please call (716) 878-2140 or visit www.redcross.org/buffaloniagara.

The American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties spends an average of just over $1,000 when responding to a single house fire affecting a family of four.  To make a financial donation to those affected by house fires and other disasters down the street, across the country, or around the world, please visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation (charges will appear on your cell phone bill).