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May the new year bring you health, happiness, inspiration and achievement of your new goals! In this edition of Mission Moment learn about our upcoming events, cold weather safety, meet one of our great volunteers, learn how to help and get caught up on our year end success!
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Donate Blood at the NBC CT and Telemundo CT Blood Drive on January 3!
January is National Blood Donor Month and the perfect time to resolve to be a regular donor and help save lives!
On January 3, the American Red Cross is teaming up with NBC Connecticut for a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Farmington Red Cross office at 209 Farmington Avenue in Farmington, Connecticut.
NBC Connecticut will be broadcasting live from the event during the day and all presenting donors will receive a nontransferable $5 Dunkin' gift card by email and a long-sleeved Red Cross shirt (while supplies last). While appointments are strongly encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. To set
up an appointment to be a donor for this
event click here and use Sponsor Code NBCCT.
The American Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations every day for patients in need. Cold weather and seasonal illnesses often equates to fewer donors and can make it difficult for the American Red Cross to maintain a sufficient blood supply.
If you are unable to make the January 3 event, you can check out other available dates of blood drives and/or make an appointment to donate by
downloading the Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or clicking
rcblood.org/appt
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Cold Winter Weather Tips:
Prepare for Winter Storms and Heat Your Home Safely!
As cold weather and storms return to the region, the American Red Cross has some tips on how to prepare for winter storms and tips to heat your home safely this winter season.
Home heating is one of the leading causes of home fires. Supplemental heating sources can be dangerous if not used properly. Click
here
to learn how to heat your home safely this winter season.
Ice, snow and cold are on their way, bringing potentially dangerous winter storms along with them! Be safe and learn how to prepare in advance. Keep your family, home and animals safe during and after the storm by clicking here.
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Save the Date!
Heroes Ball - March 23, 2019
Each year, the Connecticut and Rhode Island Red Cross holds it's annual Red Cross Heroes Ball. This year, the Red Cross will honor heroes who support the Red Cross by hosting blood drives and making blood donations. The event will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut.
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Volunteer Spotlight:
Marianne Moerkens, Service to the Armed Forces
Regional Caseworker Supervisor
The American Red Cross depends on dedicated volunteers to fulfill its mission and has a variety of volunteer positions available to accommodate whatever your schedule may be. One volunteer opportunity available is with Service to the Armed Forces (SAF).
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Marianne Moerkens |
Marianne Moerkens began volunteering with the Red Cross in August 2016 when she saw an ad in a local newspaper for orientation. Since she felt that supporting our military and their families was an important mission, she wanted to help. "I think it's important for the military and family members to have a place to call to have someone able to help them," Marianne said.
The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces provides assistance to military and their families prior to, during and post deployment. In addition to services the Red Cross can provide, the SAF program will also refer families to community partners and works very closely with other military organizations. If a family member has an emergency for an illness or death and needs to get in touch with a service member, the Red Cross assists in getting a message to them and can help them request leave from their assignment. SAF volunteers also work with veterans in VA hospitals through recreational events.
As a caseworker, Marianne will often follow up with families to make sure they were able to get the help that they need. "Most people are so grateful to hear from me," she said. "It makes the work very rewarding."
The Red Cross supports service members and their families throughout their entire military career and after they return home through the Hero Care Network. The Red Cross continues to expand their support of veterans and their families. If you know a service member, family member or veteran who needs assistance, the worldwide number for the Hero Care Network is 1-877-272-7337.
Working with the Service to the Armed Forces program can be as simple as assisting at a VA hospital recreational event or more involved such as becoming a caseworker to assist military families directly. For more information on becoming a volunteer for Service to the Armed Forces and all other volunteer opportunities, please visit
www.redcross.org/volunteer.
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1.3.19 NBC CT/Telemundo CT Blood drive: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Farmington Red Cross Donor Center, 209 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT. Appointments are highly encouraged. Visit www.redcrossblood.org, enter sponsor code NBCCT.
3.23.19: Red Cross Heroes Ball: 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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Thank You!
We hope your New Year is all that you wish it to be! Thank you for everything you have done to support the Red Cross.
Happy New Year,
Mario Bruno
CEO
American Red Cross
Connecticut and Rhode Island
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