SUPPORT YOUR TEAM AND HELP SAVE LIVES!!!

Come downtown to Third Base Sports Bar (1717 West 6th #210r, Austin, TX 78703) Monday, December 6^th during the Patriots vs. Jets Monday Night Football Game for a silent auction of autographed sports gear from your favorite teams! The auction begins around 7:00 pm, with nothing but the best from college and professional teams you love. All items are certified authentic by Tyson Sports and—best of all—half of all proceeds  go toward supporting the American Red Cross of Central Texas.

Support your team; help save lives!

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS RESPONDS TO THREE FIRES OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND

I was in my hometown of El Paso over the Thanksgiving weekend. I was about to sit down to dinner when I received an email on my phone that notified me of a house fire here in central Texas. It was to be the first of three fires that took place over the long weekend that left eight people without a home including five children.

As I was thinking about what the staff and volunteers do here at the Red Cross I realized how thankful I am for the work that they all do. Volunteers showed up to every fire and made sure that those affected had a place to stay for the night and food to eat. Although we could not bring their homes back, we could at least provide a little bit of comfort and warmth in the form of blankets and a listening ear.

The American Red Cross is urging everyone to take the necessary precautions to have a safe and happy holiday season. For more information please visit our website www.redcross.org or call us at (512-928-4271).

NEW COMMUNICATIONS VOLUNTEER AT THE RED CROSS

Hello, Central Texas! This is Luke Mizuhashi, a new volunteer at the American Red Cross. My first experience with the organization was in the Central Ohio chapter, where I organized a benefit concert to raise donations immediately following the terrorist attacks of September 11. Both I and members of my family continue to keep our relationship with the community alive, volunteering to help those in need when we can, where we can.

I look forward to lending a hand with Amir in communications. For the past three years, I have worked and lived in Tokyo, Japan, where I worked in corporate communications for a large Japanese company. Prior to that I worked my way through college making movies and hanging lights for theater companies. I really look forward to using the skills I picked up along the way to support Central Texas.

Hook 'em Horns!

AMERICAN RED CROSS OF CENTRAL TEXAS RESPONDS TO HOUSE FIRE IN PFLUGERVILLE

This morning I was reminded, yet again, of why we do what we do. Your American Red Cross of Central Texas responded to a large house fire early this morning. A total of ten people were left homeless, including six children. Our amazing volunteers were there shortly after being notified by the fire department of the incident.

The Red Cross sat down with the family and provided much needed comfort and a listening ear.

The American Red Cross urges all Central Texans to check their fire detectors and have a plan in case of a fire. If you would like further information please click here.

VETERANS DAY PARADE

As the Communications Coordinator at the American Red Cross of Central Texas, I constantly tell people that we help 5 to 6 military families every day. That your American Red Cross provides emergency communications between service men and women and their families. That we provide financial assistance to military personnel who need to come home for medical or family emergencies. Yesterday, however, I was able to see why what we do is so important. Red Cross volunteers walked and drove our Emergency Response Vehicle in Austin’s annual Veterans Day Parade. I saw dozens of people, many in uniform, lining Congress Avenue cheering and honoring those who have fought or fighting for our country.  It was an honor and privilege for the American Red Cross to be asked to participate in yesterday’s event. A special thanks to Wray Hooper, Barbara, Lewellen, Emergency Services Director Jose Dominguez, Community Resources Director Thad Rosenfeld and Fred and Marcia Marks (who drove our ERV!) for their participation!

HOLIDAY TRIBUTE GIVING

The season of giving is drawing near, and this year you can give the gift that saves the day.  Make a tribute gift to the American Red Cross of Central Texas and help us save lives and respond to disasters this holiday season and all year long.  Choose from two specially designed holiday cards to send to the person of your choice, letting them know of your generous gift.  Got a big list this year?  Don’t know what to get your employees, friends or business associates?  We can handle that, too.  Best of all, your gift is tax deductible.

                                         

Our holiday cards are also available for purchase at a suggested donation of $3 per card or 5 for $10.  For more information about Holiday Tribute Giving, to make a gift or order cards, please contact Cory Martin at 512.929.1250 or cmartin@centex.redcross.org.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas Responds to 2 Alarm Apartment Fire

Our Disaster Reponse Teams reponded last night to a 2 alarm fire that ripped through the Silvervale Apartments in north Austin.  A total of 14 units were damaged leaving 34 adults and 9 children without a place to stay on one of the coldest nights of the year.

Our staff quickly distributed blankets, comfort kits and snacks to the families that were affected and were able to work with the apartment complex management to temporarily move them to vacant units in the complex.  We will continue to work with those families that will need further assistance.

Events like this remind us why we do what we do.  We are so thankful to our volunteers and supporters who allow us to provide comfort and hope to families in their darkest hour.

Take a look at the video below for more on-the-scene information.  You can also visit the KXAN and KEYE websites for more news stories about the fire and how the Red Cross is helping.