The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We rely on people on people like you to fund our work at home and abroad and to volunteer in our local chapters.

All Red Cross emergency assistance is free and supported by the voluntary contributions of the American people. Funds are raised through direct contributions and through fundraising events held throughout the year to support its services. The Red Cross in Ulster County receives United Way funding to partially fund some of its disaster services programs. Education services practices cost recovery for its first aid and CPR programs to allow charitable contributions to be utilized for its emergency programs. 

What does the Red Cross do in my community?

The Ulster County Red Cross provides:

     Disaster Relief Services: Immediate relief for disaster caused needs providing food, clothing, temporary shelter and prescription medicine.

     Armed Forces Emergency Services: Providing emergency communication for families in crisis to reach loved ones serving in the US military.

     Disaster Preparedness Education: Community education preparing families and businesses for disasters in their homes and businesses. 

     Community Referral Services: Providing information about emergency assistance in the community and how to access the service.

     Utility Assistance Programs: Casework management and administration of utility assistance through New York State Electric & Gas and KOSCO

     Blood Services: Cooperatively working the the NY Penn Regional Blood Center to increase blood collection in Ulster County.

     First Aid and CPR: Training laypersons and professionals to recognize and assist someone who is injured or suddenly ill.

     Aquatic Skills: Training Water Safety Instructors who provide swim lessons through local town recreation programs.

Who can donate blood?

Blood donors must be 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in good health.

     The Red Cross does not have the facilities or manpower to collect, store and distribute gifts in kind to disaster victims. Disaster victims are provided relief items using a client assistance debit card that allows the family to select the items they need following the disaster.
     This system allows a family to select the proper size and style of clothing, food to meet their dietary needs and specific prescription medicine. Additionally, use of the debit card for purchases at local merchants supports the economy of a disaster stricken area and enhances the community's ability to recover. Finally, it standardizes relief to assure that the Red Cross is able to provide the same level of service to each disaster victim and that it can be provided in a timely, efficient manner.

The Red Cross primarily responds to house and apartment fires and localized flooding. Additionally, the chapter is occasionally called upon to open warming centers for families who have been without power for prolonged periods of time during winter storms.