Today, Assemblymember Phil Steck honored the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region volunteers for their service and commitment to our community. The local Red Cross volunteers have gone above and beyond in their efforts recently by responding to an unprecedented number of natural disasters. Kevin Coffey, Red Cross Eastern New York Region CEO, and volunteers joined Assemblymember Steck at the event where he proclaimed September 14th, 2023, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region Deployed Volunteer Recognition Day.

“Last year, the dedicated volunteers of the American Red Cross provided over 550,000 service hours responding to over 3,300 disasters across New York State," said Assemblymember Steck. "In addition to serving their community, these volunteers have selflessly extended their support to others in need across the nation and around the globe. Within the past few months, the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region volunteers have responded to Hurricane Idalia in Florida, the historic flooding in Montpelier, Vermont, and the devastating wildfires on the island of Maui in Hawaii, and in Oregon and Washington States."

"Every day Red Cross volunteers are out in communities making a difference,” said Eastern New York Region CEO Kevin Coffey. “They are the backbone of our organization, bringing hope and healing when it's needed most. We are grateful that Assemblymember Steck is honoring their extraordinary work."

More than 90% of the workforce of the American Red Cross is volunteer based. While responding to disasters, the volunteers provided safe shelter, hot meals, emotional support, and recovery resources.

“Due to the dedication and selflessness of these volunteers, I am honored to proclaim today as American Red Cross Eastern New York Region Deployed Volunteer Recognition Day in the State of New York,” said Steck. “Our state is incredibly grateful for the irreplaceable and invaluable services provided by these incredible volunteers of the American Red Cross.”