{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Radio Chatskill","title":"Red Cross Volunteers Provide Lifeline Across Eastern New York in 2025","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":431,"description":"In 2025, American Red Cross volunteers in Eastern New York answered more than 700 disasters, from home fires to severe storms, and provided over $1 million in direct financial assistance to help neighbors recover.Blood and platelet donors also contributed more than 110,000 life-saving donations, while volunteers deployed nationwide to support communities affected by disasters.John Vale, executive director of the American Red Cross in Eastern New York, described the scope of the organization’s work: “When I look to the work of the Red Cross, you really see it every day. I think it starts with maybe one of the most basic services we provide, which is being the primary provider to our hospitals here in New York State for blood products. So, in addition to those life-saving blood products, we also mobilize relief to families affected by disasters that includes home fires here in our Eastern New York region. We also train individuals in life-saving skills and services. And then also, last month, of course, we celebrated our veterans. So, the Red Cross is also a proud supporter of our veteran U.S. military personnel, also our active military families. By being a part of Red Cross, you can feel incredibly good, just supporting your communities and across the country.”Vale noted that the holidays bring heightened risks. “During the holidays, we see across the country a 20% increase in our disaster responses. We understand our families, there’s increased risks, that includes cooking and heating sources. During a typical November and December here in our Eastern New York region, we assist nearly about 500 people that are affected by fires, storms, and other disasters. It’s an ongoing scope of operation for us, and we’re incredibly thankful to our teams of volunteers and our donors that allow us to carry out this work at a local level.”He also stressed the importance of blood donations. “Just like disasters, the need for blood is constant. It’s incredible to see that...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/q7XXsnSXT_u4mZLCn3chUorwDmUD_kWiB272D6emB18/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80N2Uy/OGY5MWUwZThkYTEw/NDVkZGM2ZGZkZDIw/ZjliOS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}