RedCrossPhillyBlog

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  • The top 10 benefits of volunteering

    With the new year here, you might be looking for an opportunity to learn a new skill, give back to your community, or even just meet people with similar interests. What about the chance to work with what LinkedIn called the Top Volunteer Organization of 2020?

    Volunteers carry out 90 percent of the humanitarian work at the Red Cross providing a range of services that include disaster response and preparedness, service to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families, collecting lifesaving blood and much more.

    Here’s what we think are the top 10 benefits of volunteering:

    1. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people. The American Red Cross has many amazing people from all backgrounds that have like minds, to serve others.
    2. Volunteering can increase self-confidence. Your role as a volunteer can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment bringing about a positive self image.
    3. Volunteering can help you stay physically healthy. Many Red Cross volunteer roles can help get you out of the house and moving around.
    4. Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling! Explore new interests and passions all while contributing to a meaningful cause.
    5. Volunteering can help learn new skills. Many Red Cross positions include training and opportunity to experience new adventures.
    6. Volunteering has a happiness effect. Helping people, meeting new friends? How can you not be happy?
    7. Volunteering can bring meaning and purpose. The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering.
    8. Volunteering can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether you are helping a family that just had a fire or supporting the collection of live saving blood, the impact is real
    9. Volunteering can make a difference in YOUR life. So many of our volunteers express a surprising experience of how volunteering with the American Red Cross has changed their life.
    10. Volunteering can be done from home. That’s right, in your pajamas! The American Red Cross has many virtual volunteer positions.

    Whether your interested in putting on a Red Cross vest to respond to a major disaster, or working with other volunteers virtually from the comfort of your own home, we hope you drop us a line! Our recruiters Monica Wildes, Lynn Cohen and Ned Bloom can be reached at separecruitment@redcross.org. You can also visit https://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/southeastern-pennsylvania/volunteer.html.

  • For MontCo Woman, COVID-19 won’t end a decade of blood donation

    By: Sophie Kluthe 

    Montgomery County resident Kacey D’Amico hit a milestone this year; she’s been donating blood for a decade. Initially inspired by romance, blood donation has become one of the ways she’s given back over the years.  

    “I began donating in 2010, when I first started dating my husband. He is an O-negative donor, and has donated over 3 gallons since he began in high school!! When I told him I was also O-negative, he encouraged me to start donating, and it became something that we did together,” D’Amico said.  “An odd sort of date night, going to a blood drive then out for dinner.” 

    Kacey D’Amico and her husband, Drew.

    In 2020, Red Cross blood drive cancellations tripled compared to the year prior — mostly due to COVID-19. The Red Cross relied on new donors, and faithful donors like D’Amico to make appointments to keep up the blood supply.  

    “I just had my 3rd son in July, so I wasn’t able to donate until recently. I kept hearing about blood shortages and knew I wanted to donate as soon as possible. I’ve been able to donate twice since then, and have my next appointment already scheduled for January,” D’Amico said. 

    As the pandemic continues, blood donations remain essential to ensuring the health of those in the community. That’s why the Red Cross makes sure each blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. 

    “I feel safe during the process. I use the Rapid Pass through the Blood Donor app and that makes the check-in process quicker. Plus, everyone wears masks and washes their hands. They are constantly cleaning and wiping down surfaces,” D’Amico said. 

    To ensure the health of staff and donors blood collection sites have implemented temperature checks for both staff and donors prior to entering a blood drive or donation center, face masks required for everyone, available hand sanitizer throughout the donation process, and social distancing wherever possible. Donors are urged to schedule an appointment prior to arrival to help with social distancing.  

    Someone needs blood every two seconds in the U.S. From trauma victims to cancer patients, to those battling sickle cell disease, patients rely on blood donors every day. One blood donation can help up to three people. It’s this impact that D’Amico says, keeps her coming back time and time again.   

    “In 2019, I learned that my donations were prioritized to NICUs because I was negative for CMV, a virus that is dangerous for babies. That was a huge motivation for me, knowing that I could help some of the most vulnerable hospital patients. And even if that changes going forward, no matter where my donation goes, I am able to help someone in need, and that is a wonderful feeling.”  

    The Red Cross encourages eligible individuals to give blood as we come together to help patients in need. To schedule an appointment to donate, you may use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. 

  • Paying it back while paying it forward: Why I volunteer for the Red Cross

    By: Donn Greenberg

    Donn Greenberg, left, at a smoke alarm installation event in 2019

    We never know when our lives might be affected by a major event, either having something happen to us or someone close to us. In my case it was my in-laws. In August 2008, they experienced an 8-alarm fire that destroyed the apartment complex they lived in Conshohocken, PA. Besides my in-laws, there were also 373 other residents displaced by that fire. Luckily, they did not sustain any injuries since they were not home at the time, but they did lose all their possessions.

    Later that night, the American Red Cross established a care center at the Spring Mill Fire Company.  I accompanied my in-laws and saw first-hand how the Red Cross provided support. Residents were able to meet one-on-one with a trained disaster responder to get help with housing, food, clothing and medical needs, as well as reissued driver’s licenses.

    Our family was very thankful that the Red Cross was there to offer assistance. It was a huge relief to know that my in-laws were in good hands during this devastating time, and there were services and support available to them that none of us knew about or even thought about during this trying time. Hundreds of people were scrambling to find temporary housing, but the Red Cross came through and took a ton of weight off our shoulders helping to find housing.

    During my career, I’ve volunteered in professional business organizations and have served on several of their boards. Volunteerism has played an important part in both my personal and professional life. Since the night of the fire, I always knew I wanted to return the favor and volunteer with the Red Cross because of how they were there for my in-laws. In November 2019, my Red Cross story came full circle when I became a Red Cross volunteer.

    I now hold several roles, including as a volunteer photographer and a member of the disaster response team in Delaware County. Part of my role includes providing Red Cross support to people displaced by disasters like home fires. Hopefully I’ve helped return the favor that the Red Cross paid to my family all those years ago. For the foreseeable future, I’ll work to pay that favor forward.

  • Don’t Miss These Year-end Tax Deadlines

    By: Colleen M. Becht-Foltz

    Timing your gift at year-end can be crucial. The gift date—the date used for tax purposes—is the day you transfer control of the asset. And that depends on the asset and your method of giving. 

    How the Gift Date is Determined: 

    • Checks — The USPS mailing date, as postmarked, is the date of the gift, when making a gift from a checking, savings or money market account. 
    • Credit cards — The day the charge is posted by the credit card company is considered the gift date. 
    • Pledges — Pledges are deductible in the years they are fulfilled and not the year the initial pledge is made. 
    • Securities — If securities are electronically transferred to the American Red Cross, the gift date is typically the day the securities enter our account. If security certificates are mailed, the mailing date, as postmarked, is the gift date. It is important to send, by registered or certified mail, the unsigned certificates in a separate envelope from the signed stock power and letter indicating the purpose of your gift. 
    • Real estate—The day you deliver the signed deed to us is the date of the gift. If your state law requires recording of the deed to fulfill the title, though, then the date of recording is the gift date. 
    • Tangible personal property—The gift date is the day you deliver the property with a signed document transferring ownership, if necessary. 

    Learn more about where your donation goes.

    IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions 

    The IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) has been a popular option for friends of the American Red Cross, who are 70½ or older, to transfer up to $100,000 directly from an IRA to the Red Cross, without having to declare the funds as taxable income.  QCDs must be deducted from the qualified retirement account before December 31 to count during that tax year.  Even though there have been recent changes to IRA regulations due to the SECURE and CARES Acts, the QCD is still a tax-wise gift for certain donors. Speak with your CPA or other wealth advisor to determine if a QCD is the right choice for you. 

    As you decide how best to fulfill your year-end gift to the American Red Cross, please take into consideration the time needed by brokerage firms and fund administrators to process your requests.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Colleen Becht-Foltz at 215-299-4082 or via email at colleen.bechtfoltz@redcross.org. Thank you for supporting the American Red Cross. 

    Learn more about donating to the American Red Cross.

    This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income taxes include federal taxes only. State income/estate taxes or state law may impact your results. 

  • With snow in the forecast, here’s what you need to know to stay safe

    By: Sophie Kluthe

    Like many of you, I keep looking up various weather reports to see just how much snow (or rain) we might or might not get Wednesday as Winter Storm Gail moves closer to the Northeast. At this point I almost feel out of practice as we didn’t even get an inch of measurable snowfall last year in Philadelphia. Whether you are a city dweller, living life in the suburbs, or you might need to commute between the two, here is a refresher on winter storm safety.

    During any kind of storm, your best bet will be to stay off the road, but if driving in winter weather is unavoidable, here are some tips:

    • In your vehicle keep a windshield scraper, small shovel, and small sack of sand or kitty litter for generating traction under wheels. Also carry an emergency supply kit, including warm clothing. 
    • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to ensure you have enough fuel to keep warm if you get stuck. 
    • Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road. 
    • Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways. 
    • Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather. 
    • Don’t pass snow plows. 
    • Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways. 
    • If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow. 

    For more on winter storm safety click here.

    If you have to go outside, wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat to stay warm. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent, and if you can’t keep dry, change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Getting the snow shovel out? Do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body, which will reduce your chances of muscle injury. 

    Speaking of shoveling, avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia. And lastly, walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries. 

    If you plan involves keeping the front door firmly shut, remember to take the following precautions while heating your home:

    • If using a space heater, place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface in the home. 
    • Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces. 
    • Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home. 
    • Keep children and pets away from space heaters. 
    • Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. 
    • Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. 
    • Test batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 
    • Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with everyone who lives in the home. 

    Forecasts can change, so remember to keep an eye and an ear on your local weather reports. Remember to include your pets in all of your winter weather planning. Stay warm and stay safe!

  • The Woods Family: Hope after a home fire

    By: Sophie Kluthe

    On December 6, 2020, Kanaya Woods’ Pottstown home was destroyed by a fire, leaving her and two daughters with little more than the clothes on their backs. With just weeks to go before Christmas, Woods wasn’t sure where to turn. Then she got a call from the Red Cross.

    “I would like to thank (Red Cross) for reaching out to me and my two daughters on the night of my house fire,” Woods said.

    While observing additional safety measures put into place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, trained Red Cross disaster responders worked with Woods to assess her needs, confirm the damage done to her home, and provide her support to make sure she and her 2 and 7-year-old daughters would have a safe place to spend the night, and food to eat while they determined next steps.

    Photo Courtesy: Kanaya Woods

    “Red Cross provided many resources to me and my children, clothes, food and housing resources that were much needed. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the Red Cross organization because I had no idea what direction to move forward in and Red Cross staff, providers, first responders and outreach services helped me with the first steps to recovering from my disaster. Thank You Red Cross,” she said.

    Every eight minutes, the Red Cross helps someone affected by disaster, and the vast majority of these are home fires. So far in 2020, the Red Cross has assisted more than 2,500 people after home fires in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

    Gene Maxey was one of the Red Cross volunteers who assisted the Woods family, and he regularly signs up for shifts to assist local families.

    Photo Courtesy: Kanaya Woods

    “It’s so tough to see families lose everything. Navigating this process has been even more difficult for people during the pandemic, and it’s heartbreaking when families experience a fire so close to Christmas. I’m glad we could provides some support to Ms. Woods and help her with the first steps in her recovery,” Maxey said.

    To learn more about home fire safety visit: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html

    Photo Courtesy: Kanaya Woods

  • Home for the Holidays: 7 Ways to Decorate Safely

    By: Judith Weeks 

    Celebrating the holidays this year will be much different than in years past. During this COVID-19 pandemic, we want our families and friends to be safe from exposure to this coronavirus. We stay at home and limit our gatherings based on local guidelines. But it can be lonely without the kids or Grandpa and Grandma.   

    Decorating our homes inside and out is one way we can still get in in the spirit of the holiday season, and the American Red Cross wants you to be safe when decorating for the holidays. Whether you are hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree, lighting a menorah, or stringing lights about your home, please don’t forget that home fires can quickly happen.  

    Candles are one of the leading causes of home fires, with December being the peak month for them. Nearly one-third of us have left the room or fallen asleep while burning candles, according to a 2020 national American Red Cross survey. While a burning candle can quickly start a fire, flameless candles are a safer option, like the ones that run on batteries.  

    Here are 7 Holiday Decorating Safety Steps to keep your home safe this season: 

    1. Check all holiday light cords to make sure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord. Turn off all holiday lights when going to bed or leaving the house.  
    1. Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid electrocution or fire hazard.  
    1. Look for the fire-resistant label when buying an artificial tree. Keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.   
    1. If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. Bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.   
    1. Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings on the mantel.  
    1. Check the labels of older decorations. Some older tinsel is lead-based. If using angel hair, wear gloves to avoid irritation. Avoid breathing in artificial snow.  
    1. Have good, stable placement when using a ladder and wear shoes that allow for good traction.   

    The American Red Cross wishes all to have a safe and joyful holiday season!   

  • Red Cross Celebrates Southeastern PA’s Exceptional Volunteers

    By: Kay Bennett 

    Wednesday evening the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania region held its annual Celebration of Volunteers, recognizing the most outstanding Red Cross volunteers of the previous fiscal year. Usually an in-person event, this year’s celebration went virtual, allowing the chapter leaders to celebrate its volunteers safely.  

    With a welcome from Regional CEO Guy J. Triano, 6abc’s Alicia Vitarelli helped kick off the festivities, expressing appreciation for the Red Cross volunteers. She noted how they are always available to answer the call for help, not skipping a beat even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vitarelli had the honor of presenting the first award of the night, which is also a brand new award, the Red Cross Spirit Award. Volunteer Deb Lozano received the honor, which epitomizes the fives values of the Red Cross. 

    Pictured left: 6abc anchor, Alicia Vitarelli helped kick off the virtual event.

    Pictured above: Deb Lozano holds her prize as the recipient of the Spirit Award.

    Congratulations to the following winners: 

    Department Awards: 

    • Volunteer Services – Beth Yurkanin  
    • Service to the Armed Forces – Mary Harper  
    • Red Cross House – Brian Jones  
    • Communications – Marta Rusek

    Biomedical Awards: 

    • Bucks County – Dave Baker 
    • Chester County – Jane Foster 
    • Delaware County – Pradip Desai 
    • Montgomery County – Jack Nickels 
    • Philadelphia County – Robert Carr 
    • Musser Blood Center – Tracey Howard 

    Disaster Cycle Services Awards: 

    • Bucks County – Robin Stoute  
    • Montgomery County – Will Dobnak  
    • Chester County – Elizabeth Stinson  
    • Delaware County – Frederick Lehman  
    • Philadelphia County – Susan Poulton  

    Board member, John Susanin, presented the volunteer hours awards to the three people who had logged the most volunteer hours the previous fiscal year. Red Cross House and DAT team member, Lamont Twyne logged the third-highest number of hours with 1,904. John Klitsch came in second place with 2,056 service hours. Mr. Susanin noted that John had an impressive 13 disaster titles under his belt. Heidi Dampman came in first place logging an amazing 2,843 hours. Dampman was described as an essential member of her team, being known for many lines of service. 

    Triano brought the celebration to a close recognizing some of the Red Cross’ longest-serving volunteers. Walter D’Alessio, Diane Foose, and Shirley Warner were praised for their 25 years of service. Vicki Schempp was especially recognized for her amazing 46 years of service as a Blood Donor Ambassador. He took a moment to acknowledge the volunteers working virtually and those who have been unable to serve due to COVID-19. He assured them all that when the pandemic is behind us, the Red Cross will still be here for them. Triano thanked the region’s volunteers, describing them as the “backbone of what we do.” 

  • A Time of Thanks and Giving: Helping Your Local Red Cross This Year

    By: Kay Bennett

    It is hard to believe it is here already but December 1, 2020, is Giving Tuesday. The Thanksgiving holiday has passed. However, this is still a time of year to be reflective and think of ways to give back to our community. There are several ways to give to others both on a local and global scale.

    A monetary donation is not the only way you can contribute this year. The Red Cross has virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities. Whether you are writing thank-you letters to our donors or assisting with disaster relief, every moment and every effort counts.

    Our local region has had a tremendous year with the amount of help our volunteers have been able to provide. This year’s total so far includes more than 3,000 overnight emergency shelter stays for people in Southeastern Pennsylvania displaced by flooding from Tropical Storm Isaias. Volunteers have also aided more than 2,500 people affected by home fires this year in our region, helping them secure a safe place to stay and providing food, emotional support, and other assistance.

    Given the state of the world due to the pandemic, it is more important now than ever to support your favorite nonprofits and social causes. Online donations are a safe, convenient way to still make a difference in the world. On Giving Tuesday and during the holiday season, help people in need by donating at redcross.org/gift. A gift of any size makes a difference.

    Last but certainly not least, do not underestimate the power of social media. Let your voice be heard and aid in bringing awareness to the most pressing issues facing your community today. Use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to join the global effort. The Red Cross views social media as a vital tool in carrying out its mission. We encourage you to connect with us on our social media channels Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, all of which are @RedCrossPhilly.

    If you’re healthy and feeling well, we also urge you to donate blood this holiday season. Your blood donation can make a lifesaving difference for a patient in need. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment today.

    The Red Cross strives to alleviate human suffering and relies on the generosity of its donors and volunteers to achieve that goal.

  • Five ways to avoid a kitchen fire this Thanksgiving

    By: Karen Searle 

    With COVID-19 weighing on the holidays this year and even changing many of our plans, we should still be mindful of the need to protect ourselves from one other danger this Thanksgiving: cooking fires. 

    Typically, Thanksgiving is one of the peak days for cooking fires, which is the top cause of home fires in the U.S. Most often, these emergencies are caused by unattended cooking — a common behavior shared by nearly 70% of us, as shown in a national American Red Cross survey earlier this year. 

     If you plan to fry a turkey, keep in mind that deep fryers can tip over easily, the hot oil splatters easily and the oil can overheat and start a fire. Never fry a frozen turkey. The Department of Agriculture recommends to always reading the manufacture’s manual for how to use the deep fryer and always ensure that you keep a fire extinguisher nearby.  To help keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season, the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania asks that you follow these safety tips: 

    1. Keep an eye on what you fry! Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.  
    1. Move items that can burn away from the stove. This includes dishtowels, bags, boxes, paper and curtains. Also keep children and pets at least three feet away. 
    1. Avoid wearing loose clothing while cooking. 
    1. When frying food, turn the burner off if you see smoke or if the grease starts to boil. Carefully remove the pan from the burner. 
    1. Keep a pan lid or a cookie sheet nearby. Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. 

    This is also a good time to check your smoke alarms to ensure that they are working properly.   

    From us to you, Happy Thanksgiving!