Kaleb’s story – embracing change

One year ago, the American Red Cross implemented updated Food and Drug Administration guidance that eliminated donor eligibility questions based on sexual orientation.

Meet Kaleb, an amazing Red Cross blood collection technician in the Minnesota and Dakotas Region. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, he’s on a mission to spread the word about how blood donation rules have changed to be more inclusive while keeping the blood supply safe. His rally call to action is loud and clear – “Roll up a sleeve and let your pride shine through every drop, show your rainbow strength and help save lives by donating blood,” he says.

“Roll up a sleeve and let your pride shine through every drop, show your rainbow strength and help save lives by donating blood.”

First inspired by his grandmother, a Red Cross nurse in the early 2,000’s, Kaleb became a blood donor when he was 17 years old and now donates blood and platelets. “I’m passionate about helping others, and blood donation is one great way to do that – I’ve donated 15 units so far,” he says.

Kaleb has turned his passion for helping others into a dream job where he quite literally helps save lives every day. “I know the blood we’re collecting helps save lives or gives patients more time with their loved ones,” says Kaleb, whose best friend’s mother needed blood during her battle with cancer. “I also love interacting with donors, especially first-time donors, who I can walk through the blood donation process and make them less nervous.”

Kaleb outside a Red Cross bloodmobile advocating for blood donation. Photo submitted.

Thanks to updated FDA guidelines, more people are now eligible to donate blood through a new inclusive screening process that expands donor eligibility and eliminates questions based on sexual orientation. “I hope that I am able to build awareness of this change so more people in the LGBTQ+ community know that they might be eligible to donate and make a difference too.”

Since the Red Cross implemented this change on August 7, 2023, countless newly eligible individuals have rolled up their sleeves to give blood, host blood drives and volunteer in the blood services mission of the American Red Cross.

A very excited Kaleb finishes his blood donation. Photo submitted.

Check out stories, including Kaleb’s, of the newly eligible donors who are now giving blood and hosting blood drives with the Red Cross on the Red Cross LGBTQ+ Blood Donor page. Be sure to check out the Interactive Story Map.

“This is just our passion, it’s part of our DNA— to help people.”

Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer,
Mary Parker, shares her experience

Disasters are traumatic events. And while many Red Cross volunteers are trained in myriad roles, such as staffing shelters, handing out cleanup kits, driving box trucks and the like, there are also volunteers trained specifically to support the emotional health of individuals and families affected.

Mary Parker is one such volunteer, “We’re all trained in the mental health field, either currently working or done working. This is just our passion, it’s part of our DNA— to help people.”

Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer Mary Parker
Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer Mary Parker from Side Lake, MN at a disaster training conference. Volunteers participate in free training specific to their position.

A Red Cross volunteer for six years, Mary is currently helping people impacted by flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota. Her role is to manage Disaster Mental Health (DMH) services for the response. To reach more people, she says they’ve embedded with other service teams.

“Mental Health has been accompanying crews as they deliver emergency supplies and cleanup kits, talking to clients, providing as much emotional support as we can…We also went out with the damage assessors. As they were going out to assess damage, we did some ride-alongs to talk to people in real time.”

Mary monitors the pulse of the Red Cross relief effort, keen to tap any opportunity that will ensure a Disaster Mental Health presence, “Basically, any activity that’s going on, if I have a mental health provider available, they go. That way there’s more good face-to-face interaction. It’s a good way to determine if we need to do a follow-up call with them.”

Mary continued, “The DMH role really is to be able to listen to their story and have someone to hear their hardships and struggles. We validate their hardships, give them a hug if they need one, remind them that they are resilient, and offer compassion and empathy. We’ve been at fixed sites, we’ve been on the [emergency response] vehicles, we’ve also had DMH at the shelters and alongside caseworkers at resource centers.”

Mary Parker sharing her experiences with fellow Red Cross volunteers at a recent volunteer event.

The Red Cross hosted several resource centers for individuals displaced by recent flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota where trained Red Cross volunteers can open recovery casework for those whose homes sustained major damage or were destroyed. “We’re coordinating health services, mental health and spiritual care, so at least one if not more have been represented at each site.”

In addition to standard Red Cross disaster assistance, individuals and families may of course request to speak with a disaster health, spiritual health, or mental health volunteer about their needs.

“It’s what we do!”

Resources Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster somewhere in the United States. Often it’s a single family home fire. Sometimes it’s a larger disaster like a flood or a tornado. Homes, which are supposed to be places of comfort and stability, can be destroyed, and with them that sense of comfort and stability can be turned on its head at a moment’s notice.

As the physical and emotional impacts of this disaster come into sharper focus for those affected, Red Cross caseworkers and mental health volunteers are on the front lines, providing one-on-one support to individuals and families. Their unwavering commitment helps address the evolving needs of residents during this challenging time.

The Red Cross encourages people to remember to take care themselves, their loved ones, and neighbors:

  • Support Each Other: In difficult times, it’s crucial for people to lean on one another. Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors—your collective strength makes a difference.
  • Be Patient: Floods can evoke a range of emotions and reactions. It’s okay to feel worried or drained. Give yourself the grace to process these feelings.
  • Children’s Needs: Traumatic events impact children differently than adults. Sometimes, their worries manifest in behavior rather than words. Be attuned to their needs and emotions.

If you or someone you know requires assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. They’re there to provide support and guidance during challenging times.

Volunteers Needed Do you have a background as a current or former licensed mental health practitioner? Looking for a unique and much needed way to help your community in times of disaster? Consider joining the Disaster Health Services team! Learn more here.

Story by American Red Cross Volunteer Nate Russell.

Flooding Resources: Summer 2024

AS OF TUESDAY, July 9, 2024

More than two weeks after floodwaters inundated parts of Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, neighbors, local community organizations and government partners continue to work together to help people recover from the extensive damage.

If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  1. Shelter
  2. Flooding: What to do before, during and after Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después
  3. Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota
  4. Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety
  5. How you can help
  6. CrisisCleanup.org

Shelter

Shelters are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more.

The Village in Waterville (Partner Shelter)
205 N 1st St., Waterville, MN 56096

Flooding: What to do before, during and after

Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después

Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota

Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety

📱 Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.

The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones.  Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. 

Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.   

How you can help

Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.

Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.

Volunteer for disasters
Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.

Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.

Donate blood
Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.

To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

CrisisCleanup.org

Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.

Husband and wife duo hit the road to help people affected by flooding

“We make a good team after 45 years of marriage,” chuckled Jackie, a Red Cross volunteer who recently journeyed to Sioux Falls with her husband Rick to distribute essential disaster relief items to people affected by flooding. “It’s a great way to spend time together – Rick’s the driver, and I’m the navigator.”

Rick and Jackie Fredricksen loading disaster relief supplies unto a truck at the Red Cross building Minneapolis for transport to the Sioux Falls area June 27, 2024.
Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

The husband and wife duo, from Long Lake, MN, joined the Red Cross family last August after they both bid farewell to working life. A former volunteer firefighter, Rick, was eager to keep serving the community so helping with Sound the Alarm events seemed a fantastic place to start. “We once made an alarm installation at a deaf person’s house,” shared Rick. “With the help of another volunteer’s sign language skills, we were able to ensure her home was safer. We were so thrilled about it; we exchanged high-fives! It was truly special.”

This past December, Rick happily helped train fellow disaster team members in Houston, TX and even spent a couple of weeks there in May assisting those impacted by flooding and tornadoes. In the meantime, Jackie was finalizing her own training. “As volunteers, we’re truly embraced by the Red Cross family,” said Rick. “You develop friendships with fellow volunteers – I still get friendly check-in messages from time to time – recently a photo from two volunteers that I deployed with that wanted to say hello.”

Last week, was their first Red Cross deployment together.

Jackie and Rick Fredricksen ready to distribute disaster relief supplies including clean up kits in South Dakota. Photo: Turner County South Dakota Emergency Management.

“Hearing people’s heartfelt stories while they were picking up supplies was so touching,” said Jackie. “Just knowing that we could help them a little while they’re going through so much – they were so appreciative of the Red Cross being there.”

Ricks adds, “People are so resilient. We met a young woman who lived on a farm – they thought they were going to have a bumper crop this year but now have lost everything, but she still had a positive outlook. Or another woman who had skin cancer and was going through treatment – but remained hopeful that things would get better.”

Their Sioux Falls deployment wrapped up on Sunday when the last person came to pick up supplies. “We all signed the top of the clean-up kit!”

When asked about retirement and volunteering with the Red Cross, they both agreed, “We recommend it! It’s so rewarding to meet different people and other Red Cross team members.”

Red Cross volunteer team, including Jackie and Rick Fredricksen, meet Mark, a local hero who stepped up to assist not just himself, but also a neighbor impacted by the recent floods.
Photo submitted.

“It gives you another level of energy and positive feelings that you can help,” said Jackie. “There’re so many different ways to be involved with the Red Cross – there’s something for everybody!

Rick added, “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. I feel blessed that Jackie and I get to share this journey together. We return home inspired, exchanging stories, and praying for brighter days for those we’ve met.”

Jackie and Rick Fredrickson with fellow Red Cross disaster volunteer Willis Gravning.

Our work is possible because of trained volunteers like Rick and Jackie. Join our volunteer team – to find a role that works for you, visit RedCross.org/GiveTime.

Despite life’s storms, Nona continues to bloom at 88

On another rainy day in Waterville, Minnesota, Nona Ose stood in her family room and pointed to her flooded garden, planted more than 20 years ago in memory of her husband and son. “It makes me happy and other people too.”

Nona Ose points to flood waters still lingering in her backyard garden, Waterville, Minnesota, June 27, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

Proud of her gardens – Nona was once a florist, among other things – her heart ached to see her work threatened because of devastating flooding. “The water kept creeping up until there was water surrounding my house,” Nona explained. “There were even carp swimming around in my backyard and garden. I’m happy everything has gone down little by little.”

Nona, now 88 years old, grew up on a farm near Waterville and has lived in the same home for more than 60 years. She has navigated through adversity with grace. But this, she said, is scary.

Red Cross responder Sue Thesenga listens to Nona reflect on the flooding in Waterville, Minnesota. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

“It’s never flooded this bad.” When she compared the flooding that happened in 1965 to this flooding, she said, “it was nothing like this.” And, in 2018, she remembers a tornado that uprooted trees, several falling on her house.

Nona is sad about some of her belongings, like a Christmas tree now floating in her water-filled garage. But she’s happy her Christmas village was spared as this year she never put it in storage.

The street near Nona’s home in Waterville remains covered with flood water, June 27, 2024. Photo credit: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

Older adults like Nona often are the most vulnerable when disasters strike. Mobility, isolation, and other physical and mental can present different challenges for seniors when people need to move fast and reach safety during a disaster and even after when the long road of recovery begins.

In Nona’s case, her next door neighbors rose to the occasion, proving the power of community support. “They’ve been wonderful! They’ve helped me with things like getting groceries.” They helped with sandbagging and even remembered to pick up a Red Cross cleanup kit for her.

On June 27, outside Waterville’s city hall, Red Cross volunteers distributed relief supplies for people from Waterville, a town of around 1,700. People drove to the site and stopped to pick up rakes, shovels, gloves, garbage bags, and other flood relief supplies, including the kits.

Nona Ose shares a hug with Red Cross responder Sue Thesenga, Waterville, Minnesota, June 27, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

Nona displays strength and resiliency that is truly inspiring. While describing the rising waters that was surrounding her home, she musters a smile. “I guess I’m tough.” She’ll use the cleanup kit in the basement where she winters flowers from her beloved garden.

“I feel wonderful that the Red Cross helps,” said Nona.

Resource: Preparedness for older adults
Donate: Support American Red Cross Disaster Relief

Flooding Resources: Summer 2024

AS OF FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024

Floodwaters continue to impact our neighbors in southeast South Dakota and southern and northeast Minnesota. The Red Cross is closely monitoring weather updates and river crest forecasts, while trained disaster responders are assisting those in need. Please see below for resources.

If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  1. Clean-up Kit Distribution
  2. Shelters and Temporary Evacuation Point
  3. Flooding: What to do before, during and after Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después
  4. Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota
  5. Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety
  6. How you can help
  7. CrisisCleanup.org

Clean-up Kit Distribution

Friday, June 28, 2024

MINNESOTA

Nobles County
Prairie Justice Center
1530 Airport Road
Worthington, MN 56187
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Jackson County
Red Cross teams are driving around the community today with kits. If you don’t see us, clean-up kits are also available at our shelter in Jackson.
Jackson County Community High School (JCC HS)
1128 N Hwy., Jackson, MN 56143

Windom
Mobile distribution, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Teams delivering kits throughout the community.

Outside Windom Arena
1480 8th Ave.
Windom, MN 56101
4 to 7 p.m.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Turner County
County Building
1055 E Sanborn St
Parker, SD 57053
10:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Davison County
Mt. Vernon Public School
500 N Main St
Mt. Vernon, SD 57363
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

City of Mitchell
612 N Main St
Mitchell, SD
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Shelters and Temporary Evacuation Point

If you or anyone you know is affected by this situation, safe shelter is available. It’s crucial to have a safe place during emergencies.

Shelters and a Temporary Evacuation Point are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more

MINNESOTA

Minnesota State Mankato, Crawford Hall
710 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 56001

Jackson County Community High School (JCC HS)
1128 N Hwy., Jackson, MN 56143

The Village in Waterville (Partner Shelter)
205 N 1st St., Waterville, MN 56096

Flooding: What to do before, during and after

Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después

Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota

Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety

📱 Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.

The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones.  Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. 

Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.   

How you can help

Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.

Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.

Volunteer for disasters
Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.

Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.

Donate blood
Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.

To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

CrisisCleanup.org

Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.

Heroes on the Ground – Communities Respond to Flooding

Recent flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota has brought communities together in an extraordinary way. Community volunteers and partners have stepped up and joined forces with our Red Cross team to provide critical aid and support for those affected by this devastating disaster.

Red Cross volunteers Katie Kaz and Diane Dunder have been pivotal in the response efforts in Cook, Minnesota. They have been working closely with St. Louis County Public Health. Even a local farmer named Missy showed up at the onset of the flooding ready to help. She has since become a key figure in coordinating resources, including services for residents and donated items from the Lions Club and Red Cross cleanup kits.

Missy, Diane, Katie and Cheryl at the Cook Fire Hall, June 25, 2024. Photo credit: Owen Fifield, American Red Cross.

In one of the most touching moments, the group was seen looking at maps together to identify flooded areas and homes in need of assistance. Their dedication is evident as they strategize the best ways to help their community recover.

Acts of Gratitude
The spirit of gratitude is felt by many of the people affected by the floods. One family, immensely thankful for the support they received, made an oversized thank you card and gave it to our volunteers and partners at the Cook Fire Hall. This thoughtful gesture underscores the profound impact the Red Cross and our partners are making in these communities.

Missy, Cheryl and Katie at the Cook Fire Hall. Photo credit: Owen Fifield, American Red Cross.

Behind the Scenes
Dave Snetsinger, the assistant director of operations for this Red Cross response, is working tirelessly from his temporary office in the Cook Fire Hall. Dave has been coordinating efforts to ensure that every community gets the help it needs. From organizing emergency relief supplies to managing volunteer deployments, his work is crucial in this relief effort.

Dave Snetsinger, City of Cook, June 25, 2024. Photo credit: Owen Fifield, American Red Cross.

Community Support
The Red Cross cannot do this alone. Multiple local organizations have come together to help. The Cook Fire Department for example, made its fire hall available for distribution of relief supplies. The Salvation Army has made sure people have meals and other relief essentials. Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lion’s Club, St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services Department, St. Louis County Emergency Management, Minnesota HSEM and the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, have all contributed to the relief efforts.

How You Can Help
We need your help to continue supporting those affected by the flooding:

Volunteer
Many people have expressed a desire to volunteer, and we are incredibly grateful for your offers. Currently, our trained Red Cross volunteers are handling the immediate response. However, you can still help by becoming a trained volunteer as we are experiencing more frequent and intense disasters. To learn more, visit RedCross.org/GiveTime.

Donate
Please click, text or call to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like floods, fires and countless other crises. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your contributions will help us provide essential resources to those in need.

Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to
make a $10 donation.

Donate Blood
Floods often lead to the cancellation of blood drives, impacting the nation’s blood supply. If you are in an area not affected by the disaster, please consider donating blood. To make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Thank you!
The Red Cross remains committed to helping families and communities recover from this disaster. We are in constant contact with local officials to evaluate the needs of residents and coordinate additional resources.

By coming together, we can help those affected by the flooding rebuild their lives and communities. Thank you for your support.

If You Need Help
Please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Flooding Resources: Summer 2024

AS OF THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2024

Floodwaters continue to impact our neighbors in southeast South Dakota and southern and northeast Minnesota. The Red Cross is closely monitoring weather updates and river crest forecasts, while trained disaster responders are assisting those in need. Please see below for resources.

If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

  1. Shelters and Temporary Evacuation Point
  2. Flooding: What to do before, during and after
  3. Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después
  4. Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota
  5. Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety
  6. How you can help
  7. CrisisCleanup.org

Shelters and Temporary Evacuation Point

If you or anyone you know is affected by this situation, safe shelter is available. It’s crucial to have a safe place during emergencies.

Shelters and a Temporary Evacuation Point are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more

MINNESOTA

Minnesota State Mankato, Crawford Hall
710 Maywood Ave, Mankato, MN 56001

Faribault Armory
3000 W Airport Rd, Faribault, MN 55021

Jackson County Community High School (JCC HS)
1128 N Hwy., Jackson, MN 56143

The Village in Waterville (Partner Shelter)
205 N 1st St., Waterville, MN 56096

SOUTH DAKOTA
Sioux Falls Expo Center/Lyon Fairgrounds
100 N. Lyon Blvd., Sioux Falls, SD 57107

Flooding: What to do before, during and after

Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después

Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota

Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety

📱 Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.

The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones.  Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps. 

Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.   

How you can help

Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.

Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.

Volunteer for disasters
Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.

Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.

Donate blood
Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.

To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

CrisisCleanup.org

Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.

Helping People Get Through the Unknown

Tom Goebel, Helen Goebel and Mike Hofmann, Cold Spring, MN, April 15, 2024. Photo: Lynette Nyman/American Red Cross

On a frosty January morning in 2023, Tom Goebel was at home in Cold Spring, Minnesota. He was resting on the couch, icing an injured leg when he heard a ‘pop’ sound.

“Like a laundry basket dropping,” he says. Shortly after he heard another ‘pop’ – this time it was louder, more urgent. “I went to the laundry room and saw smoke coming from under the garage door.”

Tom dialed his wife, Helen, who happened to be out, taking his car to the repair shop. “Get out of the house,” she instructed. “Call 9-1-1.”

On crutches, Tom turned back to grab what he could, stood outside on the deck and waited for the fire department. But then, a chilling thought: What if this whole thing blows up? “I threw my crutches over and slid down the snow on my butt!”

Despite firefighters doing the best they could to extinguish the blaze, it had a good head start and unfortunately Tom and Helen’s home was destroyed in January 2023.  Submitted photo.

Meanwhile, Helen returned home, her heart racing. “I didn’t know what was snow and what was smoke,” she says. Most importantly, she didn’t know where Tom was—until she learned he’d sought refuge at a neighbor’s house.

Despite firefighters doing the best they could to extinguish the blaze, it had a good head start and unfortunately their home was destroyed.  

“When you say you lost everything, people don’t understand,” says Tom. “Until you’re in this situation, it’s a little bit more real.”

Amid the chaos, the Red Cross stepped in. Mike Hofmann, a longtime volunteer who had known Tom since childhood, reached out.

“At first they didn’t want anything,” says Mike. “And then they called back. It was a cold, winter day. Two of us met them and we walked through what we could do to help them.”

Care included comfort kits, basic hygiene items, personal care essentials—the small things that matter most when everything else crumbles. “When you have absolutely zero a comfort kit is the biggest thing you’ve got going,” says Tom. “They helped us get through this land of the unknown.”

Later, they found some charred documents like birth and marriage certificates preserved in a safe. Even something as small and simple as a spatula for cooking was nowhere to be found.

“You think you know what you’re missing until you don’t have it,” says Helen.

Tom Goebel and Helen Gobel

The Red Cross responders helped them replace prescriptions and navigate their next steps through recovery.

“I didn’t know they came out for a fire like that,” says Helen. I thought they were more for major disasters.”

Local Red Cross disaster volunteers respond most often to home fires in their local communities. These “disaster action team” responders show up with care and compassion to disasters big and small.  

In the year since the fire, a time of staying with neighbors and living in other temporary housing, Tom and Helen are home, again, with a fresh start.

“We were always on the giving side. This was us on the receiving side,” says Tom. “Red Cross said, ‘step up and take this, that’s why we’re here, to help everyone.”

To learn more about the Red Cross and our support for local disasters, please visit RedCross.org/MNDAKS.

Tom Goebel, Helen Goebel and Mike Hofmann

Northland Embraces Purple Up! for Military Kids

University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) football players who volunteered at the first Purple Up! Northland event which held this year on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Superior, Wisconson.

On Saturday, April 13, we were able to bring Northland military families some Purple Up! support that generally happens in the Twin Cities or other large metro areas. These events happen around the nation each April, which is the Month of the Military Child. (A little more about the background of Purple Up! events here.)

This year, there was a desire by the local military community to bring an event like this to the Northland. And we were delighted to take part. We had families come from as far away as Ely and Willow River to participate!

We had partners from a bunch of organizations and local Red Cross volunteers, including those who serve with the Minnesota Army National Guard and those who work with local community partners like Essentia Health and US Bank. And through our partnership with University of Minnesota – Duluth Athletics, we had nine football players who volunteered. The students did an amazing job interacting with the around 40 military kids and their parents.

Our football volunteers ran games outside and tasked kids identifying who built up others, who were supporting their fellow participants, hyping up their friends as well as kids they did not know.  When the end of the event came and it was time to give out special prizes, the football players called kids one by one and shared what they had done to be selected – ranging from “you helped your little brother” to “you were cheering for everyone!” A big part of work like this is to make sure military families feel connected and supported by each other and the community.  The UMD football players were 100% that. 

Our favorite picture is the compilation above when our Regional Service to the Armed Forces Director (SAF), Jeff Kazel gave a young man the final ‘grand prize.’ After, the young man shook the hand of each and every one of the football players.  It was very sweet, and we think a couple of them might have got a little ‘dusty’ from it.

P.S. Much, much thanks to Red Cross volunteer Julie M. for tracking down some great giveaway prizes and to 148th Fighter Wing Family readiness leader Suzy H. for wanting to get this going in the Northland.