100 years after the Red Cross response to Tulsa Race Massacre

by Molly Dalton

On May 31 and June 1 in 1921, one of the most horrific acts of racial violence in our country took place, the Tulsa Race Massacre. Over the course of 18 hours, a white mob brutally attacked residents, and looted and burned down homes and buildings in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was known as the “Black Wall Street,” one of the wealthiest communities in the U.S.

In less than 24 hours, more than 300 people died and approximately 10,000 people were left homeless. Over 190 businesses, a junior high school, several churches and the only hospital in the district were destroyed. And, more than 800 people were admitted to hospitals.

In 1921, Maurice Willows was working at the Red Cross Center in St. Louis, Missouri when he was alerted by a letter of the terrible incident in Oklahoma. Within 24 hours of being alerted of the heartbreaking Tulsa Race Massacre by Maurice, the American Red Cross was dispatched to provide relief to the Black community and set up a makeshift hospital and school, help develop more permanent housing plan for those made homeless and provide other aid in this great time of need. Maurice also secured $100,000 in funding to mount a sustained relief effort and his leadership secured resources and aid for those affected by the riot, setting a precedent for future humanitarian efforts. This tragedy set a new standard for how the Red Cross connects with and cares for people affected by violence.

Today, the Red Cross continues to deliver help whenever and wherever it is needed regardless of individual’s wealth, appearance, identity, who they love, their political affiliation or religion.

Red Cross Runs on Volunteer Power During Monster Storm

Larry French is the Disaster Program Manager for the Metro Boston region of Massachusetts. Larry has been with the Red Cross in various capacities since 2002.

In August of this year, a large hurricane was forming in the Atlantic, worrying many along the East Coast of the United States. I deployed to Florida in front of Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm that had its sites set of Florida. I wasn’t alone – thousands of volunteers were sent to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas to open shelters and set up food operations in the face of the storm.

I went down to support the American Red Cross in “Planning,” work that involves gathering information, packaging it for disaster responders and local partners, then tracking the work the Red Cross does so that we can make our plan for the following day.

Volunteers began to arrive in cities and towns up and down the Florida coast, opening shelters for the thousands of people who were urged to evacuate their homes. As evacuees began to trickle into shelters, Red Cross volunteers relied on the training they received to help during stressful situations.

No one was sure what Dorian was going to do. Some models had it coming ashore in some of the most densely populated areas of South Florida. That unknown information hung heavy over everyone: residents who left home for safety, volunteers who traveled into areas that will most likely see storm impact, and myself – trying to do my best work so supplies and help will be where they’re most needed.

If you have never been through a natural disaster, it’s hard to understand the gravity of moving your family into an evacuation shelter. People who evacuate in front of a disaster don’t know if they are going to have a home when they return. There really isn’t anything to do but get to a safe place and wait. This is where empathy and the training of Red Cross volunteers are so valuable. With gentleness and care, volunteers work to identify the needs of each shelter resident and give comfort.

As the storm began to turn north, and a feeling of relief began to creep through the operation, we knew there was still work to be done. Shelters in Florida were closing and our volunteer workforce began to move along the new path of Dorian, north into Georgia and onto the Carolinas where Dorian finally made landfall in the U.S.

An impact zone of a natural disaster is a chaotic place – roads washed away, utility services destroyed, residents seemingly cut off from safety and supplies. Through our disaster teams on the ground, we were able to create maps of roads that were still passable, and map gas stations and retail stores that were open. All this information was sent out to the responders to use and to share with area residents in the impact zone.

Days later we found out that the monster storm had left the islands of Great Abaco and Grand Bahama in ruins, leaving an unknown number of people without food, shelter and clean drinking water. We were able to support the teams headed there with the information they could use in planning their response as they arrived. Today, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies continues to coordinate Red Cross workers in the Bahamas, helping thousands of residents rebuild their lives.

It was gratifying to see how the Red Cross could be so nimble and move people and supplies within hours into newly identified areas that needed help. And with the evolving technology that we continue to use, my planning team was able to make maps and share damage assessments with teams thousands of miles away, including in the Bahamas.

And through it all, our volunteers remained focused on the work of helping others through the worst moments in their lives. The passion to help is what drives the American Red Cross, it drives our volunteers to give their time to go and help complete strangers who are at their most vulnerable.

Local Red Cross trains Polish Red Cross in Disaster Response

In response to the increasing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and geo-political climate, the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Disaster Services team, with support from the National Headquarters Disaster Services, services to the Armed Forces, and International Services teams, partnered with the Lubelskie District Branch (LBD) of the Polish Red Cross (PRC) and the US Army Civil Affairs team to support the development of Disaster Cycle Services in Poland.

Jessica Bowe, Massachusetts Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, went to Poland in November as part of an American Red Cross delegation in an effort to improve the disaster and crisis management capabilities within the Polish Red Cross.

Alex Rose, Richard Hajeris, and Jessica Bowe traveled to Poland November 11th – 19th to train 50 Polish Red Cross staff and volunteers on disaster program management, American Red Cross capabilities, infrastructure and systems, and procedures. While there they also participated in a conference focused on sharing knowledge regarding humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations both domestically in Poland and internationally. This opportunity was funded through a grant from the US Embassy in Poland.

The Lubelskie District Branch of the Polish Red Cross opened the largest Humanitarian Aid Warehouse in Poland in 2019. This warehouse plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Polish Red Cross’s ability to respond with humanitarian aid and assistance to natural, man-made people and conflict driven disasters and crisis within Poland.

“The Polish Red Cross, Lubelskie District Branch, wanted to use the collective knowledge and experience of the American Red Cross and United States Army to improve their disaster and crisis management capabilities,” said Jessica Bowe. “This project is based on cooperation with the Polish Red Cross, Lubelskie District Branch, the Red Cross of Massachusetts, and the United States Army Civil Affairs teams operating in Poland providing security assistance and support to increase Poland’s defense capabilities.”

Massachusetts regional staff worked with Divisional staff to connect with leadership at National Headquarters in both Disaster Services and International Services, to prepare for this unique opportunity. With support from National Headquarters, the Massachusetts Region, with Divisional support, worked with the Polish Red Cross to support their goal and provide doctrine and procedures, training material, and subject matter expertise regarding Disaster Cycle Services. The two-day training and two-day conference was for all Polish Red Cross District Branches.

More than 500 Evacuated due to Gas Leak, Red Cross Volunteers Assist at Local School

American Red Cross disaster volunteers responded to a community evacuation in Lawrence, Massachusetts Friday September 27, 2019, after a natural gas leak was discovered which forced hundreds of people from their homes in South Lawrence.

Red Cross volunteers worked with Lawrence Public School officials to open the Arlington Street School reception center less than one hour after notification, giving hundreds of residents a place to go in the early morning hours.

Many clients at the reception center remarked they were displaced by the natural gas leaks a year before, and were evacuated to the same location. Clients discussed their hesitancy to go back home out of fear of further leaks. Red Cross mental health volunteers spent hours speaking with clients, listening to their concerns and giving them information on ways to manage the stress that comes with an evacuation of this type.

By days end, dozens of Red Cross volunteers had assisted and comforted 530 residents from 120 families. Nearly 700 meals were served during the 15 hours of operation at the Arlington Street School. Local community partners, the Lawrence Public Schools and the Salvation Army provided food and snacks throughout the day for those evacuated from their homes.

Red Cross Worker Kyle McWilliam-Lopez Shares His Story Returning from Dorian Response

On Sunday, September 15th, I returned from North Carolina where I supported the people affected by Hurricane Dorian.  When I departed from Massachusetts just a week prior, I had been informed that I would lead a team of Red Crossers in the implementation of a recovery program that offers immediate assistance to households severely affected by the storm.

 

Thank goodness North Carolina had been spared a direct hit from Dorian, but there were still a significant number of families who suffered devastating damage.

I was part of a ten-person recovery casework team that was brought in to implement the Immediate Assistance (IA) Program. IA is a tool designed to assist disaster survivors with financial assistance (a flat rate per household), with a focus on those who were assessed to have damage that qualified as “Major” or “Destroyed.”

 

We had a short window of time, less than a week, to reach as many households as we could with financial assistance, supplies like clean-up kits, and disaster counseling. We primarily focused on deploying casework teams into the four most impacted counties – Brunswick, Dare, Hyde, and Carteret counties.  We had a lot of success reaching people with our assistance in places like Avon and Frisco which are located on the Outer Banks.

I heard more than a few stories from clients who experienced immense loss, and who yet gained some small measure of comfort and hope in the presence of a Red Cross volunteer.  We did not reach everyone last week – that was a tall order – but it’s encouraging to know that the Red Cross regional team in NC remains committed to helping the survivors of Hurricane Dorian.

As the people of North Carolina continue to move into their different phases of recovery, the local Red Cross region will take over pairing families with the resources they need. In those post-disaster times, it’s hard to relay to survivors that the Red Cross responds thanks to volunteers, donors, partners, and countless other helpers. It was humbling to see the work of all of us reflected in the appreciative faces of the people of North Carolina.

Kyle McWilliam-Lopez

Recovery and EMA Relationship Support Specialist

American Red Cross – Massachusetts Region

Red Cross Cape Cod Tornado Response

by Susan Gilbert, American Red Cross

After a series of tornadoes on July 23 left areas of Cape Cod in disarray, and nearly 53,000 people without power, the Red Cross was there to help. Approximately 63 people, including a small number from Metro, were dispatched to provide shelter and nutrition.

“The team did a great job ensuring that the clients’ needs were met despite the very unusual circumstances ̶ three tornadoes in one day, and during the summer when tourists significantly increase the population,” said Disaster Program Manager Larry French.

Lee Gjersten and Brian Michaud served as shelter supervisors, who activated the Harvard Pilgrim shelter team for the first time.
“The shelter was thankfully not busy, despite the many thousands of residents without power.

“The shelter was thankfully not busy, despite the many thousands of residents without power.

It thus provided us an opportunity to activate and work with Harvard Pilgrim employees who had been recently trained in sheltering. I was impressed with all the Harvard Pilgrim workers; they were enthusiastic and eager to do whatever needed to be done, and were interested in learning as much as possible about how Red Cross shelters operate,” said Gjersten.

 

“This shelter was a good example of how the Red Cross partners with others in the community during a disaster. Not just the Harvard Pilgrim team, but also the school staff, local emergency response personnel, law enforcement, and everyone else involved in the sheltering operation. I suspect a lot of people outside the Red Cross don’t realize just how much coordination is necessary to make an emergency shelter work well,” Gjersten added.

Brian Michaud also supervised the Harvard Pilgrim team, providing meals and hydration to the many workers cleaning up the trees and other damage caused by the storm. “We served hundreds of meals and provided water as needed,” said Michaud.

Tornadoes are very rare on Cape Cod. This twister was just the fourth on record to strike the area since 1850, and the first time Cape Cod had more than one tornado in a year.
The tornado’s maximum wind speed was 110 mph, which equates to a strong EF1 tornado, and can cause extremely dangerous and destructive wind gusts. Damage was reported in Brewster, Chatham, Harwich, Hyannis Port, Mashpee, Sandwich and Yarmouth, and the town of Harwich, which sustained the most damage, was declared a state of emergency.

 

Local Partnership Highlights Disaster Preparation

Disasters affect nearly one million people each year, yet 85% of Americans are unprepared for one. To help residents get ready, the American Red Cross and Allstate agencies in Massachusetts gave away 1,500 disaster preparedness kits in July from Plymouth to North Adams.

“The Allstate disaster kits helped build more resilient communities, helping citizens be ready in case of an emergency,” said Holly Grant, Red Cross chief executive officer for the Massachusetts Region.

A $20,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation will help raise awareness for disaster preparedness in the state, as well as assist those affected locally by disasters.

With Record Heat Forecasted, Red Cross Tips to Stay Safe

With record heat and humidity forecasted for much of the Bay State, the American Red Cross wants residents to be prepared for the risks associated with high temperatures and outdoor activity.

As with any type of emergency, preparedness is key to preventing injury and sickness. Below are some tips for dealing with extreme heat:

Before

• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
• Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.
• Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for power outages.
• Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.
• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).
• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
• Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related
• Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met.

What to Do During a Heat Wave

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

How to Treat Heat-Related Illnesses

During heat waves people are susceptible to three heat-related conditions. Here’s how to recognize and respond to them.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

• Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area.
• Give an electrolyte-containing fluid, such as a commercial sports drink, fruit juice or milk. Water may also be given. Do not give the person salt tablets.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment.

• Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
• Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as a commercial sports drink or fruit juice to restore fluids and electrolytes. Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
• If the person’s condition does not improve or if he or she refuses water, has a change in consciousness, or vomits, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning.

• Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures.
• Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
• Rapidly cool the body by immersing the person up to the neck in cold water, if possible OR douse or spray the person with cold water.
• Sponge the person with ice water-doused towels over the entire body, frequently rotating the cold, wet towels.
• Cover the person with bags of ice.
• If you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply rapid cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves.

 

Be sure to download the free Red Cross Emergency App and encourage others to do the same. This app features expert advice on how to prepare and respond to 14 different types of emergencies and disasters. It allows you to customize more than 35 emergency alerts and includes a map with local Red Cross shelters. Text GETEMERGENCY to 90999 or search “Red Cross Emergency” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

MA Region Recognizes Outstanding Volunteer Service with Annual Awards

The American Red Cross honored 17 volunteers from across Massachusetts for their service to local communities and the mission of alleviating human suffering.

Also honored was Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare disaster volunteers for their commitment to make their local community more resilient to disasters.

At the region’s annual meeting in Medford, MA, as well as at a volunteer appreciation event in Worcester, MA, members of the senior leadership staff and the region’s board of directors recognized outstanding achievement by our region’s volunteers.

Holly Grant, the CEO of the Massachusetts region, recognized each of the 17 volunteers and Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare with the help of Board Chair John Stadtler.

The honorees are:

Susan Gilbert – Communications Volunteer of the Year

Susan Gilbert edits the monthly Communications newsletter, editing and writing information regarding all departments – Biomedical Services, Development, Service to the Armed Forces and International Services, Disaster Cycle Services, Communications and Marketing, Training Services, as well as regional news. Her articles include such topics as deployments, our Annual Heroes’ breakfasts, the food pantry, and our mentoring program.  

Susan has volunteered with the Red Cross for four years. In addition to her current roles, she has participated in the Home Fire campaign, Sound the Alarm campaign, and written numerous volunteer bios.  

Lexi Ashraf – Youth Programs Volunteer of the Year

Lexi is an outstanding volunteer and a role model for all. She is a rising senior at Wellesley High School where she is the president of her school’s Red Cross Club. Lexi became interested in the Red Cross when she volunteered at the Red Cross Food Pantry in Boston and has expanded her club so that others can have the same experience. Lexi continually involves herself in the Red Cross mission and participated in this year’s Sound the Alarm. Her goal is to continue the club’s growth and lead others to make impacts in their local communities. 

Peter Schubert – Herbert Cook Award

Peter began as a volunteer in early 2017, and now is involved heavily in our Disaster Action Team, taking a few shifts a week. He’s also on the Regional Mass Care Leadership Team, a BioMedical transportation volunteer and part of our Community Disaster Education Team. Because of his love for the Red Cross, and for our volunteers, he also joined our On-Boarding Team, supporting new volunteers during the first months of their time with the American Red Cross. His cheerful attitude and willingness to always support our mission is ever present and a valuable member of our Massachusetts team. 

The Herbert Cook Award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate dedication, skills and excellence in a leadership role through Disaster Services. 

Charlie Vose – The Jerry Tice Award

Charlie Vose has spent his life educating and caring for others with a humanitarian spirit that continues to shine after nearly 40 years of Red Cross service. Charlie was a middle school teach for 34 years, focusing on science and mathematics. He brought his passion for teaching to the Red Cross as well, teaching first aid and CPR to the community. A long-time disaster responder in the Northeast, Charlie served as emergency service director, as well as being a member of the board of directors in the Northeast. He was instrumental in training local school staff in CPR and first aid, knowing its importance when teaching children. 

The Jerry Tice Award recognizes volunteers for education, skills, excellence and service to others through Disaster Services in addition to another area of service.

Regina MacKenzie – Mass Bay Disaster Services Volunteer of the Year

Regina MacKenzie has made a significant impact in the Mass Bay Chapter since her start in 2017. She serves in various capacities in the Boston Metro area, as a Metro 2 DAT responder, a health service team member, deployment coach and as a Boston Marathon medical tent volunteer. Regina has also worked locally with the Home Fire Campaign, installing alarms in Quincy.  

She is known across the Metro area for her willingness to support all functions within disaster services, and her compassion toward clients to ensure their success is incredible.  

Renee Charpentier – Dorothy ‘Dottie’ D’Ambrosio Award

Renee Charpentier began volunteering with the Red Cross in November of 2017, but in that short time she has become an important part of the Metro Disaster Action Teams. Responding to local disasters from Quincy to East Boston, Renee’s leadership role has increased to include working closely with the Disaster Program Manager to ensure adequate Red Cross response to local disasters.  

Renee Charpentier is this year’s recipient of the Dorothy ‘Dottie’ D’Ambrosio Award, given to a volunteer who has shown a compassion for assisting and caring for families following a disaster and demonstrates a passion for mentoring new volunteers. 

Steven Latasa-Nicks   - Cape, Islands and Southeast Massachusetts Chapter Disaster Services Volunteer of the Year

Steven Latasa-Nicks joined the American Red Cross as a CPR instructor to assist in his local community of Provincetown. While conducting his train-the-trainer session at the Hyannis Chapter office, he realized there were other opportunities within the organization. Steven started out as a DAT trainee and worked with Eddy Blanchard to speed through the program. He is now the captain for the Lower Cape and supervises a team of twenty volunteers. Through his efforts and positive spirit, the Red Cross has strengthened its relationships with local fire departments, police and emergency management agencies.  

Steven has been a force, helping to recruit new volunteers to respond to local disasters and emergencies. 

Stephanie Walsh – Chief Executive Officer’s Award

Stephanie Walsh is being honored with the Chief Executive Officer’s Award. Stephanie started as a Disaster Action Team volunteer with the Red Cross. One of her first responses was to the Boston Marathon bombings. Throughout the year following the bombings, she went on to become a DAT captain and assisted a national team in virtually assessing areas impacted by disasters. She also helped create reports for the Region. Through her continued work at the Region, she was nominated to fill the role as Course Medical Coordinator for the Red Cross work with the annual Boston Marathon. 

She graciously accepted this role and has just completed her sixth marathon leading the Course Medical Team. She continues to work full time at MEDITECH, now as a Manager of Corporate Technologies, and is the proud mom of two children.  

David Reed – Northeast Massachusetts Chapter Disaster Services Volunteer of the Year

David Reed joined the Disaster Action Team of the Northeast in September 2017.   His warm and caring personality makes him a perfect caseworker on scene, always meeting client needs with a friendly smile and an encouraging words. He was extremely helpful during the gas explosion in the Merrimack Valley where he worked at the various evacuation centers in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, as well as the Multi-Agency Resource Center. A fluent Spanish speaker, Dave was instrumental during the Sound the Alarm events in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover. Dave called and coordinated appointment with Spanish speaking clients to ensure the event was a success.   

Jo Fitzgerald – Volunteer Services Volunteer of the Year

Jo Fitzgerald joined the Red Cross in March of 2017 as a Blood Donor Ambassador and went on to join the Recovery Casework Team and the Regional Volunteer Screening. Jo continues to enjoy her work in all three roles. In the past two years, she has given more than 1,350 hours of her time. She is a valuable and reliable team member, helping onboard and place new volunteers into positions they will enjoy and where their skills are best used. Most notable, Jo was assigned to the Merrimack Valley gas explosion response for 10 days, giving 100 hours of her time. She worked tirelessly to call the increase of new applicants, and place them into meaningful roles. Her efficiency, professionalism, and can-do spirit contribute directly to the success of screening and placement of volunteers in Massachusetts. 

Dorothy Cichonski – Western Massachusetts Disaster Services Volunteer of the Year

Dorothy Cichonski joined the American Red Cross of Western Massachusetts Chapter in 2013.  She quickly became an integral part of the Disaster team, where she stood out as a leader.  Dorothy is a DAT Supervisor, Duty Officer, Pillow Case Project presenter, Home Fire Campaign educator and she coordinates all the community preparedness events in the Western Territory.  She is a wonderful mentor to the trainees assigned to her and can be counted on to run the Disaster office when staff is called away, and is highly respected by her peers for her knowledge of the Western Territory. 

Robert Adamski – Training Services Volunteer of the Year

Robert Adamski is a Volunteer Instructor in Eastern Massachusetts.  He teaches community level and professional level Basic Life Support, First Aid and CPR classes in the American Red Cross Blood Donation facility in Dedham, MA.  He has been a nationally registered paramedic and firefighter for over 20 years.   

 He started volunteering with the Red Cross in Pennsylvania in 1988, and became an instructor in 1993.  Rob has said ‘an instructor can make a real difference in peoples’ lives, can save lives and exponentially increase the acquisition of lifesaving skills across his community.’  He fervently believes in giving something back to your community and helping others. 

Joel Janovsky – Service to the Armed Forces team as the Volunteer of the Year

Joel Janovsky is retired from a 30-year career in information technology in which he held positions in software engineering and project management for a variety of Massachusetts employers, including Biogen, Harvard University, Fidelity Investments, and Iron Mountain. He attended the University of Massachusetts/Amherst where he received an undergraduate degree in computer systems engineering, and he has a graduate degree in computer science from Boston University. Joel served in the Marine Corps during the 1970s in a military police/corrections unit at Camp Pendleton and as a Marine embassy guard in Vienna, Austria.  Joel and his wife Amy are long-time residents of Andover Massachusetts.  

Robert Campbell – Service to the Armed Forces team as the Volunteer of the Year

Robert Campbell is retired from a 30-year career in defense contracting, where he was responsible for contracts valued at about $500 billion at 18 major contract management offices.  He attended the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where he received an undergraduate degree in business management, and he has a graduate degree from the U.S. Naval War College with a in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Bob is a veteran of the U.S. military and currently is working with the American Red Cross to provide service to our military via the military entrance processing stations.  

Leonard Harris – Central Massachusetts Disaster Services Volunteer of the Year

An accomplished Emergency Medical Technician, Leonard Harris joined the Central Massachusetts Disaster Action Team in 2013.  He has been an invaluable member of the team, reliably willing and able to mobilize in support of an incident – whether scheduled to do so or not.  His service to the community includes extensive work with the Home Fire Campaign, and most recently with the team’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with all 62 emergency management departments in Central Massachusetts.   

Jim Niedzolkowski – BioMedical Services Volunteer of the Year

Jim Niedzolkowski has been a positive fixture in Blood Services since 2010. He began working blood drives and quickly took on training new donor ambassadors. New ambassadors described Jim as a person who generated positive energy and enthusiasm for new volunteers. 

Jim went on to join the Donor Recruitment Team, putting up signs for upcoming blood drives around the region. He would also go on to join the Transportation Program, delivering new donations to the Dedham facility for processing. He also helps coordinate vehicle scheduled maintenance for the fleet of transportation vehicles here in Massachusetts. 

With all his volunteerism, Jim’s proudest accomplishment is the 107 times he has donated platelets. 

His nearly 1,000 hours of volunteer service since 2010 shows his commitment to the Red Cross mission. 

Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare – Chandler Blackington Award

What started as a small group of volunteers trained to support local shelters expanded to a much larger group of disaster volunteers. In the past year, the Harvard Pilgrim Team has trained over 50 employees in sheltering, installed smoke alarms and built comfort kits for children. Although the shelter team hasn’t yet been activated, every time there is a significant disaster in Eastern Massachusetts the team reaches out, eager and ready to help. In the meantime, they are eager to continue to train and become more informed on how they can support the American Red Cross and our clients in times of disaster.  

Betsy Eggleston – Boston Food Pantry Volunteer of the Year

Betsy Eggleston has volunteered in the Boston Food Pantry since November 2017. It did not take Betsy long to transition from first-time, Thanksgiving volunteer to core every day volunteer.   

Betsy is a Wednesday morning regular, recording more than 260 volunteer hours this past year. She also volunteers many Thursday mornings, serving income eligible seniors in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. Betsy displays a great ability to teach how to use our database and bar-code system to new volunteers just learning. She is the go-to person for the training function because of her abilities, patience, cool-head and trustworthiness.  

The Red Cross has been helping Massachusetts residents for more than 100 years, bringing aid and comfort to those affected by disaster. One of the largest missions of the Red Cross in Massachusetts is the response to homes fires, which affected nearly 700 homes last year. Volunteers respond to assist residents displaced by home fires, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A Humanitarian Path Discovered in Retirement Through the Red Cross

article by Karuu Kamau, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Ken Boyajian began volunteering with the American Red Cross in November 2018. A recent retiree, Ken was looking to stay busy in retirement, as well as working in his local community. Remembering the recent gas explosions in Lawrence, Ken knew helping with the Sound the Alarm campaign would help families be ready in the event of another local disaster.

 

Question – What region were you volunteering for the Sound the Alarm campaign?

Answer – Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover Massachusetts.

Q – Was this After the gas explosion disaster?

A – Yes, the gas explosion was a year before, last September.

Q – What is your background?

A – I am retired, I retired last July and joined the Red Cross in November

Q – Are you a member of the Disaster Action Team?

A – Yes, it is a team of first responders with the Red Cross, responding to a disaster scene in your local area. You volunteer by registering online and committing 4-to-6 hours, several times per month. In case of a disaster, these team members respond by providing comfort and necessary resources, like finding a hotel, food, clothes – anything to help the victims of the catastrophe until they can recover.

Q – Are most disasters fire related?

A – Yes, most of the tragedies in the area are fires, but in other parts of the U.S., such as the Midwest and Southern States, there are hurricanes, tornadoes, and other major national or regional disasters. I am in the mailing list of those too. They mainly occur in June, July, and August. I help in setting up shelters for the victims, for two weeks at a time.

Q – Is there anything that surprised you, or you unexpectedly encountered during the Sound the Alarm smoke detector installations?

A – Yes, I thought you had to be an electrician to do so, but I learned they were battery powered and not connected to electrical wires. So, you don’t have to be an electrician to do the installations, and it was an easy activity.

Q – What was your assessment of smoke detectors in homes, are there many homes without them?

A – In most instances, the smoke detectors are old and therefore malfunctioning or not working at all. Smoke detectors have a 10-year life span, and therefore, people quickly forget about them. We were, thus, going in and checking if the ones installed are functioning. It was beneficial to many that needed new units. People were very appreciative of the campaign.

Q – What challenges did you encounter doing the installations?

A – It was an easy straight forward process. We were well prepared beforehand, and the campaign was professionally managed

Q – Why do you volunteer?

A – Two reasons: keeps me busy, and I love helping other people. I have made many friends from the Red Cross, and our efforts and contributions are well appreciated. Sound the Alarm was an excellent service that hopefully will prevent significant disasters and unnecessary deaths from fires. I applaud the Red Cross for this service, and I am happy to help.