A Holiday Movie Cameo

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

"Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends."

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

"Is this toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association?"

This time of year, I find that I frequently quote holiday movies in normal conversation. Do you have a favorite holiday movie?

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I have a list of movies that I traditionally watch every year and find it's a great way to get in the holiday spirit. The list includes old classic like It's a Wonderful Life, cartoons like Frosty the Snowman, and more recent comedies like ELF. My absolute favorite holiday movie though is White Christmas. This 1954 film is a musical about two successful entertainers, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who put on a show at an inn in Vermont with two sisters. The inn is owned by their beloved World War II commanding officer, General Waverly. There's a lot more to the story, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't seen it! 

While watching the movie recently, I noticed something I hadn't before. In the beginning scenes, when Wallace and Davis are serving in the Army in Europe, you can see a Red Cross vehicle in the background! 

I've read the history of the Red Cross, but not specifically the World War II time period. So, I paused the movie and did some research. Here are some facts that I discovered about the American Red Cross during WWII:

• More than 104,000 nurses were recruited by the American Red Cross to serve in military hospitals both in the U.S. and overseas
• 27 million packages were prepared for American and Allied prisoners of war
• Over 300,000 tons of supplies were shipped overseas
• At the military's request, the Red Cross initiated a national blood program that collected 13.3 million pints of blood for use by the armed forces
• 78 Red Cross workers died while serving their country overseas during the war

Although I wasn't expecting this "cameo" by the Red Cross when watching White Christmas, I'm so glad it inspired me to learn more about the history of service that Red Cross volunteers have provided in the past. It made me even more thankful for the many volunteers who are continuing this tradition today.

Holiday Cheer for Walter Reed Families

By Dana Ayers, Volunteer Contributor

Two Saturdays ago, I spent the afternoon with ladies from the local Red Cross Tiffany Circle chapter as they wrapped gifts for families spending Christmas at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. 

The Tiffany Circle is a society of women leaders and philanthropists who invest a minimum of $10,000 annually to the Red Cross. This particular chapter appeared to be going above and beyond that requirement, and had joined forces with Operation Covert Santa for the third year in a row. Operation Covert Santa’s mission is to find out what the families of wounded service members at Walter Reed need for the holiday and then match donors to supply those needs anonymously. The donors do not know the families’ identities, and the families do not know the donors.  It really is like the gifts just come from Santa. 

One of the Tiffany Circle chapter chairs, Dale Koepenick, is actually friends with "Husky Elf," the founder of Operation Covert Santa, and this is how the chapter got involved. This year, the chapter supported four different families. “The Tiffany Circle has just been super in supporting this project and it just proves it’s better to give than to receive,” Dale shared.

And give these ladies do. Beyond the Tiffany Circle member requirements, the DC chapter focuses efforts in three other areas: 

• Social Service (like Operation Covert Santa and giving Bubbles Salon makeovers twice a year to ladies living at Walter Reed)
• Socials (like participating in an annual gala where distinguished woman warriors are honored)
• And Preparedness and Education (like organizing CPR training for Circle members)

The gift wrapping party was held at the home of Vicki Iseman, one of the chapter members. She had laid out a wonderful spread of noshes and everything needed for wrapping. Dale began the event by reading the details of each of the families they were providing for.

While Husky Elf keeps the names of the families private, he does share a little about what they are facing. So, one by one, Dale read the details of the four recipients. Recipients like the US Army helicopter mechanic who sustained a serious spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and other injuries while serving in Afghanistan. He, his wife, and his four year old son were all getting gifts from Covert Santa, thanks to the Tiffany Circle.

After the descriptions were all read, the ladies dove in to wrap the gifts.        

Everyone was so happy to be able to provide in some way. “I’ve been privileged to support the men and women who serve our country and it’s my hope that we provide some comfort during this season for people who’ve  given so much to us,” Vicki said.

Not surprisingly, the group had gone above and beyond the list of requests and a member also secured a generous donation of jewelry sets from Stella and Dot as an added holiday surprise for all the female members of the families. 

As I got ready to leave, I got to see the line of gifts that were being shuttled to Dale's car for delivery to Husky. Thanks to these women, four more families trying to celebrate the holidays from a hospital room will at least get everything on their wish list and hopefully feel some of the magic of the holiday season. Just one more way the Red Cross supports our nation’s service members.

Visit the Red Cross in the National Capital Region for more information on the DC Tiffany Circle.

For more information on Operation Covert Santa, please contact Mary Jo Hoskyns at mary.hoskyns@redcross.org. 

National Flashlight Day

Turning the Lights on for Safety

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

Today marks National Flashlight Day. This holiday serves as a reminder to us all to always have a flashlight ready in our home. Spread the word about Flashlight Day so that family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers are also reminded about this preparedness item. 

Take some time today to make sure everyone in your family knows where the flashlights are kept in your home. I keep one under the kitchen sink. It's also a good time to make sure your flashlight has working batteries and, ideally, a set of handy spare ones, too. This is a great way to demonstrate emergency preparedness.

As Squiggy taught us in her December in a Nutshell post, it's always safer to use a flashlight rather than a candle during a power outage. 

December 21st also marks the first official day of winter, the Winter Solstice. Most people know this as the shortest day of the year. But this also means that it's the longest night of the year, so there's plenty of time to test our your flashlight in the dark!

If you don't have a flashlight, you can find one at a hardware sore or department store. They also make great gifts if you're still working on your holiday shopping! 

Take a look at the other Red Cross recommended items for your preparedness kits. 

#TBT | Teaming Up for Red Cross

1953 marked the beginning of a new program of participation by the sports world in Red Cross activities. In this August article from a local Arlington newspaper, we've learned that this specific baseball game, hosted in the Nation's Capital, benefited the Red Cross Blood Donor Campaign and kicked off a nationwide program to raise funds for this program through sports. 

Today, sports teams continue to show their support for the American Red Cross and many of its services, from blood donor awareness to disaster services and emergency preparedness. Recently, we excitedly announced a new partnership with the Washington Wizards, who is supporting our chapter and spreading disaster preparedness and awareness through a Red Cross night on January 22nd. We hope you'll usher in the new year and this new partnership by coming out to the game! 

December in a Nutshell

Strike a Light But Not a Fire

By Squiggy the Squirrel

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is to cuddle up with a good book on the couch, enjoy a cup of hazelnut hot chocolate, and light my favorite cinnamon-scented candle. Something I always keep in mind though is that candles are fire, and that means I have to take certain safety steps.

Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, or another holiday this month, you'll probably use a candle at some point. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, December is the peak month for fires caused by candles. During this month, 13% of home candle fires start with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year. Therefore, from your favorite squirrel, here are some tips to make sure your holidays are bright but also safe:

Keep candles a safe distance (about 12 inches) from anything that can burn. This includes paper, plastic, towels, blankets, curtains, clothing, etc. It's also best to keep candles out of bedrooms or any place where you might accidentally fall asleep while they're lit.

Do not leave a burning candle unattended. If you're leaving a room, extinguish all candles. This also applies to when you're going to sleep. About half of all home candle fire deaths occur between midnight and 6am.

Watch out for children and pets. Small children and pets can easily knock over a candle by accident, so it's best to avoid lighting candles when they're in the room.

Use a candleholder. If you do use candles, make sure they're in a sturdy metal, glass, or ceramic holder like the ones in the picture above.

Don't use them as tree decorations. If you have a Christmas tree, don't use lit candles as decorations. It's very dangerous.

During an emergency, use a flashlight. If there's a power failure, it's much safer to use a flashlight or other battery-powered light rather than a lit candle.

Avoid when medical oxygen is present. Never use a candle in a situation where medical oxygen is in use. This combination could lead to a very large fire.

Share the knowledge! Many people use candles during the holidays, so while you're spreading cheer, also share these safety tips. If you want to learn more, you can check out more candle safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration as well as these holiday fire safety tips from the Red Cross.

Happy Holidays!

xo,

Squiggy

Volunteer Profile | Karen Holmes

Soldier of the Year

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

Who: Karen Holmes

What: The State Guard Association of the United States (SGUAS) recently named Karen Holmes, a volunteer member of the Maryland State Defense Force and volunteer for the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, as "Soldier of the Year." This impressive honor is given to a SGUAS member who has performed commendable service.

When: The award ceremony was held as part of the Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA) National Symposium & Expo on October 19th. 

Where: Charleston, South Carolina

Why: Karen has been a volunteer member of the Maryland Defense Force since 2011, working in support of the Maryland National Guards within the Chaplain's Unit as well as with the Honor Guards and Morale Welfare and Recreation Department.

The Maryland Defense Force is a volunteer uniformed state military agency and one of the 24 State Defense Forces authorized by Congress and the state legislatures. It's primary mission is to provide professional, technical, and military support to the Maryland Army National Guard, the Maryland Air National Guard, and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. Karen was also recently named as "Soldier of the Year" by the Maryland State Guard Association and the Maryland Defense Force in December 2012 and has been selected to go to the DSCA Symposium to represent the state of Maryland.

The award was nevertheless a complete surprise to Karen, who did not learn about it until the Symposium's black tie event. She was surprised and honored. "When you're going up against 23,000 other soldiers from 21 State Defense Force Units in the country, I really was just like 'Wow'... it took a few weeks to sink in," said Karen. 

In addition to her work with the Maryland Defense Force, Karen has been a volunteer with the American Red cross in the National Capital Region since 2008 where she serves as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) lead and assists with mass care for Montgomery County. For several years, Karen has also volunteered with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Prince George's County, Maryland.

During this holiday season of giving, it's so wonderful to hear about people like Karen who give wholeheartedly back to their community. Thank you, Karen, for your outstanding service and congratulations on your well-deserved award!

Winter Weather Tips So You Don’t End Up “Frozen”

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor 

Has anyone else seen the movie Frozen? If you haven't, I highly recommend it. The movie has lovable characters (especially Olaf the Snowman), an exciting story, and beautiful music (I still can't stop listening to "Let it Go"). Without giving away too much, the story is about two sisters, Anna and Elsa, who are princesses of the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa was born with magical powers that allow her to create ice and snow. One day she accidentally causes the entire kingdom to become completely frozen and trapped in an eternal winter. This leaves quiet a few people unhappy and very cold! 

The kingdom's citizens may have had an easier time coping with their icy city if there had been a Red Cross of Arendelle to provide winter weather tips! Below are some safety tips that I would have delivered to Arendelle to keep everyone safe and warm:

Bundle up and wear practical footwear. When outside, wear warm but loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Don't forget gloves and a hat (ideally one that covers your ears). Wear waterproof boots that will keep your feet dry and will prevent you from slipping. Kristoff makes a great example with his winter gear.

Avoid travel. Driving when there is sleet, freezing rain, snow, or fog can be treacherous. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your car (of if you live in Arendelle, your sleigh). 

Stay informed. Watch TV (The Weather Channel, local news channels), listen to the radio (NOAA Weather Radio), or use Twitter for updates from the National Weather Service. 

Run water occasionally. Running water occasionally, even at a trickle, can help prevent your pipes from freezing.

Keep the temperature consistent. This may surprise you, but keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. Changing the temperature frequently can increase the chance of pipes freezing or bursting.

If needed, go to a shelter. If your home loses power or heat during an extended period of freezing temperatures, go to a designated public shelter (like the castle). 

Help others. Check in on people who may require special assistance, such as the elderly neighbors, people you know who live alone, people with disabilities, and families with young children. 

Befriend a snowman or a reindeer. Olaf and Sven end up being very helpful companions!

With snowfall already hitting the DC area, these tips will  may come in handy! To learn more, check out additional winter weather safety tips from the Red Cross. 

And if you're not a fan of winter, just think warm - 6 months to summer!

Giving on This Tuesday

#GivingTuesday

By Corey Welcher, Volunteer Contributor

This month kicks off the winter season for demonstrating good will towards our fellow man. We hear it in the marketing for holiday sales, in social media, on the news, in our places of worship, and schools. To many people, "giving" means to provide someone else with money, a helping hand, food, clothing, shoes, and so on. A virtuous thought, but making time to give can be difficult in the hustle and bustle of the season. Luckily, thanks to an idea called "Giving Tuesday," considering others is much easier and fun, too!

Today is Giving Tuesday, the second year for what is considered the National Philanthropy Day in the United States. On this exciting day, people like you, businesses, and organizations raise awareness for causes they believe in by donating money, organizing hands-on community events, and providing resources to help you stay in the spirit of giving throughout the year. Last year, over 2,500 businesses and organizations participated and so far there are at least 5,400 in the U.S. and across the world. The word is out - giving is IN.

I'm excited about this day and invite you to think about giving a little differently this year. Giving is not just about money. Money is tight for many people this year. If you're not able to contribute financially to a cause, contribute your time by spreading the word about your favorite cause. Get other people interested! This is a day to take time to give back to your community in a variety of ways. We will see positive changes in our community by taking just a little time to consider someone other than ourselves today. You can do it. Get out there and start giving!

Pick a cause: What cause is close to your heart?

Spread the word - tell your friends about a cause that matters to you.  Post some information and a website link on your social media networks. Talk about it at lunch, over coffee with friends, and at dinner with your family. Volunteer.

Check out the #GivingTuesday website, which has a lot of ideas and causes to get you thinking about how you can contribute to your community in a positive way.  Join the movement and happy giving!