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| Red Cross ERV driver Dave, Tuxedo resident, Gary, and St. Louis Area Chapter Regional CEO, Cindy Erickson |
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| Mickey Mouse brings smiles all around. |
They say New Yorkers are tough. As a former New Yorker (as a resident; I am very proud of “my born on date” as good old St. Louis), I believe this to be true. However, my deployment to New York City and upstate showed me that New Yorkers are more than tough. They are resilient.
On Saturday, September 3rd, Brad and Dave (who were also New Yorkers) let me and another staff member tag along to help with their dinner route in the Red Cross ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle). The route took us to Tuxedo, NY (about an hour North of NYC) to distribute hot meals, water, snacks, the occasional Mickey Mouse and much needed hugs and words of encouragement.
What we quickly learned was that the residents of Tuxedo looked forward to Brad and Dave’s meal visit. For many, this was the only time they took a break from hours of cleaning to rest, eat, and rejuvenate, just to get at it again. As we drove down the street, Dave would announce on the loud speaker in an Italian accent…… “Hi Everyone…the Red Cross is back and we have your grandma’s delicious pasta recipe for dinner; come join us”. Each resident was greeted by name and they in turn knew Brad’s and Dave’s.
As I got introduced to Brad and Dave’s new friends, many residents had tears in their eyes and were thanking the Red Cross for being here. As I experienced this, I knew that I was in the midst of something very special. Neighbors helping and caring for their fellow neighbors. It was a beautiful thing.
Let me share two stories about the photos. Meet ERV driver Dave and the other gentleman is Tuxedo resident, Gary. Gary lives along the Rumapo River and got a call from a friend saying the dam just broke. Gary and his wife ran through the house grabbing their keepsakes. Within 2 minutes, the water was pouring into their house and quickly rose above their knees. As they waded out of the house, they found their car already submerged in water. Luckily they made it to safe ground. As they looked back at their home, the water was now up to the middle of their front window.
The second picture is priceless. As the ERV was making its way down the street a little boy came running up alongside the ERV – kind of like kids do when they are chasing the ice cream truck. I hollered out to Dave to stop as I was concerned for the little guy’s safety. I asked him if he was hungry and with his sweet face he just shook his head yes. I asked him if he was thirsty and again a nod. I then asked if he knew who Mickey was and he smiled real big and gave me the head shake. As I handed him a Mickey Mouse doll, he gave it the biggest hug I’ve ever seen.
I am so glad that Dave and Brad are Red Cross volunteers and were there to be a bright light in the middle of an awful situation for these families. In total, the St. Louis Chapter had about 40 volunteers and staff deployed to the East Coast. We have built the capacity to send trained volunteers because of the support from you, the investment from the Greater St. Louis United Way and from many others in our community. Thank you for supporting your fellow neighbors! If you’d like to learn more about the recent Red Cross response, please visit the
Disaster Online Newsroom.
Cindy
Cindy Erickson is the Regional CEO of the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.