VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR -- BETTY HENDRIX

Photo by Deborah Cannon, Austin American Statesman

 Our very own Betty Hendrix, volunteer extraordinaire, recently received the well deserved title of Volunteer of the Year from the Austin American Statesman.

Betty began volunteering with the American Red Cross in 1944, rolling bandages as part of the war effort.  Now more than 66 years later, her dedication to the American Red Cross has not waivered.  Betty currently serves as a family services caseworker and makes sure that families receive the services they need to recover from a disaster.  She has also been a mentor and an inspiration to many other American Red Cross volunteers and staff members.

We are so grateful to have a volunteer like Betty!  We simply could not provide the services that we do and fulfill our mission without the dedicated individuals that give so much of their time and expertise without asking for anything in return.

A special thank you to all of our volunteers -- YOU make this organization successful!

You can click here to see the full Austin American Statesman article.

RED CROSS RESPONDING TO NORTHWEST AUSTIN PLANE CRASH

We are responding to a plane crash at the Echelon building in Northwest Austin at 183 and Mopac. We believe that at least one residence has been affected in addition to the office building. Our emergency response teams are responding and we have sent a 3-person PIO team to the scene as well. We will continue to update as we receive information.  

Austin American Statesman Blotter

FOLLOW UP FROM SUNDAY'S EDGE CREEK APARTMENT FIRE

From CEO Elaine Acker

 
The chapter responded to a multiple unit fire on Sunday morning at the Edge Creek Apartments. There were 48 units affected, and it looks like 24 have been completely destroyed. We’ve opened about 18 cases so far to assist clients. Marty McKellips was among the first on the scene, and she described it this way:

"I arrived on the scene about 8:15 am and some of our casework volunteers were already present and working with clients.  Many people were wearing only pajamas; some people were crying and all were very stressed. I requested mental health support and a volunteer arrived to offer that type of assistance. As the morning wore on, the number of volunteers grew and we were able to assist everyone waiting by about 12:30. Those in pajamas could now get a change of clothes, food, and knew they would have a place to stay tonight. It was a great tribute to our volunteers.

I want to commend Emergency Services Director Steve Hailey and all of our amazing volunteers and staff for a job well done. This was Steve’s first response with our Chapter."

Details From Emergency Services Director Steve Hailey's Initial Incident Report:

The American Red Cross of Central Texas provided:
10 Cases of Water
5 Boxes of Snacks
100 Comfort Kits

Eighteen client cases were opened while on-site. Five families were put up in hotels for three nights each and more casework will be conducted with residents throughout the week.

Thank you to Starbucks for their coffee donation.

More news coverage:
Statesman:

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/07/20/0720fire.html

News 8:

http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=246880