By Ashley Henyan, Los Angeles Region Digital Communications Manager
Photos by Federica Brecha, Americorps Member and Red Cross Los Angeles Region Communications Coordinator
On September 16, seven Red Cross employees, volunteers, and Americorps members headed out to Disney Studios in Burbank, CA to provide life-saving emergency preparedness education to the children of Disney/ABC employees with the Disney Pillowcase project. In all, more than 100 children attended, and as parents were encouraged to stay and learn along with the group, many adults participated in the morning’s activities, too!
Disney VoluntEARS were on hand to welcome the team from the Red Cross, and they assisted Disney Pillowcase Project instructors during the presentation by happily displaying hazard maps and other visual learning aids throughout. Of course, Disney VoluntEARS also interacted with the children, who were all enjoying themselves the entire time.
Americorps Member and Red Cross Los Angeles Region Communications Coordinator, Federica Brecha photographed the event for the Red Cross Los Angeles Region’s FLICKR page . She was able to take in the big picture stating, “It was incredible to see all of the children listening, learning and participating—especially when it came time to practice breathing with color, the coping-skills component of the Disney Pillowcase project. Every child closed their eyes and breathed in a color of their choice. It was as if in that moment, every child in the room understood the importance of remaining calm, even during chaotic events like earthquakes and home fires.”
Also in attendance was Red Cross Los Angeles Region Board Chair and Director of Global Crisis Management and Business Continuity at The Walt Disney Company, Andrea Davis.
The American Red Cross has always been committed to preparing students to be ready for emergencies—big or small. And now, thanks to a grant from The Walt Disney Company, the Red Cross has taken The Disney Pillowcase Project to children across the country, with goals of teaching coping skills to help children deal with an emergency, and providing children the tips and tools necessary to be prepared for any type of emergency or disaster.
For more information on the Disney Pillowcase Project in the Los Angeles area, visit: http://preparesocal.org/pillowcase/
