PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas is partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Pine Bluff to help local children learn lifesaving skills and disaster preparedness through engaging, interactive presentations.

Over the past several months, Red Cross volunteers have delivered eight preparedness programs at two Boys & Girls Club locations in Pine Bluff, reaching 189 children through a combination of Prepare with Pedro, Be Red Cross Ready, and Hands-Only CPR presentations.

The programs are designed to teach children and families how to stay safe before, during and after emergencies while building confidence and resilience. The response from students has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Every time I show up, the kids always ask, 'When is Pedro coming back?'" said Stephen Edwards, community disaster program specialist for the American Red Cross Greater Arkansas Chapter. 

Pedro, the Red Cross's beloved animated penguin mascot, is the star of the organization's disaster preparedness program for children in kindergarten through second grade. Through stories, games and interactive activities, Pedro helps young learners understand important safety topics such as home fires, floods and tornadoes in a way that is fun and approachable.

For Red Cross volunteer Doug Isanhart, who often brings PEDRO to life, the excitement children show each visit is unforgettable.

"I am one of the Pedros for the Little Rock chapter," Isanhart said. "Another person travels with me and presents disaster readiness to the children. The youngsters go crazy when they see Pedro. Hugging, high fives, everything all around.”

One presentation in Pine Bluff created a memorable moment when the costume batteries began to fail near the end of the program.

"I whispered to my handler what was going on and headed for the exit," Isanhart recalled with a laugh. "The kids chased after me! Decorum was restored, and I made it to the changing room."

Beyond the fun and excitement, Red Cross volunteers say the program helps children tackle serious topics while feeling safe and engaged.

"Prepare with Pedro is a great Red Cross program," said volunteer Greg Stansell. "The way it is set up is very approachable for children. The kids really get into the story and love to participate. They also love Pedro."

Stansell noted that children are often so excited to interact with the penguin that it can become the biggest challenge of the presentation.

"Depending on the group, the hardest thing about presenting tornadoes, fires and floods is their desire to hug on, dance with and love on Pedro," he said. "Which is a very good thing."

According to Stansell, that connection helps children absorb important preparedness messages and share them with others.

"The kids can tackle a really hard subject, their safety and the safety of their friends and families, and still have a great time learning due to Pedro," he said. "We've heard after-action reports that they really do talk to their families about what they have heard. It is a really helpful program."

The American Red Cross continues to work with community partners like the Boys & Girls Club to educate children and families about emergency preparedness, helping create safer and more resilient communities across Arkansas.

For more information about the Red Cross Prepare with Pedro program and other preparedness resources, visit redcross.org/preparewithpedro.