Local Red Cross Chapter Breakfast Raised Funds and Awareness

The Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross held its fourth annual Hour for the Red breakfast at the Hamilton Park Hotel in Florham Park on May 10th from 9 to 10 a.m. 

The Chapter educated more than 225 attendees about its work and accomplishments this past year, while emphasizing the need for local financial support. 

“I look forward to the breakfast each year where I can share the vital work of our chapter, acknowledge the contributions of our tireless volunteers, and thank those who support the Colonial Crossroads Chapter with financial donations,” says Chapter Executive Director Christy Hodde.  “The breakfast allows us to educate community members and share the work we do through words and images in less than one hour.” 

Every day is a busy day at the Colonial Crossroads Chapter, which supports residents in Berkeley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit. 

Over the past year, the volunteer Disaster Action Team responded to local, regional, national and international crises.  The Chapter’s daily work covers a variety of emergencies and its influence reaches far beyond its local ten-town radius. 

After the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the Chapter supported its sister organization overseas and raised invaluable funds to aid the relief efforts.  Over the winter, Red Cross volunteers shoveled themselves out the day after Christmas to bring comfort kits to stranded motorist on Route 280 after the horrific blizzard.  More recently, six local volunteers with specialized training were deployed to the South and Midwest to shelter those affected by the devastating tornadoes and floods.  In addition, the Chapter has responded to numerous local fires with sheltering, emotional support, and financial assistance. 

Hodde reflected on a New Providence house fire that she witnessed in April. “It is almost impossible to describe the destruction and sense of loss that the situation entails.  There is no time to gather your belongings, look for your keys, or grab your most important personal possessions.  With single minded purpose, people realize the importance of grabbing loved-ones only – and escaping.” 

The Red Cross provides peace of mind for those left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.  A friend of the affected family said, “The Chapter’s ability to react quickly and calmly relieved the immediate panic that I felt.  I had a no idea who I was supposed to call or what I should do, but the Red Cross came and provided me with many of the things needed.”

Disaster relief is just one of the many ways that the Chapter assists the community.  The Health and Safety division is responsible for teaching lifesaving skills to residents of all ages.  Their classes consist of everything from babysitting courses to CPR and basic first aid.  The division also includes a swimming program for children and adults with physical, mental, emotional or neurological disorders called Adapted Aquatics. 

Seniors in the area receive special attention from the Chapter through free blood pressure screenings, the transportation program for ambulatory seniors to medical appointments, and the delivery of Meals on Wheels to housebound residents in conjunction with Sage Eldercare. 

The breakfast event also highlighted the Chapter’s lifesaving blood donation program with a story told by Summit resident Brian Kaufman, who learned that he had developed a rare form of Leukemia when he offered to donate blood at a local blood drive.  Within three months of volunteering to donate blood, Kaufman needed multiple blood transfusions to fight his disease.  Twelve years later, Kaufman marvels at the profound impact the blood donation program has had on his life. 

This year, the breakfast focused on one of the lesser-known services of the Red Cross – the support of the Armed Forces.  Hodde said, “Our organization quickly sends emergency communications to deployed service members on behalf of their families so that military members can have peace of mind knowing that when they are on a mission, in training, or stationed far away, they are still connected to home.” 

Volunteer Jennifer Loia spoke about her experience with the Service to the Armed Forces Program that began when her brother, Peter Russo, was serving overseas twelve years ago. 

Not knowing where to turn when her grandmother passed away, Loia reached out to the Red Cross to get the word to her brother.  With the help of the Chapter, Russo walked through the door of his family’s home within 48 hours.  A few years later, Russo’s wife had a medical emergency so once again, Loia contacted the Red Cross to help bring her brother home to his family. 

As Loia’s familiarity with the Red Cross services grew, so did her involvement.  During Russo’s second deployment, Loia organized a blood drive in her brother’s name, which attracted more than 60 donors.

Loia’s relationship with the Red Cross continued to grow from that first phone call years earlier.  Today, Loia, who became a nurse, works with the veterans at Lyon’s Hospital. 

Loia says, “I wear my Red Cross vest with pride.  It is my badge of honor and serving the veterans, who have served us, is a privilege I hope to do for the rest of my life.” 

Loia hopes that her experience and involvement with the Armed Services Program will inspire others to volunteer their time and provide funding that will enable the Red Cross to continue its valuable work. 

About the American Red Cross in your area:

Local Red Cross programs and services include disaster preparedness education and response services; life-saving skills training such as CPR, AED, First Aid, and water safety; armed forces emergency services, transportation and blood services.  The Colonial Crossroads Chapter has served the residents of Berkley Heights, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Florham Park, Long Hill Township, Madison, New Providence, Springfield and Summit since 1917. To find out more about the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross, how you can donate your expertise, time, money, or blood; or to help your family, business, or community prepare for emergencies, please visit www.ccnjredcross.org.