PITTSBURGH – Martin Luther King Jr. was a man renowned for his generosity and courage.  Now, you can join the Foster Grandparent Program of Southwestern Pennsylvania in honoring Dr. King through your own generosity.

The Foster Grandparent Program is asking all of its volunteers – as well as other Senior Corps volunteers and the general public – to offer a canned good donation any time between now and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 19, 2009.

Simply drop off any canned goods at the Foster Grandparent Program office, located in the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter’s headquarters at 225 Blvd. of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh.  Then, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Foster Grandparent Program will present all collected items to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

“Our Foster Grandparents are such generous individuals who do so much good in the community, that this canned food drive is a natural fit,” said Michael Parker, Director of the Foster Grandparent Program of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  “This is a great opportunity for anyone in the area to show their generosity this holiday season.”

Sponsored by the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, the Foster Grandparent Program – a federal grant program – gives income-eligible seniors age 60-or-over the opportunity to serve as role models for children and adolescents who are considered special need, exceptional and/or at-risk.

Typically, Foster Grandparents work up to 20 hours per week in schools, homes, hospitals, drug treatment centers, Head Start Programs and similar facilities. Foster Grandparents work directly with these children, helping them with homework, playing games and teaching them important life lessons.  Foster Grandparents are not asked to house or live with these children.

For more information about the canned food drive or the Foster Grandparent Program, call 412-263-3168 or email ParkerMic@usa.redcross.org.

• Tuesday, Dec. 2 (8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) - Adult CPR/AED. Pittsburgh Location. $40

• Thursday, Dec. 4 (8 a.m. to noon) - First Aid. Pittsburgh Location. $35

• Saturday, Dec. 6  (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) - Standard First Aid with Adult CPR/AED. Pittsburgh Location. $55

• Saturday, Dec. 6 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - Adult, Child & Infant CPR/AED. Washington Location. $45

• Tuesday, Dec. 9  (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) - Standard First Aid with Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED. Pittsburgh Location. $60

• Tuesday, Dec. 9 (5:30 to 10 p.m.) - Adult CPR/AED. Uniontown Location. $35

• Tuesday, Dec. 9 (5:30 to 10 p.m.) and Wednesday, Dec. 10 (5:30 to  9:30 p.m.) -  Standard First Aid with Adult CPR/AED; both sessions must be completed for certification. Uniontown Location. $50

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.) - First Aid. Uniontown Location. $35

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 (5:30 to 10 p.m.) and Thursday, Dec. 11 (5:30 to  9:30 p.m.) -  Standard First Aid with Adult CPR/AED; both sessions must be completed for certification. Washington Location.  $50

• Wednesday, Dec. 10 (5:30 to 10 p.m.) - Adult CPR/AED. Washington Location. $35

• Thursday, Dec. 11  (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) - Standard First Aid with Adult CPR/AED. Pittsburgh Location. $55

• Thursday, Dec. 11 (5:30 to 9:30 p.m.) - First Aid. Washington Location. $35

• Saturday, Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) - Standard First Aid with Adult CPR/AED. Uniontown Location. $50

• Tuesday, Dec. 16 (6 to 10:30 p.m.) - Adult CPR/AED. Pittsburgh Location. $40

• Thursday, Dec. 18 (6-10 p.m.) - First Aid. Pittsburgh Location. $35

• Thursday, Dec. 18 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) - CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. Pittsburgh Location. $75

PITTSBURGH - The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Southwestern Pennsylvania, meaning snow and ice could make driving dangerous. Are you prepared? Taking appropriate precautions can help keep you and your family safe driving winter weather.

The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter recommends staying inside and avoiding driving if at all possible when winter weather creates hazardous road conditions.  However, if you have to head out, keep in mind the following safety tips.

General Travel

• Tell another individual your destination and planned route so that if you get stuck, help can be sent.

• Fill up gas tank before weather hits, and don’t let the gas level approach empty

• Keep an ear tuned to the radio for the latest road conditions and weather forecasts.  A storm WATCH means a storm is possible in your area; a storm WARNING means a storm is headed for your area.

• Drive with your headlights on.

• Keep all your windows clear of snow and ice for maximum visibility.

• Don't drive faster than you can see ahead and leave extra space between your automobile and others on the road.

• Remember bridges and overpasses usually freeze before other roads.

• Wear your seat belt.

• Bring a fully-charged cell phone and emergency phone numbers.

• Keep a disaster supplies travel kit in your vehicle containing blankets, extra warm clothes, flashlight, extra batteries, bottled water, ready to eat food, can opener, jumper cables, roadmaps, shovel, knife, tire repair kit, flares, tow rope and a bag of cat litter or sand (for traction).
  

If You Get Stranded

• According to the National Weather Service, many people die each year when they attempt to leave their vehicles during a storm to walk to safety. Instead, stranded drivers should stay with their vehicle.

• Tie a piece of cloth to the car’s antenna to signify you need help.

• If you have a cell phone and are in service range, call for help. However, use cell phone sparingly to save battery power.

• Run the engine and use the heater for 10 minutes out of every hour; keep interior lights on only while the engine is running.

• Reduce the chances of hypothermia by constantly moving your arms and legs.

“It’s always better to be prepared before a disaster strikes,” said Patricia Waldinger, CEO of the local Red Cross. “Keeping these safety tips in mind will help you be prepared for the winter weather.”

The local Red Cross is encouraging all residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania to make a “Promise to Prepare” our community by creating a family disaster plan, building a kit, getting trained and volunteering time or money.  For more information, including other safety tips, or to record your promise, visit swpa.redcross.org.

For more valuable weather information, including detailed reports on the weather in your area, visit www.weather.com or find details on winter storms at www.noaa.gov or www.fema.gov.

PITTSBURGH – A simple $1 donation at participating Wendy’s restaurants this holiday season not only allows customers to enjoy free Jr. Frostys for an entire year, it also helps the region be more prepared for disasters.

From Nov. 24 to Dec. 31, customers can buy a special key tag for $1 at participating Wendy’s locations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Then, by simply showing the key tag on subsequent visits to Wendy’s, customers will receive a free Jr. Frosty dessert as often as they wish through Dec. 31, 2009.

Wendy’s will then donate 50 percent of the proceeds of the key tag sales to the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Region and 50 percent to the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division. Last year, a grand total of $46,000 was raised through this promotion.

"We strive to keep Dave Thomas’ ideas and beliefs at the heart of the Wendy's culture,” said Jay Hambright, Field Marketing Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Division of Wendy’s International. “One thing that Dave believed was that everyone has a responsibility to give something back, to help those who can't help themselves. This key tag fund-raiser is one way of giving back to the community where we live and work."

The Red Cross will use the money collected from this promotion to help people in the region prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters.

“The Red Cross is very grateful to Wendy’s for their generosity,” said Patricia Waldinger, CEO of the local American Red Cross.  “This promotion will allow the Red Cross to continue its mission.  Without our supporters like those at Wendy’s, we would not be able to assist disaster victims the way that we do.”

The local Red Cross is encouraging all residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania to make a “Promise to Prepare” our community by creating a family disaster plan, building a kit, getting trained and volunteering time or money.  For more information, or to record your promise, visit swpa.redcross.org.

PITTSBURGH - The holiday season is upon us, and soon we will be decorating our homes, preparing delicious meals and spending time with friends and family.  While a home decorated for the holidays can be festive, it should also be safe.

During this holiday season, the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter urges residents to be cautious while decorating.  Holiday decorations can be fire hazards if they are not used correctly.  Follow these safety tips to help keep your holidays safe, happy, and peaceful this year:

• Holiday Decoration Safety Tips:

• Unplug holiday lights when leaving your home or going to sleep.

• Do not use lights to decorate metal Christmas trees.

• Use only laboratory-approved lights to decorate Christmas trees.

• Use extension cords and surge protectors when using one power source for multiple decorations.

• Place Christmas trees away from heat sources, fireplaces and exits.

• Do not let stockings or other directions hang too low over fireplaces; if stockings are near the flame itself, they become a fire hazard.

• Water Christmas trees daily so that they do not become dry, which is another fire hazard.

• Avoid using decorative candles when possible. Instead, consider battery operated candles, some of which even have the look and feel of real candles. (According to the National Fire Prevention Association, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the most common days of the year for fires started by candles).

• If using candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn including decorations, wreaths, dried flowers, etc.

• Never leave candles lit in an unattended room.

Disasters can strike at any time, so the key to being safe is being prepared. Your  local Red Cross is encouraging all residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania to make a “Promise to Prepare” our community by creating a family disaster plan, building a kit, getting trained and volunteering time or money.  For more information, or to record your promise, visit swpa.redcross.org.

• Saturday, Nov. 15 (8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) - Standard First Aid and Adult CPR/AED, Chapter Headquarters, 225 Blvd. of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh. $55.

• Tuesday, Nov. 18 (8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) - Standard First Aid and Adult CPR/AED, Chapter Headquarters, 225 Blvd. of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh. $55.

• Tuesday, Nov. 18 (6 p.m - 10:30 p.m.) - Adult CPR/AED, Chapter Headquarters, 225 Blvd. of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh. $40.

• Thursday, Nov. 20 (6-10 p.m.) - First Aid, Chapter Headquarters, 225 Blvd. of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh. $35.

• Thursday, Nov. 20 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) - CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Chapter Headquarters, 225 Blvd. of the Allies in Downtown Pittsburgh. $75

• Saturday, Nov. 22 (9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.) - Adult CPR/AED, Jefferson Regional Medical Canter Health Pavilion, 1000 Higbee Rd. in Bethel Park. $45.

PITTSBURGH – The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter is partnering with Jefferson Regional MedicalCenter to make getting trained in lifesaving skills more convenient than ever for residents of the South Hills.

Jefferson Regional Medical Center will host a Red Cross Adult CPR/AED class at its Health Pavilion – located at 1000 Higbee Rd. in Bethel Park – on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“By holding this class at the Jefferson Regional Medical Center’s Health Pavilion, we are making lifesaving training available at a wonderful facility in a convenient location,” said Ann Walton, Director of Health and Safety for the local Red Cross.  “We hope this will encourage the community to come out and get trained. Learning CPR could help you save the life of a loved one.”

Cost of the class is $45 per person. To register or for more information, call 412-263-3193 or visit swpa.redcross.org.

Additional Health & Safety Training: The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter trains nearly 50,000 people each year in CPR/AED, First Aid, Lifeguard Training, Babysitter’s Training and other lifesaving skills.

The local Red Cross regularly holds classes at its headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh as well as its branch office locations in Uniontown and Washington. Additionally, Red Cross-trained instructors frequently teach these lifesaving skills at area businesses, community organizations and municipalities.

For a complete schedule, to register for a class or for information on hosting Red Cross training at your office, call 412-263-3193 or visit swpa.redcross.org.

PITTSBURGH – As Veteran’s Day approaches, the minds of many Americans turn to the military, both veterans who have served our country proud and our servicemen and servicewomen currently defending our freedom.

There’s no better way to say “thanks” for the sacrifices made by our military than by becoming a Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteer with the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter.

“I’m a proud and patriotic American. I’m proud to support our troops,” said Christine Span, a SAF volunteer with the local Red Cross. “Over the years, several members of my family have served in the military. This is my way of giving back to them, and to all service members.”

While not as well-known as Red Cross disaster response services, the SAF program is extremely valuable to military families. Any time a local military family has an emergency – such as a death, illness or birth in the family – getting that message to loved ones serving abroad in the Armed Forces can be difficult. Thankfully, local families can turn to the Red Cross, which can relay that message.

Military families simply call the local Red Cross for help; SAF volunteers within the chapter confirm the incident, then get in touch with Red Cross representatives embedded with the military abroad, who then relay the message to the appropriate military personnel. Often, that process can allow a serviceman or servicewoman the chance to arrange for leave to be home with their families for a funeral, birth, etc.  The SAF Program also offers 24-hour support and counseling to these military families.

Last year, through the SAF program, the local Red Cross helped nearly 600 local families communicate with a loved one in the military during times of crisis. However, it is only through the dedication of volunteers that the Red Cross is able to provide this service 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

“This time of year we think of our veterans and military personnel currently serving our country,” said Pauline Duncan, Coordinator of the local chapter’s Service to the Armed Forces and International programs. “Becoming a SAF volunteer with the Red Cross is a great way to say thanks. By doing this, you can directly help these brave men and women. Anyone interested in this volunteer opportunity should give me a call.”

Veterans’ Day (Tuesday, Nov. 11), is the ideal time to do just that. SAF volunteers answer calls from local families concerning important news they would like relayed to a loved one in the military. SAF volunteers then validate and process this information utilizing a global network of Red Cross staff and volunteers. Given that these conversations may take place during highly-emotional situations, SAF volunteers should be compassionate and have excellent communication skills.

If you are interested in becoming an SAF volunteer, please contact Pauline Duncan of your local Red Cross at 412-263-3137. All trainings are free and registration is required. Volunteers will be asked to provide references and to complete a background check.  For more information, visit swpa.redcross.org.