American Red Cross of Illinois on LinkedIn: This morning at the Rock Island Arsenal, Red Cross Volunteer Joanne… (2024)

Volunteer of the Week: Anne Barrett of OswegoA Disaster volunteer for the Illinois River Valley Chapter of the Red Cross in addition to member of the Disaster Health Services team, Blood Ambassador, and platelet donor are just a few of the titles retired nurse Anne proudly carries with the Red Cross.“I knew that upon retiring I wanted to remain active and what better way than by answering the call for help. When Disaster Health Services are activated for a response where impacted residents may have health services needs, I get to put my nursing skills to use – volunteering and using my skills – the best of both worlds!” Whichever role Ann is executing, she does it with a warm smile. Thank you, Anne, for dedicating your free time to being that compassionate person with a warm smile who reassures blood donors and people impacted by disaster alike – we are proud to serve alongside you!We invite you to put your professional credentials to work on a Red Cross Disaster Health Services or Disaster Mental Health team and help us meet disaster-related health needs of impacted individuals, families and communities. RedCross.org/Volunteer

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On June 22nd, members of the Illinois Red Cross International Services Team participated in an amazing day at #WorldRefugeeDay in Chicago where they shared messages and stories about our reunification work through our Restoring Family Links program.Armed conflict, international disasters and migration leave millions of people around the globe in urgent need of humanitarian assistance every year. Restoring Family Links provides free and confidential services to help families reconnect. We work with you to search for and locate your family and loved ones.To begin a search for a loved one, click the link: https://rdcrss.org/2Sdh6u2

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Areas along the Mississippi River may be on flood watch/warning alerts. Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters. Conditions that cause floods include heavy or steady rain for several hours or days that saturates the ground. Flash floods occur suddenly due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area.💦 Know the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning?💦Flood/Flash Flood Watch: Flooding or flash flooding is possible in your area.💦Flood/Flash Flood Warning: Flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.▶️ Click the link for more flood preparedness resources: https://rdcrss.org/2SOSSYZ📱 To receive emergency alerts in your area, download the free Red Cross Emergency App available in the Apple Store or Google Play.

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The Illinois River Valley Chapter of the Red Cross honored volunteers, members of the Red Cross staff and board of directors, and welcomed new board member, Steve Jamnik, and board fellow, Taka Doi, during their 2024 Annual Meeting in Romeoville.Thank you to all awardees for your commitment to helping us carry out the mission of the Red Cross through volunteerism, partnership, support of blood drives, fundraising, and leadership -- we couldn't do what we do without you.To learn more about how you can volunteer to make a difference in your community, visit RedCross.org/Volunteer.

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Thank you to everyone that joined us at Modern Woodmen of America in Rock Island for last night's Quad Cities and West Central Illinois Volunteer Appreciation Event!The night was filled with food, friends and fun to show our appreciation for the incredible work that Red Cross Volunteers do day in and day out! The mission of the Red Cross would not be possible without their hard work and dedication, Thank you!If you'd like to learn more about how you can make volunteer to make a difference in your community, visit RedCross.org/Volunteer.

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It will soon be time to celebrate Independence Day. What do your plans include? Whatever you have planned, we want you to enjoy a fun-packed, safe 4th of July and offer these fireworks safety tips you can follow during the upcoming holiday.The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals. Consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers or silly string instead. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:➡️ Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.➡️ Always follow the instructions on the packaging.➡️ Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.➡️ Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.➡️ Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."Whether your plans involve fireworks, camping, grilling, or enjoying the pool or beach, we have safety tips that everyone should follow. Don't forget to keep your pets safe this summer too. Stay safe, and enjoy! https://rdcrss.org/3uBW0ek

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Volunteers are truly the heart of the American Red Cross, and in Central Illinois we are so grateful for the recent work of two incredible volunteers, Guy Hathaway and Dan Luthi, who do so much to deliver our mission to the community. Guy and Dan have spent so much time this week helping families after the devastation of a disaster. Not only were several families in the area impacted by terrible house fires but they also helped families whose homes were impacted by the recent severe storms. Together, Guy and Dan delivered compassion, hope and care while assisting local families with next steps including disaster mental health, casework and recovery support. Thank you team, the Red Cross could not do this work without you!If you would like to become a disaster volunteer, we need you! Please go to redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.

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Join the Red Cross and WQAD News 8 for the Quad Cities Pints and Paws Blood Drive on July 11th and 12th to make a blood donation that helps saves lives and also supports local animals in need!Come out to one of four locations throughout the Quad Cities:🐶 Red Cross Chapter Office - 1100 River Drive in Moline🐱 Davenport Public Library - 6000 Eastern Ave. in Davenport🐶 MLK Center - 630 9th St. in Rock Island🐱 Isle of Capri - 1777 Isle Parkway in BettendorfDuring this drive, each blood donor will earn a $10 donation to be presented to one of our sponsoring humane societies in the Quad Cities: Qc Paws, Humane Society of Scott County, Quad City Animal Welfare Center and King's Harvest Pet Rescue No Kill Shelter.Visit https://rdcrss.org/3S6xnST, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App to make your appointment today!

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We continue to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving blood donations since late spring. Blood and platelet donors are critically needed now. Additionally, many communities throughout the country have been significantly impacted by one of the most active tornado seasons on record. It’s vital for blood donors to make time in between summer celebrations to give blood or platelets and help ensure lifesaving blood products are ready the moment they are needed in times of disaster or where severe weather may prevent people from being able to donate. To find a blood donation appointment near you, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

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