What's Your Resolution?

As 2009 comes to a close, I thought I'd take a moment to ask about New Year's resolutions.

Will you resolve to make your tax-deductible, year-end gift BEFORE Dec. 31 next year?

Will you resolve to give blood every 56 days?

Will you resolve to do #just1thing to get prepared?

Will you resolve to take a class (maybe even a really fun one) so that you know how to help friends, family and co-workers in an emergency?

Will you resolve to make a difference in your community by volunteering?

Tell us what your plans are for 2010 -- we want to know!

And, of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photo courtesy of Darwin Bell

Winter Weather and Giving Blood

When snow and ice hits, it impacts just about everyone in the area. For those of you who were stuck in traffic last night, that message was clear. One might ask, how does this type of weather affect the blood supply?

Since the Red Cross Blood Services plays a major role in the local health care system, the policy is to maintain operations to the highest degree possible no matter what happens. Major weather events often are linked to decreases in donations, as it may be unsafe to travel or incredibly inconvenient. At the same time, these major weather events are when demand tends to be the greatest as injuries are on the rise. If you are a blood donor with an appointment during one of these weather events, please exercise caution and use your best judgment when traveling. A large majority of drives tend to maintain their schedule, however if you are curious as to the status of a drive you may call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE for an update.

Last year Portland faced a major ice storm event between December 14th and 25th. At times major highways were impassible, public transit operated on limited schedules, and secondary streets were largely uncleared. I was actually in Bend during that ice storm (which faired better than the valley) and received quite the surprise when one of the family showed up for the holidays wearing a ‘Be Nice to Me’ sticker. Unfortunately, that was a token donation as the region’s supply significantly declined during that period of time. However, thanks to an amazing showing by donors and staff, extra drives were held following the storm to help the blood supply rebound.

When these major weather events happen, keep the Red Cross in your thoughts for blood donations. If you can donate it is greatly appreciated, and if you can’t because of the weather try to schedule an appointment soon after the storm passes.

(Photo of stuck bus, Micheal Rollins via KGW)

Heroes: On-Screen and Off

What do actor Masi Oka and the Red Cross have in common?

Heroes!

In addition to starring in the TV show, Heroes, Oka is one of thousands of real-life heroes who volunteer with the Red Cross.

So just in case you're a fan of his (and who isn't?) I thought I'd let you know that he will be appearing on several shows this New Year's weekend, talking about his work with the Red Cross and encouraging more people to get involved.

Here's the rough schedule:

12/31 (Thursday) on the NBC Today Show – appearance some time in the 9:00 am hour, probably at 9:30

12/31 (Thursday) on the Carson Daly New Year’s show – appearance sometime in the 10:00 pm hour or after 11:30 pm

1/2 (Saturday) on the Weekend Today Show – appearance some time in the 8:00 am hour, probably at 8:30

"I know that being part of something bigger than myself has made a real difference in my life. With the New Year upon us, why not think about how volunteering your time or being a blood donor can make a difference to you... and others. We can all be heroes this holiday season by supporting the Red Cross."

[Words from Masi Oka. Links created by me. Click and get involved in Oregon!]

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

YEMEN: After weeks of attempts, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent have succeeded in distributing vital aid to around 1,300 displaced people in the remote area of Al-Buqa', in northern Sa'ada governorate. Aid distribution is becoming increasingly difficult. Nevertheless, the ICRC and the Yemen Red Crescent are pressing ahead with their work of bringing water, food, medical care and other essentials to thousands.

PHILIPPINES: Flooding following October's tsunami was so severe that flood waters are not expected to fully recede before February or March 2010. The IFRC is calling for funding to help provide safe and adequate shelter for the thousands who are still homeless.

SRI LANKA: Saturday marked the five-year anniversary of the 2004 tsunami. Red Crossers from around the globe continue to assist survivors. Meet 52-year-old Upali, who survived the tsunami by clinging to a coconut tree, and whose house was reconstructed by the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society with the support of the Spanish Red Cross.



GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Happy Life-Saving Day! (And Your AED Qs Answered)

This Friday, instead of wishing everyone Happy New Year, I'm tempted to greet those who cross my path with "Happy Life-Saving Day!"

Sure, it doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but the point is valid. Why? Because on Friday, January 1, three new Oregon laws go into effect that -- at their core -- are all about saving lives.

The first is the new cell phone law, which aims to save the lives of Oregon drivers.

The second is the expanded "move-over" law, which aims to save the lives of police officers and other emergency responders.

And the third is the new AED law, which aims to save the lives of employees and anyone who visits a (fairly good sized) place of business. You can read it here.

Because we've been helping businesses all over Oregon comply with the third law, I thought I'd clue you in to what I've learned that you might not already know.

What does "AED" stand for?
Automated External Defibrillator.

What size is 50,000 sf?
About the size of a city block.

Does "more than 25 visitors per day" include employees?
Yep.

Does the law require AED training?
No, but Oregon's Good Samaritan Law does. If your business owns an AED, they've got to know how to use it. We recommend having 10-15% of employees trained; enough to cover all shifts and when people are out on vacation.

How many AEDs does my building need?
The law states that a 50,000 sf building needs one AED...but they don't have to stop there. We recommend that -- no matter where cardiac arrest happens -- an AED should be accessible within a 3 minute brisk round-trip walk. If you've got a 15 story building, you probably need more than one AED.

How much does an AED cost?
About $1,500 to $2,500. A reasonable investment to save the life of an employee (who, needless to say, is worth a lot more than that).

Is there any enforcement of this new law?
Let me put it this way. If you don't have an AED in your building on Friday, no one will come get you. BUT, if someone suffers from cardiac arrest in your building after Friday, you could get hit with a whopping lawsuit. Better safe than sorry, right?

Where should I buy my AED?
Why, from the American Red Cross, of course! As a non-profit, the money you spend on an AED goes right back into funding our disaster relief efforts. So you're saving lives in Oregon in more ways than one!

Questions? Learn more about the new AED law.

More Santa Sightings At Blood Banks

Normal people have to wait 56 days between whole blood donations. But - as every delightfully cheesy Christmas special on TV reminds us - Santa is not "normal people."

The jolly old man was sighted twice last week giving blood at American Red Cross blood banks - first in Alabama and most recently in Oklahoma.

What did you give for Christmas?

(AP Photo/Tulsa World, Mike Simons via The Big Picture Blog)

Oregonian: Searching For Family That Survived The Holocaust

Alexa Dezsofi's eyes raced across the documents and landed on a stunning fact: A man who shares her last name, in all likelihood a distant cousin and the sort of family she'd searched for, had done what tens of thousands could not. He survived one of history's most notorious concentration camps, Dachau.

"Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my God."

For a few moments, the phrase seemed all Alexa could utter, recalls Britany Schneider, the Oregon Red Cross worker sitting across from her that day this autumn. "Oh my God" -- a mantra of surprise, a prayer laced with gratitude and hope.

Read the incredible story.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

SUDAN: "I did not expect to see the kids again. I had given up hope," says the uncle of one of six children recently reunited with their families after being separated amid armed violence. The ICRC has also been restoring clean water for thousands and training doctors to treat the wounded.

YEMEN: There's no place like home for the holidays. But since fighting erupted in the north of Yemen, thousands of people have fled for safety, leaving their belongings behind and no home in which to celebrate the recent Eid Al-Adha holiday. Though it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach those who need aid, the ICRC and Yemen Red Crescent have been providing medical support, water, food and other essentials.

AZERBAIJAN: "The families have a right to know what happened to their loved ones." That's the motto for the ICRC and Red Crescent Society of Azerbaijan as they have redoubled their efforts to help collect information on people still missing in connection with the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict.

MALAWI: The Malawi Red Cross offices were damaged in an earthquake a few weeks ago but Red Crossers have still been distributing tents, shelter kits and other relief supplies - now to even more people after a second quake struck the area.

JAPAN: The Japanese Red Cross recently ran a huge, three-day disaster drill involving hundreds of staff and volunteers from across the nation.

PHILIPPINES: Tens of thousands have been evacuated, and the Philippines Red Cross coordinating drills and pre-positioning supplies in anticipation of an violent eruption of Mt. Mayon, which scientists say is imminent.

INDONESIA: In honor of the 5 year anniversary of the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami, the IFRC and Thompson Reuters Foundation have partnered to create an interactive, multimedia website to share - and collect - the stories of hope, compassion and dignity that arose from the tragedy. The IFRC is also focusing on lessons learned and how to reduce disaster risk in the future.

GLOSSARY:
ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Video: Why You Should Water Your Tree

As we depart for the Christmas holiday, I thought I'd leave you on a rather scary note.

Remember how last year we showed you this video of an Xmas tree going up in flames...fast?

Well, for this year, we're sharing this video of why it's important to water your live tree. VERY important.



Watering your tree is just one of many holiday safety tips. And if you're looking for tips for artificial trees or aluminum trees, we've got those as well!

Happy Holidays!

Did Winter Storms Ruin Christmas Delivery?

Disasters destroy many things. Waffles and lives, to name just two.


But now there's a new concern to add to the list -- will winter storms ruin Christmas? Or at least package delivery? Here's your answer...



** Please note, I'm NOT making light of disasters at all -- they just have a way of affecting us in ways that can't always be foreseen. **

If you're curious about how the recent winter storms affected very real people across the country and how the Red Cross was able to help, you can see more here.

There's An App (Er, Mobile Site) For That

Lise's mom came into the office the other day. We had met before, and when she saw me she said, "I remember you! You're the one with all the apps!"

She was talking about iPhone apps. Yep, I am apparently that person - the one with an app for that.

But I'm not alone. There are thousands of us who now manage our lives through our mobile phones, and today we are rejoicing. Why? Because the Red Cross has just created a new way for us to donate by phone.

The new mobile-optimized donation page works through credit card or through Amazon Payments. When you go there on your phone it looks just like the photo above... ahhhh, so sleek and simple.

Could giving get any easier?

P.S. For those who actually use their phone for talking (what??), you can still always call 1-800-RED CROSS to make a donation.

" You Just Never Know When Someone's Going Into Labor On Your Back Seat."

Yep, that's what I heard from one of our disaster volunteers who responded to a housefire that took an unusual twist.

Patty was on the scene after the firefighers were long gone, helping a pregnant young woman with clean clothes, fresh food and safe place to spend the night after her home was destroyed.

As you might imagine, the woman was in shock after the experience, and sitting around in a smoky apartment wasn't helping anything. They went outside for some fresh air and wound up sitting in our emergency response vehicle.

But the woman kept feeling sicker and sicker and suddenly, right on the back seat of the Chevy Tahoe, she went into labor. As the strong contractions continued, Patty called 9-1-1 and had an operator walk her though the steps to check for bleeding and whether or not the woman's water broke.

Paramedics soon arrived and took the woman to the hospital, ending the excitement. And while I don't know how mom (and potentially baby!) are doing now, I wanted still wanted to share the story.

Proof that even our disaster volunteers really do have to be prepared for anything!

Even Santa Can Have A House Fire

OK, maybe not THE Santa.

But one of his local helpers, with his own homemade red Santa suit, which is now in ruins.



It goes without saying that house fires put a big damper on holiday spirit, but yet it's the time of the year that they're most likely to happen. In fact, during the first 10 days of December, we responded to an incredible 42 house fires around the state. Just here in Portland, we're responding to about two fires a day.

So, please stay safe this holiday season. Know what to do to prevent house fires. And make sure Santa still has a home to visit.

Gifts From Hipster to Health Nut...

After reading Tara's post, I'm reminded that if you want to give a tangible gift (vs. a virtual one), we've got some great suggestions for nearly everyone on your list...

For the PDX Hipster:

The vintage field bag has an adjustable strap, so you can wear it like a messenger bag while biking to work. Or you can use it to tote home your groceries from Trader Joe's.

I took mine to Bumbershoot and had ample room to carry around a camera, map, sweater and water bottle...and I even got compliments from SEATTLE hipsters. Impressive.



For the Design Junkie:

Whether you use them outdoors in the summer or to decorate the mantle of your Mount Hood cabin, these mini-lanterns are both cute and practical.

They're also perfect for the outdoors enthusiast who can take them camping, hiking or boating. Yeah, they totally float!

For the Scientifically-Inclined:

How about a magnetic force flashlight, which not only sounds awesome, but looks pretty amazing?

Or a radio that works with solar power, a crank or a battery charger? These gifts are definitely worth geeking out over.



For the Health Nut:

Any fitness fanatic knows the "8 x 8 rule" — drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. One good way to get in the 1.9 liters is by using our stainless steel vintage water bottle.

You could also take your stuff to the gym in this tote bag, but IMHO, the field bag is cuter...





So have I convinced you? Seriously, these are things that even the person who has everything probably doesn't own. Our online store is open 24/7, or you can always pick your gifts up in person right here.

And don't forget, your purchase supports our work of saving and rebuilding lives right here in Oregon. Can Target or Best Buy say that? I think not.

Doing Good While Looking Good, Part II

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: doing good and looking good go together like pigs and blankets.

I found this cute little recycled t-shirt tote on etsy.com (my current addiction). It's made by i2we, an organization in the Chicago area that gives immigrant women the opportunity to use their sewing skills while earning a fair wage.

It's probably pretty obvious why I think you should buy this particular style of their tote bag. Here's why i2we thinks you should:

Why You Should Buy from Us!
*You’re helping the environment by saving these shirts from a landfill.
*You’re helping the non-profit community because we only buy t-shirts from local charities.
*You’re helping the woman who made your bag to earn a living wage so she can support her family as well as her future.
*You’re helping yourself stand out from the crowd because you will never see another bag like the one you are carrying.

And on top of it all, this bag is pretty dang cute to boot! You can feel great with it on your shoulder because your purchase supports i2we, the bag shows off your support of the Red Cross, AND it makes you even more stylish. Now that’s a bag. Way better than these.

Photo from i2we on etsy.com

Santa Donates Blood

As everyone knows, Santa Claus is quite busy this time of year. Wrapping presents, taking the reindeer on test flights, making visits to area malls and special events. He did take time out of his busy schedule for an interview with a news team while in Alabama though.



Santa was spotted at a local Red Cross center donating blood 56 days (8 weeks) after his last donation! Could this be Santa prepping his gift giving spirit? Santa made sure to point out that donations tend to be down during the holiday season because people are busy cooking, shopping, and traveling. Because of that, he finds donating during the holidays to be extra special as the need is constant.

I don’t know about you, but I think it would be fun to donate with Santa. Donating blood is a great way to make his ‘nice’ list! (I don’t need any more tacky socks filled with lumps of goal- do you know how hard it is to wash out coal?)

Celebrating Another Year Of Life

Today is the last day we're accepting hero nominations.

Today is also a very special day for a few local heroes...and the person whose life they saved. Here's their story:

It was a year ago today -- my friend and I were driving in the snow to go to the gym to work out. As we were pulling into the parking lot, an older gentleman dropped right in front of us. We got out of the truck to help him up, however surprisingly to us, he was in full cardiac arrest.

I began CPR while my friend went to call 911 and someone else brought out the AED. Within another minute, an ER nurse who happened to be coming to the gym to work out was there helping to administer the AED. Within another few minutes the paramedics from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue's Progress station were there. It didn't look good -- however we all did what we could to try and help the situation.

Tonight, exactly one year later, all of us involved that day including the family of that man, will be gathering for a celebration because that man -- Charles -- made a full recovery.

We have all become good friends since that incident and as I drove into work this morning I found myself recalling all of these events and thanking God for allowing Charles to make a full recovery. At the age of 82, he doesn't look a day over 70.

So this Christmas season, I find myself thanking God even more for those I care about -- including all of you. May God richly bless you and your loved ones this holiday season.

Here's wishing Charles many more celebrations ahead. These heroes made that possible; would you know what to do in such a situation?

Photo courtesy of Nemo's great uncle

Facebook Funtime

Facebook. Where would I be without you? No really, where would I actually, physically be without you? Certainly not on my couch wrapped up in my Snuggie with my laptop as I often am. But probably out in the real world visiting friends face-to-face. Weird.

Well, regardless of how much time facebook sucks away from my life, I love it. It's a great, quick (if not lazy) way to get information about friends, family and organizations. Speakin' of, did you know that the Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter now has a facebook page? You can find it here: www.facebook.com/RedCrossPdx

Photo from icanhascheezburger.com

You Can Ring My Bell

Now's the time of the year when non-profits have volunteers out ringing bells and collecting change.

Here in Portland, that's not our style...but in the Netherlands, well, they make collecting change downright sexy.

Just watch the PSA:

The Spirit of Giving

Are you in the spirit of giving this holiday season? Do you have a list of gifts to purchase that you are checking off?

A few weeks ago I stumbled upon an incredibly moving video by the South Central Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services. Every holiday I certainly feel the pressure of finding the perfect gift for those I care most about. Do I track down something rare and exotic? Do I grab a gift card, and if so- where at? What if they don’t like it? Should I just stick to giving money? A lot of questions, a lot of stress, with answers that test your skills in understanding others.



This video challenges one to think outside the box- to think different. There is a gift that is not only well received and has much demand for use, yet truly brings out your giving spirit as you show a stranger support. The gift of blood. Each donation of blood can save up to three lives, and for the recipients of that blood it is the perfect gift. A gift of life.

So remember as you are ‘cross’ing items off of your list this Holiday season, to not forget about the Red Cross. What better way to feel the spirit of giving?

…and they can take away some of that giving stress by helping you wrap the traditional gifts too!

The Measles Initiative's December to Remember

Measles is among the world's most contagious diseases and one of the leading causes of death among children worldwide. In response, the American Red Cross and partner organizations have taken on the fight through the Measles Initiative. Robin recently blogged on the incredible efforts taking place, but I had to share some of the latest (and local) news!

December is a big month for eliminating this deadly disease. In the earlier post, Robin mentioned a reduction in measles deaths around the world - from an estimated 733,000 in 2000 to 164,000 in 2008. That's a 78% drop in mortality in under a decade!

Other December news includes winners of a nationwide awareness campaign - the Measles Initiative Art Contest! Above is the winning entry of the elementary school category, from Garret Studer in Cincinnati, OH. Skip to the bottom of this post to see other contest entries.

On a local level, Red Cross Club members at Benson Polytechnic High School decided to host a fundraiser on the day after Thanksgiving, or "Black Friday." This is often described as the busiest shopping day of the year. By selling measles pins at only $1 each (the price of one vaccination) club members came away with more than $150 in donations!

With such inspiring results, continuing the momentum is even more critical. Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the American Red Cross states, “If we drop our guard, this disease will regain a foothold and spread like wildfire once again. We must stay vigilant.”

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to another special edition of the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you.

This week the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark is coming to a close. World leaders are gathered to discuss climate change, and the Red Cross has representatives in attendance. So this week's Wrap-Up will, again, focus on how we've contributed to the conference as well as ways Red Cross and Red Crescent societies are adapting to climate change worldwide...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

MALAWI: Ducks float. Chickens don't. After their chickens began drowning in floods, Malawi farmers switched to raising ducks. Then - with the help of a former journalist - they made a video to teach their fellow farmers about this, and other ways to adapt to climate change and avoid food shortages.

KENYA: The drought, which used to come every decade, now comes every year. Carcasses of livestock, dead from dehydration, litter the landscape. Outbreaks of cholera and other diseases arise when people have no choice but to use unclean water. The Kenya Red Cross is distributing food and water, and also working with communities on long-term adaptation strategies.

COPENHAGEN:

- Planting trees to prevent landslides is just one of the ways that preparedness can help mitigate natural disasters. Madeleen Helmer, head of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center, gives an interview on NPR's Marketplace about adapting to climate change with preparedness.

- Tuesday was Humanitarian Day at COP15, and in honor of the women and girls around the world who have to walk miles every day to find clean water, these young women walked six kilometers to the conference carrying water jugs on their heads.

- In May 2008 forecasters predicted above normal rainfall over West Africa. This enabled the Red Cross to pre-position extra supplies and volunteers in advance of floods. This video - being shown at COP15 - explains more about how the Red Cross is using weather forecasts to improve humanitarian decision making.

Stories from the Emergency Warming Center

You already met James and Abigail, and I'd like to introduce you to a few more people and pets we met at the Emergency Warming Center during last week's extreme cold snap...

WALKER and HELEN

Helen and Walker are mother and daughter. They moved to Portland less than a year ago for Walker’s job. Then she got laid off. They stayed with a friend for a while, but now they’re living in Walker’s car. They had been trying to keep warming using blankets, but it was very hard to sleep. Walker says she used to volunteer at shelters.


ALBERTO

Alberto lives in a camper van. He has a part-time job, but it’s not quite enough to pay rent. He finally decided to come to the warming center after he set a bottle of water beside his bed one night and woke up to find it had frozen. Constantly smiling, Alberto tells me he is writing a book about his life experiences.


BRIDGER and TARANH

Bridger and Taranh have been living outdoors for nearly a year. They were huddling together under the Burnside Bridge to stay warm until they heard about the warming center. They say the hardest part about being homeless is breaking down stereotypes and assumptions that people make about them. They haven’t got much family around, but they say that’s okay because they’ve got each other.


PORKCHOP

Everybody knows Porkchop, and everybody smiles when they see him.

James and Abigail

I volunteered for a few hours on Thursday night at the emergency warming center and had the pleasure of meeting James and Abigail. For the fourth night, both were at the center to get a break from the frigid temperatures.

I could only dream having a dog who behaves like Abigail. She ate her food like a lady, went outside for a quick break and then snuggled up in her kennel for a good night's sleep.

James showed me one of her tricks. Instead of asking her to shake, she prefers, how do you do? And when I said those words, she put her paw out and politely shook my hand. It’s nice to know that American Red Cross provided a comfortable place for James and Abigail to spend the night.

Photo by Daphne Mathew

Candle Safety For Chanukkah

However you want to spell it (Chanukkah, Hanukkah, etc...), last weekend marked the start of the Jewish "Festival of Lights."

But as you play dreidel, win gelt and eat latkes in the warm glow of your menorah, we also want you to be safe.

As you might imagine, the Festival of Lights comes with lots of candles -- one for each night of the celebration (plus all the nights that came before). And when it falls on Shabbat, there are usually two MORE candles added to the mix.

So here are some safety reminders to go along with your celebration:

• If you do use candles, ensure they are in sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holders and placed where they cannot be easily knocked down.
• Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
• Children should never be allowed to play with matches, lighters or candles.
• Extinguish candles after use.
• And NEVER leave burning candles unattended!

Need more candle safety info? We've got it here.

And with that, have a happy, happy, happy, happy Hanukkah!

Image courtesy of skpy

Holiday Cuteness

As I mentioned yesterday, I love the winter holiday season. So you can imagine my excitement when Sabin Elementary School students offered to make the Red Cross some holiday decorations. What could be cuter than art made by children?

Our Portland Red Cross building looks absolutely adorable right now. Students of all ages at Sabin worked together to create four amazing murals that are now on display here. The detail in them is incredible--I could stare at each piece all day! My favorite mural is the downtown Portland scene. It's quite accurate (look for the Made in Oregon sign!) and even features a Red Cross emergency response vehicle.

Younger students at the school also made us some paper ornaments, paper chain garland, and beaded candy canes. All of these pieces decorate a holiday tree that stands in our main hallway. So, so, so cute!

Later on in the month, we'll also be giving cards made by the students to blood donors that say "Thank you for giving the gift of life." They are beautiful!

Thank you to Sabin students for adding holiday cheer to our Red Cross building. Your artwork is warming the hearts of all who see it on display.

For those of you who would like to see the children's artwork up close, come on by! And while you're here, why not give the gift of life?

Red Cross Likes to Wrap (and Rap)

I made myself wait until after Thanksgiving to listen to any Christmas music. Now my lights are up, the stockings are hung, and the (fake) tree is lit. Oh the holidays are here! I love this time of year and I want Lise to love it, too. (Maybe if she had a swanky holiday party, giving me the excuse to buy a new vintage party dress, then she'd love the holidays... I'm just sayin'.)

One thing I don't love about the holidays? Gift shopping. Even worse? Gift wrapping. If you're with me on this one, the Red Cross can help. We have a whole team of gift wrapping volunteers who would love to help you package up those presents. All you have to do is attempt to donate blood or platelets at a "You Give, We'll Wrap" blood drive. Bring in up to three pre-boxed presents and volunteers will wrap them during your blood or platelet donation. Here are the specifics for the "You Give, We'll Wrap" campaign in Portland:

Portland Donor Center

3131 North Vancouver Ave.

Wednesday, December16 from 11:15 am - 5:45 pm
Thursday, December 17 from 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Friday, December 18 from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 19 from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Monday, December 21 from 1:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, December 22 from 11:45 am - 6:15 pm
Wednesday, December 23 from 11:15 am - 5:45 pm
Schedule a donation at this location.

To learn more about "You Give, We'll Wrap" blood drives in Vancouver, Klamath Falls, and Woodburn, click here.

Now I've got some serious shopping to do! In the meantime, I'll study this video carefully.

Photo: alanclever_2000 on Flickr

RedCrossBlood.org ... We Look Good

I have a major weakness for makeover shows. The best part of each episode is the moment at the end when the made-over person reveals their new look to family and friends with a glowing confidence and beauty that comes from within. If only I could spend some time with Stacy and Clinton or Trinny and Sussanah...

Red Cross Blood Services recently got a virtual makeover and we're feeling younger, sassier, and more alive than ever. Check out the "new us" at http://www.redcrossblood.org/. Here you'll find information about blood donation, hosting a blood drive and volunteering. You'll also be able to search for the closest blood drives to you, local special events, and other Red Cross blood-related news.

We promise that our makeover didn't change us too much; we're still the same Red Cross blood services that has been collecting blood since 1940 and that supplies about 40% of the nation's blood supply. We just look really, really good.

My Mom Ruins The Holidays

So last week I told you how my parents are prepared for just about anything, but were missing one key item of prepare-aphernalia.

And how I -- their thoughtful and caring daughter -- had purchased two of these as holiday gifts to complete their kits.

And then this:

"Just wanted you to know that I exchanged some items at Brookstone yesterday for our new Red Cross Ready radio (with cell phone charger)! I've read the directions and I'm sending it off with Dad when he heads up to Brightenbush next week...'just in case.' Otherwise it will reside here at home."

Clearly, great minds think alike.

Question: Can I be mad at my mom for ruining the holiday surprise? Or should I be pleased as punch that they take preparedness so seriously?

Photo courtesy of 'smil

What Do You Need When The Lights Go Out?

According to Portland General Electric, it's just two things.

When I first spotted this PSA, I teared up a little. Yep, it's that adorable. See for yourself.

Admittedly the YouTube video is a little dark. If you can't make it out, there's a dad sitting in a blanket fort with his young son, playing with shadow puppets and reading a story...all accompanied by a very nice battery-powered lantern.

Of course, the Red Cross suggests more than just two things to have on hand when your lights go out (and, apart from the cuteness of the PSA, I'm sure PGE would say the same).

Here's our complete power outage list.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up

Welcome to a special edition of the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you.

This week world leaders are gathering to discuss climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, and the Red Cross will have representatives in attendance. So this week's Wrap-Up will focus on how we're contributing to the conference as well as ways Red Cross and Red Crescent societies are adapting to climate change worldwide...

[The place names link to maps so that you can get a quick idea of the region.]

SENEGAL: The Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre tested out a simple card game in St. Louis, Senegal illustrating the odds of flooding and other natural disasters increasing with climate change. The game was designed in collaboration with the PETlab – a joint project of Games for Change and Parsons: The New School for Design in New York City. It will be officially unveiled and demonstrated on December 13 in Copenhagen.

TUVALU: The Tuvalu Red Cross Society is joining forces with the local government and other humanitarian organizations to tackle climate change, using methods like cleaning up debris that may cause damage during cyclones, broadcasting reminders about preparedness and water conservation, and placing satellite phones on remote islands to improve warning times. It already paid off when a large wave flooded the low-lying island nation.

ETHIOPIA: The Netherlands Red Cross reports on new techniques for helping farmers in Ethiopia adapt to Climate Change in a short film called Farmer To Farmer Learning in a Changing Climate. Get a sneak peek of the film, which will be shown at the COP15 Film Festival.

COPENHAGEN: A Danish Red Cross photographer has set up an exhibit at COP15 of photos from around the world. You can check out the online photo gallery as well. (The photos from Uganda were taken during a Red Cross flood response in 2007.)

ONLINE: What's it like to head up the Red Cross/Red Crescent Centre on Climate Change? "It's daunting," says Madaleen Helmer in the latest Cross The Globe podcast.

Matchmaking Services Now Available

The Red Cross helps people fall in love.

Yes, we're the ultimate matchmakers. For proof, just check out our Singles CPR couple, this story from Hurricane Katrina...and now this.

I met Dave and Patsy Harpole on Sunday night at our Emergency Warming Center. They were walking by, arms around each other, towards the restroom. Patsy looked pained, so we asked if she needed first aid assistance. She didn't -- she has a degenerative bone and joint disease that makes it difficult for her to get around, so the pain was par for the course.

But out of that brief conversation came an amazing story.

Dave and Patsy had met -- EXACTLY one year ago that night -- right in the very same Red Cross Emergency Warming Center. They were married in March and had come back that evening to "do things right" for their second year...even placing their sleeping mats in the very same spot.

Given that our Emergency Warming Center is only open in the coldest of weather, it's pretty incredble that it just happened to be open on the same date, in the same location, exactly one year later.

Read Dave and Patsy's story for yourself. In this cold weather, it's certain to warm your heart.

Photo credit: Michael Russell/The Oregonian

Prepare for Pests with Pete

Here at the Red Cross, we try to be prepared for anything. With our Emergency Warming Centers in full-swing, I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to Pete of Pete's Pest and Wildlife Control for helping us to prepare for some of the unwanted guests that may arrive this season. Don't get me wrong, we hope that every person and pet has a warm place to sleep this winter...but we could do without the bed bugs, lice, fleas, cockroaches, and other creatures that may try to hitch rides with the invited guests.

If you're looking for an exterminator, Pete was very friendly and professional. He was able to help on short notice, arrived early, was thorough and efficient, and used only pet- and people-safe products. We love that Pete feels a connection to the homeless community and wants to give back. So thanks, Pete, for helping us to support the Portlanders who need it most this holiday season.

Today's post is brought to you by the letter P.

Survey: How Do You Want Your Emergency Alerts?

As I type, Mayor Sam Adams and Commissioner Randy Leonard are surveying local residents about emergency alert systems.

There are just a handful of questions and, so you can think before you answer, I'll post 'em here:

Should the City of Portland create a voluntary sign-up (with the ability to opt out at any time) public alert emergency notification system?

What is the most reliable and fastest method to notify you of a public alert?

The notification system will be used to alert the public to major events that potentially impact public health and safety. More specifically, what types of public alerts do you want to be notified about?

Do you have a landline phone number?

Do you own snow tires or snow chains for your vehicle?

Do you have a 72-hour emergency kit at home?

The questions are yes/no and multiple choice, so there's no need to draft essays. Here's hoping that when it's done, we can get a copy of the results. Should be interesting...

Take the survey here.

Image courtesy of Leo Reynolds

You Know It's Really Cold When...

You know it's really cold when...

...you inhale and your nostrils stick together.
...you use two sets of keys so you don't have to turn the car off.
...you can't wait to get into an ice arena to warm up.
...you see the morning temp is zero and you're happy because it's going to be a nice day.
...you move to Alaska because it's warmer.

Or, more to the point, "You know it's really cold when...the Red Cross opens their emergency warming center."

We'll be in operation tonight at the Portland Foursquare Church, 1303 SE Ankeny, saving lives in the chilliest of weather. And while you might not be stuck outside overnight, it never hurts to remind yourself of these cold weather tips.

Image courtesy of Jaako

The Last Measle

Hey guys. I know a lot of you read my Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Ups. Sometimes the numbers are so big and the suffering so immense around the world that - as I'm writing the WWW - I find myself thinking, "Wow. What more can I do to help?"

Maybe when you read it, you find yourself thinking that too.

So I want to tell you about one way. The Measles Initiative. This week a report came out detailing how the American Red Cross - in partnership with United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization -has vaccinated nearly 700 million children around the world against this deadly disease. There are more gigantic numbers I could cite - like the 4.3 million children saved this decade by vaccinations, or the 450 people who still needlessly die every day from measles.

But the really important number is this: $1

For less than $1, we can vaccinate a child against measles. Enough of those ones add up to one village. And then one country. And eventually, one whole world where this one child can say goodbye to "the last measle."

In 2010, we are poised to vaccinate the greatest number of children ever before in one year. Some of the most populous countries – China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – are planning national immunization campaigns.

You can give the gift of vaccinations with our Holiday Gift Catalog.

So as you're making your gift decisions this season, I encourage you to consider this life-saving stocking stuffer.

A healthy holiday to everyone!

Freezing Temps = Emergency Warming Centers

It's that time again...

Our Emergency Warming Centers -- designed to serve the homeless on the very, very coldest of nights when all other shelters are full -- will be open this weekend!

You'll find hot drinks, warm blankets and lots of friendly volunteers in these locations:

Saturday, Dec. 5
9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Lents Seventh-Day Adventist Church
8835 SE Woodstock Blvd.

Sunday, Dec. 6
9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Portland Foursquare Church
1303 SE Ankeny

FYI that the City of Portland sets the (very strict) weather guidelines for when they do (or don't) ask us to operate. If you want to know what they all are, you can see the list here.

A Non-Christmasy Holiday Card

I'll admit it -- I am generally not filled with holiday spirit.

Yes, I'm the curmudgeon who snaps back with "Happy Holidays." to your "Merry Christmas!" The one who gripes about festive decor going up before Thanksgiving; who plugs her ears at the sound of caroling; and who even refuses to see a very nice friend perform in The Singing Christmas Tree.

Just call me The Grinch.

But I do believe in sending good, positive wishes in the direction of people I care about, especially during this time of the year. I believe in giving gifts that make a difference and writing thoughtful notes.

So if you, like me, are looking for the perfect non-Christmas, non-holiday card to pass along to friends and family, I've got the perfect suggestion.

Head over to Ecru Modern Stationer in the Pearl and pick up this letterpress gem. The "whether the weather" message is just wintery enough and the sentiment is genuine and sweet. It's simple, classy and 100% (all $4.95!) goes to support the Oregon Trail Chapter.



If you don't live in Portland but still like the card, I'm pretty sure you can call the incredible LeAnn at 503-227-2611 and ask her to ship you what you need. Portland or Poughkeepsie, I'm pretty sure there's a few of us Grinches everywhere!

Video: The Life-Saving Bra

Robin already blogged the bra that could save your life, but now you can see it in action and hear a little bit of the backstory. Check this out!

My personal favorite Dr. Elena Bodnar quote comes from this article:

“Isn’t it wonderful that women have two breasts, not just one? We can save not only our own lives, but also a man of our choice next to us.”

Now that's girl power!

P.S. Can't get enough? Watch another video about the bra here.

Pop Tops With A Purpose!

When a donor dropped off 3,000+ soda pop tops, we weren't sure what to do. Recycle for a little cash? Or make something truly unique?

A little thinking outside the box led us to Portland designer Kaleah Ott, an Etsy seller who makes incredible purses out of the little silver tabs. Ott quickly stepped up to the challenge, designing two spectacular handbags, now for sale on her site:

Check out the black purse
Check out the tan/neutral purse

From her description:

Constructed of over 1500 hand-pulled post-consumer aluminum pop-tops, this purse is as durable as it is beautiful. The horizontal pattern allows for the bag to move fluidly with your movements and slightly expands it's shape when full.

Smooth on all edges (no snagged clothing here!), each pop top is individually knotted in place, giving this purse some serious stability. Fully lined with tencel (a biodegradable fabric made from wood pulp cellulose), complete with an inner pocket and secure magnetic snap closure.

So now these "Pop Tops With A Purpose" really have one; $100 from the sale of each bag will be donated back to the Oregon Trail Chapter.

Green giving, indeed!

Empire 2.0: Not a Nicolas Cage Action Movie.

Although the name may suggest otherwise, Empire 2.0 is actually a program under New York's state department. Many exciting initiatives have launched from this idea, including testing to use Xbox and other online gaming networks as emergency alert resources. In the original InformationWeek article, Paul McDougall writes of other Empire 2.0 actions:

"...the Department of Mental Health is monitoring some Facebook posts in an effort to spot suicidal behavior, the Office of Homeland Security is using Second Life to train 700,000 first responders, and senior members of the state CIO's office are using Twitter to disseminate information about technology initiatives to the public."

New York state officials must have a lot of preteen kids at home. By investigating Xbox as a host for emergency messaging, they certainly know about effective PSAs. Also, kudos for using such a post-apocalyptic program name, New York.

Epic Nicolas Cage action photo courtesy of starz.com