NEW YORK, August 26, 2021—The American Red Cross in Greater NY today released a podcast (available here) that features four volunteers inspired to join the Red Cross in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. In the episode, these New Yorkers recall that fateful day and recount their experiences helping others. Their stories are just a small sample of the tens of thousands who worked to provide healing and hope to fellow Americans. Each remains an active member of the Red Cross today, continuing to help those in need in their New York communities and beyond.

"We owe so much to all who gave of themselves to help our City and our nation heal,” said Mary Barneby, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York. “Two decades later, we remember the victims of that horrific day, honor all who worked together to respond, and offer our compassion to every person still grieving.”

The following Red Cross volunteers are featured in the podcast:

• Lumber-yard worker Sal Montoro of Syosset, N.Y., delivered and distributed building materials at Ground Zero in the days and weeks after the attacks. He joined the American Red Cross on Long Island in January 2002.
• Richard Sanford, a teacher from Brooklyn, N.Y, helped transport volunteers from the American Red Cross headquarters in Brooklyn to the Financial District. He joined the Red Cross on September 13, 2001.
• Carmela Grande, a Manhattan nurse, made beds at a relief center for exhausted first responders and provided a comforting presence to victims’ families. She joined the American Red Cross in Greater NY in November 2001.
• Georgine Gorra, a social worker from Brooklyn, N.Y. provided emotional support to families, first responders and fellow volunteers. She joined the American Red Cross in Greater NY on September 11, 2001. 

The third season of the American Red Cross in Greater New York podcast provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at some of the emergencies that shaped our nation and New York City over the past 20 years. Episodes—about the 2003 Northeast Blackout, 9/11, Hurricane Maria, the Miracle on the Hudson and the 2018 Paradise Wildfires, to name a few—will provide diverse testimonials from a variety of voices including first responders, volunteers, news reporters and survivors.

Episodes can be found on Podbean as well as on other major podcast platforms like iTunes, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts and Spotify by searching, “Red Cross NY.”

The next episode, about Hurricane Maria, will be released the week of September 13, 2021.

Seasons 1 and 2 of the Greater NY Red Cross podcast are available here.
 

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @redcrossny.