Red Cross volunteers are joined by Doreen Thomann-Howe, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, while distributing meals to people impacted by the water main break on Webster Avenue in the Bronx during the final two weeks of December 2024.
Contact: media.gny@redcross.org or 646-627-9328
NEW YORK, JANUARY 2, 2025 — For 13 days after a major water main broke along Webster Avenue in the Bronx on the night of Monday, December 16, 2024, 74 responders from the American Red Cross worked to provide 4,280 meals as well as emergency supplies to residents impacted by the flooding.
The need for assistance was concentrated along Webster Avenue between East 201st Street and Mosholu Parkway South. As floodwaters retreated, five buildings along Webster Avenue and Botanical Square remained without gas, electricity and/or heat for several days.
In response, working with the City of New York, the American Red Cross provided temporary lodging to residents who were without heat or had extenuating circumstances, such as families with small children or people with medical equipment that required power. Additionally, the Red Cross provided lunch and dinner along with blankets, cleaning supplies, and other care items.
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THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS The Red Cross is grateful to every volunteer who generously donated their time to support neighbors in need during the holiday season.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer with the Red Cross should visit www.redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about the available opportunities. Residents of New York City with a valid driver’s license who are interested in becoming a Disaster Action Team responder are especially encouraged to apply.
Photos of the Red Cross in action are available here.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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