Greater New York Chapter volunteers set up three tables at the East 23rd Street and 5th Avenue entrance to Madison Square Park. (Photo: Anita Salzberg)

On a beautiful early spring day, the American Red Cross in Greater New York (ARC/GNY) held an outreach event at Madison Square Park from 4 to 7 p.m, part of March Is Red Cross Month activities designed to highlight ARC/GNY's vital work helping New Yorkers prepare for emergencies and responding to disasters.

Sixteen Greater New York Chapter volunteers and eight employees staffed three tables of Red Cross materials with lifesaving class offerings in CPR, First Aid, Caregiving, Aquatics and more, as well as information on preparedness and volunteering.

Volunteers stationed around the park handed out materials and engaged passersby in conversations about Chapter activities and volunteer opportunities. Several dozen people stopped by the Red Cross tables to ask questions and get more information about classes, preparedness and volunteering.

Photo Essay:

Volunteers and employees are given a quick orientation before the Outreach begins. (Photo: Anita Salzberg)

Assistant Director, Community Outreach & Preparedness Lucy Lopez (left) and Volunteer Pauletta Brown (middle) discuss preparedness with an interested passerby. (Photo: Anita Salzberg)

Enthusiastic new volunteers Maya Elbaum and Melissa Burmester hand out Red Cross materials at one of the Park entrances. Maya (left) said she was enjoying the day and was looking forward to seeing where she fits in as a volunteer. Melissa called Red Cross “…one of the best-run non-governmental agencies.” (Photo: Anita Salzberg)

New Chapter volunteer and former construction worker Joe English said of his day in the park, “Helping people is one of the greatest things to do.” (Photo: Anita Salzberg)