Every Step and Every Dollar Makes a Difference

Pictured are some fourth grade students presenting the money to three area Red Cross Volunteers.

Students at Woodland Elementary, in Kingsford, MI, recently did a “Walk for Tornado Victims“. Students sought pledges from friends and family to support them in the walk.  Students and Staff at Woodland walked two miles on Friday. May 11th. 

The students raised $2564 for the Red Cross.  The Red Cross will target this money for victims from the recent tornadoes in Tornado Alley.

Briggs & Stratton Corporation donates Generators and Pressure Washers to Support Red Cross Disaster Responses

Company to Provide More than 1,300 products to Red Cross Chapters

Steven Hansen, chapter executive American Red Cross Northeast WI, Jerry DeFrancisco, president, humanitarian servcies of the American Red Cross; Patty Flowers, regional chapter executive of Eastern WI, Laura Timm, Community Relations, Briggs & Stratton, Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation, and Tom Mooney, regional chapter executive of Western WI

To support Wisconsin’s, and the Michigan border communities, relief efforts American Red Cross Chapters throughout Wisconsin today received 11 Briggs & Stratton (NYSE: BGG) generators and 13 pressure washers as part of a large donation to help the organization better prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies in communities throughout the country.

The donation by Briggs & Stratton includes 847 generators and 483 pressure washers to Red Cross chapters in disaster-prone locations across the United States and Puerto Rico. The generators can supply power at disaster shelters and service centers during relief operations and even power devices within our chapter’s offices. The pressure washers will ensure a high level of cleanliness for washing cots, food containers and other cleaning projects.

“When disasters strike, the Red Cross is there helping neighbors and communities, and Briggs & Stratton is proud to be a part of that critical response,” said Todd Teske, Chairman, President  & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

Briggs & Stratton delivered the generators and pressure washers in advance of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season to coastal regions as well as areas prone to spring tornadoes. Throughout Wisconsin’s Chapters, the Red Cross responded to 972 disasters last year including multiple tornadoes, winter storms, floods and hundreds of residential fires.

The first shipments will go to Red Cross chapters in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin (home to Briggs & Stratton) and Puerto Rico. Distribution of all units to Red Cross locations should be completed by the fall.

Through the donation of this equipment, Briggs & Stratton joins other corporate members in the Annual Disaster Giving Program, which enables the Red Cross to respond immediately to the needs of individuals and families impacted by disaster by helping build a reliable funding base for disaster relief services.

About Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the world’s largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment. Its wholly owned subsidiary Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group LLC is North America’s number one manufacturer of portable generators and pressure washers, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of standby generators, along with lawn and garden and turf care through its Simplicity^®, Snapper^®, Ferris^® and Murray^® brands.  Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Red Cross aids those in military service; Remember those on Memorial Day

Written by: Bri Tarpey is public affairs intern for American Red Cross North Central Wisconsin – republished from the Wausau Daily Herald

Every day men and women are apart from their families in order to serve their country. They are missing graduations, births, holidays and other important family events. They worry about whether someone is sick, just as the families worry about whether troops will make it home.

It only seems fair that we honor our service members with National Military Appreciation Month during May.

The American Red Cross has an entire service line dedicated to serving the Armed Forces. We serve 24 million veterans, 1.4 million active duty members, 1.2 million National Guard and Reservists, and all of their family members.

The American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces include:

• Providing emergency communications between military members and their families.
• Supporting hospital outreach and veterans programs.
• Providing services and programs for deployed service members and their families.
• Supporting wounded warriors programs.
• Supporting families coping with the stress of deployments.

Leaving for a deployment is overwhelming for everyone. In 2009, the American Red Cross reached 1.2 million people through “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us” briefings to help increase awareness of our services before military members left.

A number of events can happen during a deployment. The Red Cross provides emergency communications 24/7, as well as immediate financial assistance in the case of an emergency.

Red Cross volunteers assist wounded troops in military hospitals and on the front lines through volunteers on military installations around the world, including places such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait.

The American Red Cross is here for military members and their families before, during, and after a deployment. Many veterans coming home face problems of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and thoughts of suicide. Hundreds of thousands of service members return from deployment with these injuries; unfortunately, less than one percent actually get treated.

If a service member you know needs Red Cross assistance, visit www.redcross.org or call 800-REDCROSS or 800-733-2767.

Red Cross Offers Tips on How to Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is just ahead and for many it may mean taking to the highway for a quick vacation, breaking out the grill for some outdoor cooking, or taking that first dip in the pool. The American Red Cross offers some safety tips to help everyone have a great weekend.

“The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and we want everyone to enjoy it,” said Steve Hansen, the local Chapter Executive. “There are steps people can take to help stay safe while they have fun over the holiday weekend.”

DRIVE SAFELY With many people traveling over the holiday weekend, it’s more important than ever to drive safely. People should be well rested and alert, use their seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If anyone plans on drinking alcohol, they should designate a driver who won’t be drinking.

Other tips for a safe trip include:

• Drivers should give full attention to the road.  Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
• Leave ample room when behind other vehicles.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Make frequent stops when traveling long distances.
• Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows, especially at night.
• Turn the vehicle’s headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Use high beams on rural roads unless approaching or following a vehicle.

SAFE GRILLING The onset of grilling season often results in injuries and fires due to careless cooking practices. The Red Cross offers steps people can follow to help stay safe while enjoying those tasty cookout treats:

• Never grill indoors.
• Always supervise a grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
• Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
• Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.

WATER SAFETY Learning to swim is one of the best steps someone can take to be comfortable and safe around water. People can contact their local aquatic facilities to get information about Red Cross swimming classes. Home Pool Essentials (homepoolessentials.org) is an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.

Other safety tips include:

• Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Prevent unsupervised access to the water. Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
• Maintain constant supervision. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children even when lifeguards are present.
• Know what to do in an emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

• Have appropriate rescue equipment, a phone, life jackets and a first aid kit near the pool.

For full information on how to be prepared and to help stay safe this summer, visit redcross.org.

About the Northeast WI Chapter:

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20 counties with a mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. To learn more about local Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter headquarters at 920-231-3590 or visit www.NEWRedCross.org. Find us on facebook.com/newredcross, twitter.com/newredcross, the local blog is newredcrossblog.org and Chapter photos are at flickr.com/photos/newredcross.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

No injuries in former Niagara mill fire

From: The Daily News

 

NIAGARA, Wis. – Marinette County officials have released information in regards to a structure fire at the former Niagara mill.

A 9-1-1 call from a worker at the former mill reporting that the structure was on fire was received by Marinette County Dispatch at 8:48 a.m. today.

Niagara Fire Department was dispatched. Mutual aid was requested almost immediately from Aurora Fire Department, followed by Breitung Township Fire, Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine Fire and Florence Fire Department.

Niagara Police Department provided traffic control and scene security.

All workers were safely evacuated from the plant and no injuries were reported, according to Marinette County Emergency Management officials.

The property is owned by Niagara Development.

The buildings on the property are owned by American Iron & Metal (AIM), Macedonia, Ohio. Sub-contractors were conducting demolition work, cutting a section of roof on the east end of the mill.

The roof caught fire and spread quickly throughout the east end.

Niagara Fire Chief Shawn Brown said the fire was well under control by 12:30 p.m.

“However, city wells were depleted by the volume of water being pumped. Operations are being scaled down at this time,” he said. “Fire crews remain on scene to monitor hot spots.”

American Red Cross NE Wisconsin Region sent a team to provide food and water for responders.

Other agencies responding were Niagara Area Emergency Unit, Marinette County Sheriff Department and Marinette County Emergency Management.

Wautoma 7th & 8th grade Spring Dance Raises $329 for Red Cross

The Annual 7th & 8th grade Spring Dance was recently held at St. Joe’s Parish Hall in Wautoma.  G.L.A.D. (God Loves All Denominations) organizes two dances in the fall and two dances in the spring.  A fee is charged and all the money raised is given to a charity that will benefit residents in Waushara County. 

The money raised from this most recent dance is being given to the local American Red Cross to be used for Adult Comfort Kits.  Containing personal hygiene items such as soap, washcloth, shaver, toothbrush, and toothpaste; these kits are given to adults after disasters such as residential fires, storms, floods, etc. 

The American Red Cross wishes to especially thank Nancy Reilly, DJ Sonny and all the adult chaperones. 

Pictured L to R: Noah Minster, Michael Bitney, Gabe Minster, Vicki Jenks (Red Cross volunteer), Luis Ortega, Timmy Rabideau, Sabrina Locke, and Makaela Fenske

Local restaurant owners participate in ‘Dine for Disaster’

By: Erin Davisson WFRV-TV 5

Green Bay, WI–(WFRV)– Dozens of local restaurant owners participated Thursday in the Dine for Disaster program. More than 170 participating restaurants will donate a portion of the May 17th sales, and collect customer’s financial donations to benefit local disaster relief and community disaster prevention efforts of the American Red Cross.

 While the Red Cross responds to big disasters such as floods, hurricane, tornadoes each year, but the most frequent threat people face is a fire in their own home! Last year, Chapters responded to nearly 63,000 fires. That’s one every eight minutes! In each case, we meet with the victims and assess their needs – often while still standing on the street while their home burns or smolders in smoke. Based on their needs, we provide a warm place to sleep, food to eat, infant supplies, we can replace medications, glasses, etc and we provide compassion, a recovery plan and hope to all disaster victims.

Nathan and Marcia Haupt of Schreiner’s Restaurant in Fond du Lac and Pat Beimborn of Los Banditos Restaurants in Green Bay are spearheading Dine for Disaster with their fellow restaurateurs.

The Haupts’ and Beimborns’ recognize the American Red Cross is always there in an emergency, and they are honored to support them on the local level. “Through Dine for Disaster, local restaurants are in a position tosupport the local Red Cross Chapter,while providing our guests withan opportunity to socialize,enjoytheir favorite meal, and know they’re helping others in the process,” Nathan Haupt said.”It’s a win-win situation,with the community as a whole benefiting. We’re proud to be part a community where businesses that are thought to be competitors are always willing to work together for the greater good.”

Beimborn agrees and is participating because it is a chance to support the work that the Red Cross does in the community. “We at Los Banditos feel it is a great way to say ‘Thank You’ to the community for their support by helping give back to an organization like the Red Cross that helps our neighbors’ right here in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin when disaster strikes.”
For information on participating restaurants, head to the website for the American Red Cross of Northeastern Wisconsin.

Dine For Disaster “Heroes” Announced

Restaurants & Patrons Pair Taste-buds and Disaster Relief Together

This event – Dine for Disaster – invites patrons to simply eat-out at participating restaurants on Thursday, May 17, 2012. More than 180 participating restaurants will donate a portion of the day’s sales and collect customer’s financial donations to benefit local disaster relief and community disaster prevention efforts of the American Red Cross.

 While the Red Cross responds to big disasters such as floods, hurricane, tornadoes each year, but the most frequent threat people face is a fire in their own home! Last year, Chapters responded to nearly 63,000 fires. That’s one every eight minutes!  In each case, we meet with the victims and assess their needs – often while still standing on the street while their home burns or smolders in smoke. Based on their needs, we provide a warm place to sleep, food to eat, infant supplies, we can replace medications, glasses, etc and we provide compassion, a recovery plan and hope to all disaster victims.

Nathan and Marcia Haupt of  Schreiner’s Restaurant  in Fond du Lac and Pat Beimborn of Los Banditos  in Green Bay are spearheading Dine for Disaster with their fellow restaurateurs.

The Haupts’ and Beimborns’ recognize the American Red Cross is always there in an emergency, and they are honored to support them on the local level. “Through Dine for Disaster, local restaurants are in a position to support the local Red Cross Chapter, while providing our guests with an opportunity to socialize, enjoy their favorite meal, and know they’re helping others in the process,” Nathan Haupt said. “It’s a win-win situation, with the community as a whole benefiting. We’re proud to be part a community where businesses that are thought to be competitors are always willing to work together for the greater good.”

Beimborn agrees and is participating because it is a chance to support the work that the Red Cross does in the community. “We at Los Banditos feel it is a great way to say ‘Thank You’ to the community for their support by helping give back to an organization like the Red Cross that helps our neighbors’ right here in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin when disaster strikes.”

For the second year, Society Insurance is the corporate sponsor for Dine for Disaster.

 Participating Restaurants on May 17, 2012

Listed by County 

BROWN
Graystone Ale House	De Pere
Gyro Kabobs	De Pere
The Abbey	De Pere
1951	Green Bay
Allouez Café	Green Bay
Bay Family Restaurant	Green Bay
Big Tomatoes	Green Bay
Kavarna / Parisi’s	Green Bay
Legends	Green Bay
Los Banditos East	Green Bay
Los Banditos West	Green Bay
Mackinaws Grill & Spirits	Green Bay
River’sBendSteak & Seafood	Green Bay
St. Brendan’sInn	Green Bay
The Bar Of Green Bay	Green Bay
The Bar OnHolmgren Way	Green Bay
Timsan’s	Green Bay
Titletown Brewing Co	Green Bay
Zesty’s Frozen Custard	Green Bay
Zesty’s Frozen Custard	Green Bay
Zesty’s Frozen Custard	Howard – Suamico
CALUMET & DODGE
Cobblestone Creek Dining & Banquet	Brillion
Triple J Wing & Clay Woodfire Grill	Brillion
Terra Verde Coffee	Chilton
Outpost Pub & Provisions	Sherwood
The Cliffs of Sherwood LLC	Sherwood
The Granary Supper Club	Sherwood
DOOR
Bailey’s Harbor Cornerstone Pub	BaileysHarbor
White Gull Inn	Fish Creek
Chamfered Center  (Maxsells)	Florence
Joe Jo’s Pizza & Gelato	SisterBay
FOND DU LAC
EdenCafé & Eden’s Grill	Eden
A&W All-American Food	Fond du Lac
BackYard Grill & Bar	Fond du Lac
Bagelmeister	Fond du Lac
Boda’s Restaurant	Fond du Lac
Cibo Steaks & Spirits	Fond du Lac
Domino’s Pizza	Fond du Lac
Duffy’s Sports Pub & Steak	Fond du Lac
Faros Family Restaurant	Fond du Lac
Fazoli’s	Fond du Lac
Friar Tucks	Fond du Lac
Gilles Frozen Custard	Fond du Lac
Gino’s Italian Restaurant	Fond du Lac
Main Exchange	Fond du Lac
Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders	Fond du Lac
Nick & Willy’s Pizza	Fond du Lac
Parrot Palms	Fond du Lac
Philly’s-on-4th	Fond du Lac
Pockets	Fond du Lac
Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta	Fond du Lac
Salty’s Seafood & Spirits	Fond du Lac
Schreiner’s Restaurant	Fond du Lac
Season’s Restaurant	Fond du Lac
Sebastian’s Steak House	Fond du Lac
Sunset Supper Club & Lounge	Fond du Lac
The Coliseum	Fond du Lac
VillaPalermoCafé	Fond du Lac
Goose Blind Grill & Bar	GreenLake
Blanck’s Supper Club	Malone
Jim & Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club	Malone
Lantern’s	Markesan
Reilly’s Pub	Markesan
Dave & Brenda’s Idlewile Inn	Saint Cloud
Wendt’s On TheLake	Van Dyne
Helen’s Kitchen	Waupun
Tony’s Pizza	Waupun
KEWAUNEE & MANITOWOC
Al Corso Restaurant	Collins
Cedars Resort	Kiel
Billy’s onMain	Luxemburg
A&W Restaurant	Manitowoc
Big Apple Bagel	Manitowoc
Four Seasons Family Restaurant	Manitowoc
Friar Tucks	Manitowoc
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant	Manitowoc
Schooners Restaurant	Manitowoc
Subway (3 Locations)	Manitowoc
The Courthouse Pub	Manitowoc
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill	Manitowoc
Tony’s Pizza	Manitowoc
Subway	Mishicot
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant	Two Rivers
Subway	Two Rivers
MARINETTE, MARQUETTE & MENOMINEE
Cousins Subs	Crivitz
Figaros	Crivitz
King Buffet	Marinette
Lauerman House Inn	Marinette
Victorian Inn	Marinette
Peshtigo Corral	Peshtigo
OUTAGAMIE
B.J. Clancy’s Restaurant & Pub	Appleton
Cinder’s Charcoal Grill	Appleton
Cinder’s West	Appleton
Culver’s of Darboy	Appleton
GingeRootz Asian Grille	Appleton
Mark’sEast Side	Appleton
Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta	Appleton
Schreiner’s Diner	Appleton
Stone Cellar Brewpub	Appleton
Super Bowl	Appleton
Chute Inn Family Restaurant	Suring
SHAWANO & SHEBOYGAN
Mary’s Country Grove	Cedar Grove
Braun’s Ranch	ElkhartLake
Subway	Howards Grove
Culver’s ofPlymouth	Plymouth
Subway	Plymouth
Sweet Basil	Plymouth
Five Pillars	RandomLake
Al & Al’s Stein Haus	Sheboygan
Angie’sMainCafé & The Daily Grind	Shawano
Majerles Black River Grill	Shebogyan
Frankie’s Pub and Grill	Sheboygan
HighlandHouse	Sheboygan
Subway (2 Locations)	Sheboygan
TexasRoadhouse	Sheboygan
SOUTHEAST WI COUNTIES
McDonald’s	Caledonia
Wayne’s Drive-in	Cedarburg
Emperor’s Kitchen	Delafield
Pacific Bistro	Delafield
The Barley Pop Pub & Restaurant	Germantown
Flipside Café & Grill	Grafton
Hank’s Restaurant & Drinkery (Hammerin’ Hanks)	Hartford
Hartland Inn	Hartland
TexasRoadhouse	Kenosha
Gateway Café	Kewaskum
Hog’s & Kisses	Lake Geneva
Popeye’s OnLake Geneva	Lake Geneva
Chancery Pub & Restaurant	Mequon
Ferrante’s	Mequon
Libby Montana Bar & Grill	Mequon
Karma Bar & Grill	Milwaukee
No No’s	Newburg
Wildman Adventure Resort	Niagara
Moe’s Southwest Grill	Pewaukee
Piano Blu	Pewaukee
Victor’sPier StreetShanty	Port Washington
McDonald’s (5 Locations)	Racine
Local Folks	Slades Corner
Coachman House Supper Club	West Bend
Daddy’s Dog House	West Bend
The Poplar Inn LLC	West Bend
WAUPACA & WAUSHARA
Chain OLakesAdventures	Waupaca
ClearWaterHarbor	Waupaca
Domino’s Pizza	Waupaca
Hahn-A-Lula	Fremont
The Silvercryst	Wautoma
WINNEBAGO
Luigi’s Pizza	Menasha
Menasha Grill	Menasha
Mihm’s Charcoal Grill	Menasha
Culver’s ofNeenah	Neenah
Dairy Queen	Neenah
Dairy Queen	Neenah
Ground Round Restaurant	Neenah
Remington’s (Holiday Inn)	Neenah
Under the Dome Sports Bar & Grill	Neenah
Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In	Oshkosh
Benvenuto’s Italian Restaurant	Oshkosh
Cranky Pat’s Pizzaeria & Pub	Oshkosh
Domino’s Pizza	Oshkosh
Domino’s Pizza	Oshkosh
Friar Tuck’s	Oshkosh
La Sure’s	Oshkosh
Lara’s Tortilla Flats	Oshkosh
Leon’s Frozen Custard	Oshkosh
Mike’s Place Family Restaurant	Oshkosh
Planet Perk Café	Oshkosh
PlaneviewTravelPlaza	Oshkosh
Primo	Oshkosh
Robbins Restaurant	Oshkosh
Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta	Oshkosh
TheBrooklynGrill	Oshkosh
The Roxy	Oshkosh
Woodeye’s Bar & Grill	Winneconne

About Local Chapters:

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20-counties throughout northeast Wisconsin and the Michigan boarder communities. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact your local office or the regional headquarters at 920-231-3590. We can also online at www.NEWRedCross.org on Facebook (American Red Cross – Northeast Wisconsin Region), Twitter (NEWRedCross) and our blog (newredcrossblog.org).

The Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross serves eight counties with a mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter at 414-342-8680 or visit RedCrossInSeWIS.org on the web, twitter.com/RedCrossSeWi and facebook.com/RedCross.SoutheastWI

 About the American National Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Fire Department Brat Fry for Red Cross

Presenting a check for $3,450.49 to Sherry Holmes of the American Red Cross is Chief Peter O’Leary (left) and Firefighter Jason Roberts. 

The Fond du Lac Fire Department and the Fond du Lac Firefighter Local 400 sponsored their 8^th annual brat fry to benefit disaster services provided by the local American Red Cross Chapter in Northeast Wisconsin.  At every disaster the Red Cross is there, providing basic needs including food, shelter, emotional support and comfort kits at no cost for those affected by the disaster. The Red Cross also supports emergency response workers by providing food and beverages at the scene of the disaster.

Drawn in: Appleton volunteer grows relationship with Red Cross

Written by Linda Dums For The Post-Crescent

Emily Henderson of Appleton has volunteered with the Red Cross for four years and serves on the board of directors. / Graham Washatka/The Post-Crescent

Emily Henderson remembers being involved with the American Red Cross as a young teen taking babysitting courses.

While attending Lawrence University in Appleton, Henderson, 26, got involved with the American Red Cross in northeast Wisconsin through CPR and AED classes she took due to her role as an athletic trainer. “I think the Red Cross is an organization that everybody benefits from,” said the Appleton resident, noting everything from the health and safety programs to the work the chapter does with the Armed Forces and emergency communications. “All of the different aspects of the community that they touch is very important,” she said, adding that in a recent annual report, the Red Cross educated 50,000 individuals in the community. “It’s amazing how much they help the community and I think it’s a very important aspect,” she said.

When Henderson was a student at Lawrence, she started up her own summer marketing internship with the Red Cross. “I worked to standardize all of the different brochures that the chapter had,” she said. She also created materials the instructors could hand out to the people they were teaching.

Henderson said she started the internship because she wanted to learn more about the Red Cross. “I was just interested in learning more about it and perhaps helping out,” she said. She also gained many connections through the marketing internship. She left Appleton for a couple years but when she returned, she connected again with the Red Cross and started a marketing committee until they moved to a regionalized structure.

Henderson, who works at Kimberly Clark in Neenah and is getting her masters degree in business administration in managing and marketing at Concordia University, has been involved with the Red Cross’ Soup’s On fundraiser and the Clara Barton Society. In 2010, Henderson joined the board of directors. She recently signed up with the disaster action team. “I think it would be interesting to see that aspect of the organization,” she said, adding that the Red Cross deals mostly providing assistance to those affected by a house fire. “I have an interest in all that.”

Henderson enjoys volunteering. She also helps at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley and is an Advisory Board Chair for Kappa Alpha Theta at Lawrence University. “Volunteering really improves somebody’s life,” she said. “I think if everybody could volunteer just one hour, what that would do for the Fox Cities is pretty amazing.”

Chapter executive Steve Hansen said the chapter relies on volunteers like Henderson. “As a member of our newly consolidated Chapter board, Emily has set a leadership example for others to follow in our community, and we are deeply grateful for her commitment to provide American Red Cross services to anyone in need,” he said. “Through her support of our special event fundraisers, our local chapter will be ready to answer the call — whether it is for lifesaving health and safety training, disaster relief assistance or community programs to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
— For volunteer information, call the American Red Cross in Northeast Wisconsin’s Appleton office at 920-733-4481.