American Red Cross Northwest Arkansas Chapter

Newsletter Archive

Northwest Arkansas Spotlight, Summer 2005

Press Release Archive
ARC Reports Busy First Quarter ARC to Host Open House, Annual Meeting ARC to Brief Soliders and Families ARC to Open Office in Harrison ARC Welcomes Community Input
Taste of the World: Celebrating Diversity December 12, 2005 - Tontitown, AR - We are excited to announce that the American Red Cross and the Ozark Food Bank have joined together to organize a unique event which will celebrate the cultural diversity of our community through food, song, and dance. “*Taste of the World”* will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight at the Fayetteville Town Center in Fayetteville, AR and will feature 27 of Northwest Arkansas' finest restaurants as well as entertainment by some of our area's most popular musicians and dancers. You can help us make this event possible by becoming a Taste of the World sponsor. Proceeds from this event will help support the initiatives of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Ozark Food Bank. Click here for the Sponsorship form. Click here to download ticket information. *This file is in .doc format. You must have MSWord to view this file. Please consider supporting “Taste of the World” with your sponsorship and help us celebrate the rich diversity of our community, while supporting the important work of the Red Cross and Ozark Food Bank…..because Hunger and Suffering Know No Color.* Tyson Foods Gives More than $1.5 million to Relief Efforts SPRINGDALE , AR. – Friday, December 9, 2005 – A longtime partner in providing disaster relief, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN) contributed more than $1.5 million in food products and financial assistance to the disaster relief efforts during this year's unprecedented hurricane season. This amount exceeds the company's original goal of $1 million. The company today presented checks totaling more than $455,000 to local representatives of the American Red Cross and Salvation Army. The money is from contributions by Tyson Team Members that were matched dollar for dollar by the company. Tyson also donated more than $1.1 million worth of food, water, ice and other supplies in the aftermath of the hurricanes, including food donations to relief sites operated by the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Southern Baptist Disaster Relief teams and Global Impact. “I'm proud of the tremendous outpouring of support by our Team Members and our company as we joined others across the country in the relief effort,” said John Tyson, chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods. “I'm also thankful for organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army and their ability to help meet the needs of those whose lives have been changed by these storms.” “We are extremely grateful to Tyson Foods and their team members for their tremendous support of Red Cross disaster relief efforts” said Lee Siler, Executive Director of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. “By partnering with generous corporate supporters like Tyson Foods and relief organizations such as the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Association, the Red Cross has been able to serve 54 million meals and snacks and provide immediate assistance to 1.6 million families devastated by this year's hurricanes. We simply could not fulfill our life-saving mission without these important partners.” “The Salvation Army is blessed to have a supporter such as, Tyson Foods, to help us provide assistance to our local residents as well as those victims of disasters in other states,” stated Major Wesley Short, Area Commander of The Salvation Army, Northwest Arkansas . “Many thanks to John Tyson and all the employees that made this donation possible." The Salvation Army's new branding theme, “Doing The Most Good”, is put into practice every day, as it helps individuals and families, not only in national disasters, but also in local emergency situations, Major Short said. The Salvation Army responded immediately following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, serving the immediate needs of survivors by providing shelter, food, water, ice, cleaning supplies, baby items and hygiene products. More than one million have been served in at least 30 states. Tyson operations in Mississippi were directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. Four Tyson poultry processing plants were temporarily idled because of the loss of power and some contract poultry operations also experienced power outages, bird loss and damage to buildings. The company provided truckloads of food, water and ice to the affected plant communities and had cooking teams at some locations. The impact of Hurricane Rita on the company's Texas operations was minor; however the company did send truckloads of food and water to affected Tyson plant communities. About Tyson Foods, Inc. Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale , Arkansas , is the world's largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork and the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the "Powered by Tyson(TM)" strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. Tyson has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. About The American Red Cross The American Red Cross is where people mobilize to help their neighbors—across the street, across the country and across the world—in emergencies. Each year, in communities large and small, victims of some 70,000 disasters turn to neighbors familiar and new—the nearly 1 million volunteers and 35,000 employees of the Red Cross. Through almost 900 locally supported chapters, more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, communities and world. Some 4 million people give blood—the gift of life—through the Red Cross, making it the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States . The Red Cross helps thousands of U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty stay connected. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, a global network of 181 national societies, the Red Cross helps restore hope and dignity to the world's most vulnerable people. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. Marsha J. Evans is the President and CEO of the American Red Cross . About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 34 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 92 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 5,000 communities nationwide. Contacts: Jody Dilday, American Red Cross, 479-442-4291 Barbara Whitlow, Salvation Army, 479-521-2151 ext. 29 Gary Mickelson, Tyson Foods, 479-290-6111 JB HUNT TRANSPORT SERVICES, INC. EMPLOYEES SUPPORT RELIEF EFFORTS TONTITOWN, AR. Monday October 1 7 , 2005 - When Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast, the overwhelming images of devastation and suffering spurred residents and corporations in Northwest Arkansas into action. J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.'s employees supported the efforts with financial gifts as well as their time and talents. On September 2, 2005, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. challenged its employees to raise funds for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The company agreed to match the total raised within 24 hours. The employees of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. raised a total of $27,164.40 and the company then rounded up and matched the employee's contributions for a total donation of $55,000. "The Red Cross had announced that cash donations would bring the most benefit to the victims of this disaster. We had numerous employees asking us what they could do to help so it only made sense to organize a fundraiser that everyone could participate in," said Kirk Thompson, president and CEO for J.B. Hunt. "The overwhelming response speaks to the true character of J.B. Hunt employees and reaffirms our belief that they are the best in the business, both inside and outside the office." Meanwhile, countless employees of J.B. Hunt Transport services were volunteering at the local chapter. Information and technology specialists were at the chapter networking computers, wiring the building's numerous internet outlets, and installing a wireless server. Members of the company's human resources department were helping the chapter enter new volunteers into the human resource software just as fast as they could be trained. This was no small undertaking, as the chapter was training 200 and 500 new volunteers at each session! "The volunteers from J.B. Hunt Transport were a lifesaver!" said Carmen Newberry, Volunteer Coordinator for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. "They were able to bring their expertise to our chapter during a critical time. Our chapter has a paid staff of only seven, so when the volunteers from great corporate partners like J.B. Hunt are here, our manpower triples!" On September 9, 2005, Amy Bain, Executive Assistant to Kirk Thompson, contacted the local chapter and exclaimed "I can't stop the money from flowing into my office!" Again, the company challenged its employees with another match, and again the employees responded. An additional $23,471.02 was raised and matched for a total donation of $47, 326.04. "The American Red Cross is not a government agency; we rely on the generosity of the American public to do our work. We are incredibly grateful to J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. and their employees for their outpouring of support," said Lee Siler, Executive Director of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. To date, the employees of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. have contributed $102,325.04 to the American Red Cross and have partnered with the chapter as skilled and trained volunteers, supporting the life-saving mission of the American Red Cross in Northwest Arkansas. About J.B. Hunt: J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc., one of the largest transportation logistics companies in North America, focuses on the safe and reliable transport of full truckload freight to a diverse group of customers throughout the continental United States, Canada and Mexico. Our business operations are primarily organized through three distinct, yet complementary, business segments that include dedicated contract services, intermodal and dry van. Utilizing an integrated approach, we provide capacity oriented solutions centered on delivering customer value and industry leading service. Our stock is traded on NASDAQ under the ticker symbol JBHT and is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average. For more information about our company, visit www.jbhunt.com . NORTHWEST ARKANSAS KATRINA RELIEF SUMMARY TONTITOWN, AR. Wednesday, October 25, 2005 - It has been 58 days since Hurricane Katrina made landfall. In response to the devastation along the Gulf Coast, the American Red Cross launched its largest mobilization of resources in the organization's 125-year history. And while the statistics of this nationwide effort are staggering, the local response is impressive as well. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross has opened 1,395 cases, made 1,611 disaster mental health contacts, and distributed 237 comfort kits. The chapter has opened 3 fixed feeding sites and served 1,346 meals and opened one shelter which housed 43 individuals. The chapter has also provided supportive services as requested to government and faith-based shelters in the area. The chapter has trained 824 new volunteers in 10 training sessions and held 16 orientation sessions to 188 office volunteers. The chapter has utilized 150 volunteers and 7 staff members on this relief operation. The chapter has raised $883,343 in contributions and provided $936,271 in individual assistance. In-kind donations received by the chapter are valued at $17,390. RED CROSS OFFERS HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS TONTITOWN, October 25, 2005- With witches, goblins, and super-heroes descending on neighborhoods across Northwest Arkansas on Halloween night, the local chapter of the American Red Cross offers parents safety tips to help prepare their children for a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday. Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun. Walk, slither, and sneak on sidewalks, not in the street. Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars, trucks, and low-flying brooms. Cross the street only at corners. Don't hide or cross the street between parked cars. Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing so you are more visible. (And remember to put reflective tape on bikes, skateboards, and brooms, too!) Plan your route and share it with your family. If possible, have an adult go with you. Carry a flashlight to light your way. Keep away from open fires and candles. (Costumes can be extremely flammable.) Visit homes that have the porch light on. Accept your treats at the door and never go into a stranger's house. Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. Be cautious of animals and strangers. Have a grown-up inspect your treats before eating. And don't eat candy if the package is already opened. Small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children. Make sure your children know where to meet in case they become separated. AMERICAN RED CROSS CALLING FOR NURSES TONTITOWN, AR. Monday, October 3, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking for nurses to serve in the Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts. The chapter has been asked tor recruit and deploy 30 nurses. If you are an RN or LPN and are available for a two to three week assignment, please call Sharon Ledbetter, Director of Emergency Services at 479-442-4291. Nurses who have completed Introduction to Disaster and Mass Care Overview should call to state their available travel dates. Nurses who have not yet attended Red Cross disaster training, but are available for assignment, should call to schedule training. The local chapter continues to serve evacuees who are residing in Northwest Arkansas. Hurricane Rita evacuees can register for individual assistance between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chapter's headquarters in Tontitown, AR. KITCHEN TO CLOSE TONTITOWN, AR. Thursday, September 29, 2005 - The fixed feeding site at the Rogers Activity Center in Rogers, AR, will close tomorrow (Friday, October 1). The kitchen prepared a noon and an evening meal yesterday and today, but the service was not utilized by area evacuees. Lunches will continue to be served at Central United Methodist Church and St. Paul Episcopal Church in Fayetteville as previously communicated. *AMERICAN RED CROSS OFFERS TOGETHER WE PREPARE* PROGRAM Program Challenges Everyone to Make Communities Safer with Five Simple Actions [Tontitown, September 28, 2005] - Since the launch of Together We PrepareT, a nationwide program to prepare every American for a disaster or national emergency, the American Red Cross has helped more than 15 million people gain the skills they need to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in their homes, workplaces, communities and world. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter encourages local residents to join this grassroots effort to ensure Northwest Arkansas is better prepared should disaster strike by doing five simple things: make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood. On Sunday, October 27, 2005, 6:00 p.m.*, at the chapter office in Tontitown, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will present TOGETHER WE PREPARE* . A $15.00 fee covers books and materials, and is payable at the door. "The possibility of a natural disaster here at home has been underscored by recent events. We have all learned that being prepared can help save lives," said Stephanie Reno, Director of Health and Safety Services. "By learning and practicing the five steps of emergency preparedness, Northwest Arkansans will make their homes, schools, workplaces and communities even safer." The Northwest Arkansas Chapter challenges everyone to make a plan. Preparedness and vigilance are the hallmarks of our new national reality, and planning for disaster is an essential step in preparedness. Next, the Red Cross wants everyone to build a kit. Whether you are evacuating or "sheltering in place" a disaster supplies kit can save lives. The third element of Together We PrepareT is training. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter wants to educate and inspire people to help others. Knowing what to do when disaster strikes means getting trained-and the Northwest Arkansas Chapter can help you do that. Helping others prepare by volunteering is the fourth element of disaster preparedness. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter invites people to serve as a part of the Red Cross and help prepare our community in case of emergency. The needs of Northwest Arkansas many, and the potential for a disaster is inescapable. Lastly, we can prepare for disaster together by donating blood. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. The Red Cross provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply (collecting more than 6 million units a year from volunteer donors) to patients in 3,000 hospitals across the country through its national network. The Red Cross must collect blood donations each and every day to meet the needs of accident victims, cancer patients and individuals with blood disorders, and the organization works to accomplish this through its 36 Blood Services regions. "The Red Cross is in nearly every community across the country," said Jody Dilday, spokesperson for the local chapter, "so we are well positioned to organize preparedness activities. Every individual has the opportunity to play an important role. When we come together, we become something bigger than us all." AMERICAN RED CROSS RESPONDING TO RITA TONTITOWN, AR. Wednesday September 28, 2005 - Beginning tomorrow (Thursday, September 29, 2005) Hurricane Rita evacuees in Benton, Caroll, Madison and Washington counties may apply for Red Cross financial assistance between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Washington County Sheriff's office located at 1155 Clydesdale Road in Fayetteville . Evacuees in Newton and Boone County may apply for Red Cross financial assistance Friday and Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Harrison located at 1400 S. Pine in Harrison, AR. Hurricane evacuees who are currently staying in hotel rooms but will be required to vacate those rooms can seek shelter at the Pilgrim House at 114 S. College Ave. in Fayetteville. The Red Cross has additional shelters on standby should the Pilgrm House reach its full capacity. In addition to offering financial assistance, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross is supporting the efforts of numerous faith-based, volunteer, and government organizations to feed and shelter individuals and families displaced by Hurricane Rita. The following locations will be serving meals for hurricane evacuees (please note the varying days and times): Central United Methodist Church 6 E. Dickson St. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 443-4037 Lunch: 12pm-1pm Tuesdays and Thursdays St. Paul's Episcopal Church 224 N. East Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 442-7373 Lunch: 12pm-1pm Mondays and Wednesdays AMERICAN RED CROSS SCHEDULES MORE TRAINING TONTITOWN , AR. Monday, September 12, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold additional, specialized training for volunteers who want to assist in the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina. The following courses will be held at the chapter's headquarters in Tontitown. All volunteers must have already attended the Introduction to Disaster Training* session, and must pre-register by emailing. Introduction to Disaster Services and Mass Care training will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Springdale on September 26, 2005, from 6:00pm - 9:00pm. A description of classes follows. September 15, 2005 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Red Cross Damage Assessment September 17, 2005 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Red Cross Shelter Simulation September 20, 2005 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Red Cross Human Resources September 22, 2005 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Red Cross Logistics Classes repeat in October: October 6, 2005 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Red Cross Human Resources October 10, 2005 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Red Cross Damage Assessment October 13, 2005 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m . Red Cross Logistics October 15, 2005 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Red Cross Shelter Simulation All classes will be LIMITED to 50 participants, on a first come first serve basis. Participants MUST register by emailing Carmen Newberry at* cnewberry@nwarkansasredcross.org. Damage Assessment - Participants are taught how to conduct Red Cross disaster damage assessments following a major disaster. Because Red Cross damage assessment information is cited by other disaster relief agencies and by local and federal government, participants learn how the information is used and the importance of reliable data Shelter Simulation - Provides participants an opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful shelter operation. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Disaster Services, Mass Care: An Overview, Shelter Operations Logistics - Provides participants with basic information about activities and processes of the Logistics activity in support of a disaster relief operation. Participants will learn the skills, abilities and knowledge needed by Logistic workers and how they can get started in their local chapter. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Disaster Services Human Resources - Provides participants with basic information about activities and processes of the Human Resources activity in support of a disaster relief operation. Pre-requisite: Introduction to Disaster Services American Red Cross Launches Toll-Free Call Center Expanding Ability to Meet Essential Needs of Hurricane Evacuees Available Sunday, September 11, 2005 after 9:00 a.m. EST WASHINGTON, Saturday, September 10, 2005 - The American Red Cross is quickly responding to the unprecedented scale and conditions of Hurricane Katrina by creating a new toll-free call center to meet emergency disaster needs. Even as volunteers are tending to critical needs, the Red Cross continues to expand its capability to build a bridge of financial assistance and services for victims until they can access state and federal aid. To date, the Red Cross has already distributed more than $100 million in financial assistance to meet critical needs such as food and water, shelter, clothing, and medical assistance. "The role of charity is to turn compassion into action by harnessing the generosity and kindness of people who want to help and delivering it to those in need," said Marsha J. Evans, Red Cross President and CEO. "The Red Cross will meet disaster needs and remain flexible as they continue to emerge in the weeks and months to come." The toll-free call center will provide financial resources and referrals to services for hurricane survivors across the nation. Families in need can access this program by calling 1-800-975-7585 beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST Sunday. To apply for aid, victims calling in must be ready to provide their name, pre-storm address, ZIP code and home telephone number to call center agents. Callers must be prepared to write down a client identification number which they will take to a financial institution in their new community to receive the support. The Red Cross is providing emergency financial assistance, based on family size, for those who lived in the ZIP codes hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. Due to the enormity of this disaster, the Red Cross is providing financial assistance in a variety of forms, so survivors can receive aid as quickly as possible. Some of these forms of assistance are client assistance cards, vouchers, checks and cash. Financial assistance is based on the cost of necessities such as food, toiletries and other essentials and is consistent with standard amounts Red Cross uses for every disaster. Red Cross anticipates helping between 750,000 and one million families through this program. Red Cross services for victims include reuniting families, mental health support, first aid and emergency medications, clean-up supplies, temporary housing and caseworkers who provide referrals for additional services and help develop recovery plans. Due to the huge number of families who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina, the phone lines will be busy over the first few days. The Red Cross asks that people who are able to wait for assistance allow their neighbors with the most critical needs to access this system first. The Red Cross anticipates that this system will take days, and perhaps weeks, before all eligible families can be served. "People have been very patient as Red Cross volunteers work around the clock. We ask for continued patience as we turn donations into help as fast as possible. Our goal is for everyone touched by Katrina to be safe and comforted," said Joe Becker, vice president, preparedness and response, for the American Red Cross. More than 40,000 Red Cross disaster volunteers and staff - some of whom lost their own homes - are devoting themselves to this around-the-clock effort. The Red Cross has provided more than 6.7 million hot meals, 1.6 million overnight stays in shelters, as well as emotional support and health care for victims, in the safety of more than 700 Red Cross shelters across 17 states and the District of Columbia. AMERICAN RED CROSS PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO EVACUEES TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, September 9, 2005 –The American Red Cross is putting in place a mechanism for providing financial assistance for the victims of Katrina, many of whom are now in locations across the nation. The Red Cross is working with top leaders of America’s financial services industry to establish a comprehensive system to get financial assistance to every storm victim as soon as is humanly possible. We have today begun distribution of debit cards to victims in shelters in the Reliant Center Complex at the Houston Astrodome, since we have the technology in place there to accomplish this now. Our intention is to implement a comprehensive financial assistance plan by this weekend, which will involve the use of a toll-free telephone number, call center and other means. In the meantime, our chapters around the country are trying their best to provide assistance to victims who have relocated; they have distributed more than $5 million in aid already. We ask for the understanding and patience of affected people as we work without rest to provide financial assistance on a previously unimaginable scale. The American Red Cross and its 26,000 on-scene volunteers are sparing no effort to meet this unprecedented need. Please note: This effort is not to be confused with the FEMA financial effort. In Northwest Arkansas, evacuees can receive Red Cross financial assistance in the following locations: Washington County Sheriff’s office at 1155 W. Clydesdale in Fayetteville from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Baptist Assembly Camp in Siloam Springs from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Shelter Residents only) Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center at 202 S. Spring in Harrison, AR from 10:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. Telethons Will Support Relief Efforts: Weekend Telethons offer several opportunities to support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations. Starting yesterday and continuing through Friday, ABC soap stars are taking pledges from viewers during the airing of “The View” at 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET. The Telethon will benefit the American Red Cross and Points of Light Foundation. A live “Concert for the Gulf Coast” will be held from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET on Friday, September 9, to support the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The show will air on several networks including ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Cameron Diaz, Jack Nicholson, Randy Newman, Paul Simon and a host of other stars are scheduled to appear. Another star studded telethon will appear Friday, September 9, on BET Cable Network (with simulcast on XM Satellite Radio) from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. ET, to benefit the American Red Cross. Scheduled talent includes Diddy, Stevie Wonder, Jay Z, Brandy, and Chris Rock. “ReAct Now: Music & Relief,” on Saturday, September 10, from 8:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., is geared to the diverse audiences across MTV, VH1 and CMT. Among those scheduled to appear are The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Motley Crue, Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow. The Telethon will benefit the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, America’s Second Harvest and similar organizations. AMERICAN RED CROSS WARNS OF SCAMS TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, September 9, 2005 –While most Americans have responded to Hurricane Katrina with overwhelming generosity, some individuals are attempting to profit from the disaster. If you see any suspicious websites, collection sites or print ads soliciting donations on behalf of the Red Cross, please contact Jody Dilday at the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross at 479-442-4291. If your business, civic club, school or other organization would like to host a fundraiser to benefit the National Disaster Relief Fund, please complete a 3rd party fundraising agreement which can be downloaded from the chapter’s website at www.nwarkansasredcross.org. Click on “Hurricane Katrina: How Can I Help” then “host your own fundraiser.” September 1, 2005 10:40 a.m. The Chapter is being flooded with calls from individual families offering to house indivuals and families who have evacuated their homes and sought refuge in Northwest Arkansas. Although we greatly appreciate the generosity of our neighbors, the Red Cross is not coordinating an effort to place families with families. If you would like to help these families in a personal, face-to-face manner, please volunteer to work in our evaucation shelter. We are offering training on Mass Care/Sheltering on Friday from 1-4 p.m. and again Thursday September 8th from 6-9 p.m. Financial gifts can be made by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW, by logging onto www.redcross.org , or at several area donation sights including the Northwest Arkansas Mall, Frisco Station Mall, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, and at the Razorback Football game this Saturday and again Saturday September 10th. Donations can be mailed to our chapter at PO BOX 789, Tontitown, AR 72770. Specific items that are needed at the local chapter include: prepaid gasoline cards for our volunteers and staff (who are using their personal vehicles running errands back and forth between the shelter, the chapter, and local media outlets) Canned food items and non-perishable food items can be utilzed at our shelter but MUST be coordinated first through Denise at 479-442-4291. Thank you, Northwest Arkansas, for helping us help our neighbors in need. TONTITOWN, AR Sunday, August 28, 2005 In preparation for Hurricane Katrina, which is expected to make landfall as a Category 5 hurricane, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross is actively recruiting and training disaster relief volunteers. Red Cross "Introduction to Mass Care" will be provided from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, August 29th and again from 1-4 p.m. on Friday September 2nd. Both classes will be held at the Chapter's headquarters located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown. All Red Cross volunteers must complete this course prior to being deployed to a hurricane assignment. Call Carmen at 479-442-4291 to register for either class. HELP VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA Make a financial donation online at www.redcross.org Make a financial donation by phone at 1-800-HELP-NOW Mail a financial donation to : American Red Cross Northwest Arkansas Chapter PO Box 789 Tontitown, AR 72770 Be sure to indicate "Katrina" in the memo AMERICAN RED CROSS PREPARES TO MEET KATRINA* TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, August 26, 2005 - Meteorologists are watching Tropical Storm Katrina closely as it washes over the Bahamas and heads for the Florida coast, where it is expected to make landfall sometime on Friday. Meanwhile, fourteen Northwest Arkansans are making preparations to travel into the path of the storm. A hurricane watch and tropical storm warning are currently in effect for Florida's east coast from Vero Beach, about 150 miles north of Miami, south into the Florida Keys. Twelve members of a Red Cross "Strike Team" are on stand-by in Northwest Arkansas. These 12 individuals will fly into the affected area and set up shelters, open kitchens and provide disaster relief to those affected by the storm. An additional two-man team is ready to drive into the storm in the Northwest Arkansas Chapter's ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). Once in the disaster area, the ERV team will deliver hot meals utilizing the vehicle as a mobile feeding unit. These individuals are no strangers to disaster. Some have made multiple trips to disaster areas as Red Cross Disaster Relief volunteers. Many traveled to Florida and Alabama during last year's record-breaking hurricane season. The Red Cross relies on volunteers to fulfill its life-saving mission. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter holds new volunteer orientation on the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Chapter headquarters located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown. The major concern with Katrina, this year's 11th named storm, is flooding rather than wind damage. Southern Florida is already saturated from several of the storms that have moved through the state this year. That combined with Katrina's slow wind speed means it may sit over the area for a long period of time, dumping excessive amounts of rain. AMERICAN RED CROSS WELCOMES COMMUNITY INPUT TONTITOWN, AR. Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross invites the public to attend a Community Forum on Tuesday August 30, , 2005 at 5:30 p.m. at the chapter headquarters in Tontitown. The purpose of the Forum is to allow members of the community an opportunity to offer guidance, suggestions and input to Red Cross Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers on how the organization can best meet the needs of our growing community. The Chapter relocated its main headquarters from Fayetteville and consolidated its Bentonville branch office to a new, larger facility in Tontitown in February of this year. With additional facility space available, the Chapter is seeking to grow its programs and services to the community. The chapter welcomes input from all members of the Northwest Arkansas Community. Please join us at the Community Forum and tell us how the Red Cross can best serve you. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter is located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown, AR. From Interstate 540 exit and turn West on Highway 412. Industrial Circle East is one block West of the intersection of Highway 412 and Highway 112 in Tontitown. AMERICAN RED CROSS TO OPEN OFFICE IN HARRISON TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, July 15, 2005 - Plans are underway to open a branch office of the American Red Cross, Northwest Arkansas Chapter in Harrison . The organization has secured a location in the Coffman Center on the Harrison square and entered a lease agreement in July Officials were in town last week meeting with local supporters and establishing plans to staff the office with trained volunteers. New volunteer orientation and training will begin on Wednesday, July 20 and continue every Wednesday for the next six weeks. Trainings will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room of the Coffman Center . Staff and volunteers anticipate hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in early September. The office will primarily serve residents of Boone and Newton Counties and will be known as the Ozark Mountain Branch of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. Chapter staff and volunteers anticipate beginning operating hours of 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with the possibility of extended hours as the need for service dictates. The American Red Cross is a participating United Way Agency and provides disaster relief, emergency services for U.S. military members and their families, and life-saving skills training. AMERICAN RED CROSS TO BRIEF SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES WHAT: Armed Forces Emergency Services Briefing WHEN: Saturday, July 16 th , 9 a.m. until noon WHERE: First Baptist Church , Springdale WHO: Jean Cheney a volunteer with the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will brief soldiers from the 142 nd and their families about the Armed Forces Emergency Services available through the American Red Cross. The program, Get to Know Us before You Need Us informs military members and their families of important matters they will want to take care of prior to deployment. Highlights include establishing a communications plan, taking care of finances, family matters, household matters, and legal affairs. The program also explains how the United States military relies on the American Red Cross for verification of all emergency communications from loved ones at home. Sharon Ledbetter , Director of Emergency Services for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter will also be present. WHY: The Get to Know Us before You Need Us program was developed to reach out to the community based military members. Because they do not live on a base, this group frequently has difficulty accessing much-needed military related social services. This group includes Reserves; National Guard; Recruiters; ROTC staff; US Army Corps of Engineers; Personnel assigned to MEPS; Military retirees; Veterans; and their families. The community based members make up 54% of today's military force; a total of 1.4 million men and women service in the Reserve Component; 85-90% hold down full-time civilian jobs; they reside in 3200 communities; JROTC is active in 1420 high schools; the National Guard and Reserve Units maintain facilities at 5185 locations nationwide; 65% have one or more dependents. CONTACT: To schedule an interview or for more information, please contact: Jody Dilday, American Red Cross, 479/601-3647. AMERICAN RED CROSS TO HOST OPEN HOUSE, ANNUAL MEETING TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, Jun 10, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross invites the public to attend an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony with three area Chambers of Commerce. On Tuesday, June 28 th at 3:00 p.m. representatives from the Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce, the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce will mark the official opening of the new Chapter headquarters located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown , AR. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony Red Cross volunteers will provide tours of the new facility and refreshments will be served. The Chapter's annual membership meeting will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and is also open to the public. The Chapter relocated its main headquarters from Fayetteville and consolidated its Bentonville branch office to the new location in February of this year and has been under renovation since that time. Now that renovations are nearing completion, staff and volunteers are excited to show the new facilities to the public and expand the reach of Red Cross programs in the six counties it serves. One area of expansion includes a permanent blood collection site. The Greater Ozarks region of American Red Cross Blood Services will also be housed in the Tontitown facility. A blood drive is scheduled from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on June 28 th to coincide with the open house. AMERICAN RED CROSS REPORTS BUSY FIRST QUARTER TONTITOWN, AR. Thursday May 5, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross reports that the first quarter of 2005 has been unusually busy. In addition to the standard operations of the organization the local chapter has: Relocated the chapter's operations to a new, larger facility in Tontitown , AR. Attended numerous assemblies accepting donations for the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund. Experienced an exceptional level of contributions via U.S. mail which were designated for the Tsunami Relief Fund. Not since the aftermath of September 11, 2001 has the local chapter experienced this volume of mail. Responded to 31 single family disasters in Benton , Washington , Madison, Carroll, Newton and Boone counties. Communicated 102 emergency messages to members of the U.S. Military. In February the chapter relocated its operation to a 14,000 square-foot facility. The new and larger facility is located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown , AR. Just 1 mile west of the I-540 and Highway 412 intersection, the facility is more centrally located within the six counties the chapter serves. The facility also provides additional classroom space, storage facilities and disaster sheltering capabilities. The chapter plans to share the building with the Greater Ozarks Region of American Red Cross Blood Services beginning this summer. The unprecedented devastation following the Tsunami in Southeast Asia sparked a spontaneous outpouring of assistance worldwide. Here in Northwest Arkansas individuals, businesses and schools have organized numerous fundraising events. Over the past four months chapter staff and volunteers have had the heart-warming privilege of accepting these gifts on behalf of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the globe. In addition to major check presentations, smaller individual donations continue to arrive via U.S. mail. As of today's date, the chapter has opened, processed and forwarded $153,189.23 in donations designated for Tsunami Relief. An additional $83,787.70 for Tsunami Relief from Northwest Arkansas donors has been received at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington D.C. More than $2.2 million has also been contributed to the Tsunami Relief Fund from Northwest Arkansas Corporations including Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods Inc. and FedEx Freight. While the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies continue to respond in Southeast Asia , an unusually busy fire season has kept local Red Cross volunteers and staff busy as well. Since January 1 the chapter has opened 31 cases and provided over $17,000 in financial assistance to disaster victims (mostly victims of single family fires). The chapter has responded to 3 house fires just this week and the spring storm season is just beginning. With military troops stationed around the globe and the conflict continuing in Iraq , the need for Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services remains constant. Since January 1 the Northwest Arkansas Chapter has communicated 102 emergency messages to members of the U.S. Military. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and receives no federal funding. Instead, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross relies on public support to fulfill its life-saving mission. To support Red Cross Disaster Relief services in the community and services to our Armed Forces, call 479-442-4291 to become a volunteer or make a donation to the Northwest Arkansas Chapter at PO Box 789 Tontitown , AR 72770. AMERICAN RED CROSS WELCOMES COMMUNITY INPUT TONTITOWN, AR. Tuesday, August 16, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross invites the public to attend a Community Forum on Tuesday August 30, , 2005 at 5:30 p.m. at the chapter headquarters in Tontitown. The purpose of the Forum is to allow members of the community an opportunity to offer guidance, suggestions and input to Red Cross Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers on how the organization can best meet the needs of our growing community. The Chapter relocated its main headquarters from Fayetteville and consolidated its Bentonville branch office to a new, larger facility in Tontitown in February of this year. With additional facility space available, the Chapter is seeking to grow its programs and services to the community. The chapter welcomes input from all members of the Northwest Arkansas Community. Please join us at the Community Forum and tell us how the Red Cross can best serve you. The Northwest Arkansas Chapter is located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown, AR. From Interstate 540 exit and turn West on Highway 412. Industrial Circle East is one block West of the intersection of Highway 412 and Highway 112 in Tontitown. AMERICAN RED CROSS TO OPEN OFFICE IN HARRISON TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, July 15, 2005 - Plans are underway to open a branch office of the American Red Cross, Northwest Arkansas Chapter in Harrison . The organization has secured a location in the Coffman Center on the Harrison square and entered a lease agreement in July Officials were in town last week meeting with local supporters and establishing plans to staff the office with trained volunteers. New volunteer orientation and training will begin on Wednesday, July 20 and continue every Wednesday for the next six weeks. Trainings will be held from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room of the Coffman Center . Staff and volunteers anticipate hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in early September. The office will primarily serve residents of Boone and Newton Counties and will be known as the Ozark Mountain Branch of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter. Chapter staff and volunteers anticipate beginning operating hours of 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with the possibility of extended hours as the need for service dictates. The American Red Cross is a participating United Way Agency and provides disaster relief, emergency services for U.S. military members and their families, and life-saving skills training. AMERICAN RED CROSS TO BRIEF SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES WHAT: Armed Forces Emergency Services Briefing WHEN: Saturday, July 16 th , 9 a.m. until noon WHERE: First Baptist Church , Springdale WHO: Jean Cheney a volunteer with the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will brief soldiers from the 142 nd and their families about the Armed Forces Emergency Services available through the American Red Cross. The program, Get to Know Us before You Need Us informs military members and their families of important matters they will want to take care of prior to deployment. Highlights include establishing a communications plan, taking care of finances, family matters, household matters, and legal affairs. The program also explains how the United States military relies on the American Red Cross for verification of all emergency communications from loved ones at home. Sharon Ledbetter , Director of Emergency Services for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter will also be present. WHY: The Get to Know Us before You Need Us program was developed to reach out to the community based military members. Because they do not live on a base, this group frequently has difficulty accessing much-needed military related social services. This group includes Reserves; National Guard; Recruiters; ROTC staff; US Army Corps of Engineers; Personnel assigned to MEPS; Military retirees; Veterans; and their families. The community based members make up 54% of today's military force; a total of 1.4 million men and women service in the Reserve Component; 85-90% hold down full-time civilian jobs; they reside in 3200 communities; JROTC is active in 1420 high schools; the National Guard and Reserve Units maintain facilities at 5185 locations nationwide; 65% have one or more dependents. CONTACT: To schedule an interview or for more information, please contact: Jody Dilday, American Red Cross, 479/601-3647. AMERICAN RED CROSS TO HOST OPEN HOUSE, ANNUAL MEETING TONTITOWN, AR. Friday, Jun 10, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross invites the public to attend an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony with three area Chambers of Commerce. On Tuesday, June 28 th at 3:00 p.m. representatives from the Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce, the Bentonville Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce will mark the official opening of the new Chapter headquarters located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown , AR. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony Red Cross volunteers will provide tours of the new facility and refreshments will be served. The Chapter's annual membership meeting will be held from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and is also open to the public. The Chapter relocated its main headquarters from Fayetteville and consolidated its Bentonville branch office to the new location in February of this year and has been under renovation since that time. Now that renovations are nearing completion, staff and volunteers are excited to show the new facilities to the public and expand the reach of Red Cross programs in the six counties it serves. One area of expansion includes a permanent blood collection site. The Greater Ozarks region of American Red Cross Blood Services will also be housed in the Tontitown facility. A blood drive is scheduled from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on June 28 th to coincide with the open house. AMERICAN RED CROSS REPORTS BUSY FIRST QUARTER TONTITOWN, AR. Thursday May 5, 2005 - The Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross reports that the first quarter of 2005 has been unusually busy. In addition to the standard operations of the organization the local chapter has: Relocated the chapter's operations to a new, larger facility in Tontitown , AR. Attended numerous assemblies accepting donations for the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund. Experienced an exceptional level of contributions via U.S. mail which were designated for the Tsunami Relief Fund. Not since the aftermath of September 11, 2001 has the local chapter experienced this volume of mail. Responded to 31 single family disasters in Benton , Washington , Madison, Carroll, Newton and Boone counties. Communicated 102 emergency messages to members of the U.S. Military. In February the chapter relocated its operation to a 14,000 square-foot facility. The new and larger facility is located at 250 Industrial Circle East in Tontitown , AR. Just 1 mile west of the I-540 and Highway 412 intersection, the facility is more centrally located within the six counties the chapter serves. The facility also provides additional classroom space, storage facilities and disaster sheltering capabilities. The chapter plans to share the building with the Greater Ozarks Region of American Red Cross Blood Services beginning this summer. The unprecedented devastation following the Tsunami in Southeast Asia sparked a spontaneous outpouring of assistance worldwide. Here in Northwest Arkansas individuals, businesses and schools have organized numerous fundraising events. Over the past four months chapter staff and volunteers have had the heart-warming privilege of accepting these gifts on behalf of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the globe. In addition to major check presentations, smaller individual donations continue to arrive via U.S. mail. As of today's date, the chapter has opened, processed and forwarded $153,189.23 in donations designated for Tsunami Relief. An additional $83,787.70 for Tsunami Relief from Northwest Arkansas donors has been received at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington D.C. More than $2.2 million has also been contributed to the Tsunami Relief Fund from Northwest Arkansas Corporations including Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods Inc. and FedEx Freight. While the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies continue to respond in Southeast Asia , an unusually busy fire season has kept local Red Cross volunteers and staff busy as well. Since January 1 the chapter has opened 31 cases and provided over $17,000 in financial assistance to disaster victims (mostly victims of single family fires). The chapter has responded to 3 house fires just this week and the spring storm season is just beginning. With military troops stationed around the globe and the conflict continuing in Iraq , the need for Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services remains constant. Since January 1 the Northwest Arkansas Chapter has communicated 102 emergency messages to members of the U.S. Military. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and receives no federal funding. Instead, the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross relies on public support to fulfill its life-saving mission. To support Red Cross Disaster Relief services in the community and services to our Armed Forces, call 479-442-4291 to become a volunteer or make a donation to the Northwest Arkansas Chapter at PO Box 789 Tontitown , AR 72770.