On the evening of Sept. 26, the Hawaii Red Cross prepared members of the Pahoa Boys and Girls Club for disasters via special Red Cross Pillowcase Project presentations in light of recent tropical storms and the ongoing Kilauea lava threat.
On the evening of Sept. 26, the Hawaii Red Cross prepared members of the Pahoa Boys and Girls Club for disasters via special Red Cross Pillowcase Project presentations in light of recent tropical storms and the ongoing Kilauea lava threat.
The Red Cross Pillowcase Project is part of a national pilot program in schools, after-school programs and other youth programs to teach students in grades 3-5 and their families how to prepare for disasters.
The Pillowcase Project curriculum is structured by three core principles: Learn, Practice and Share.
Students learn about hazards, how to prepare for emergencies, enhance coping skills, practice what they have learned and share their knowledge with friends and family. The program emphasizes the importance of developing an emergency communications plan, fire evacuation plan and emergency contact cards.
The program also teaches students how to create their own emergency supply kits by packing essential items in a pillowcase for easy transport during an emergency. Students also have the opportunity to decorate and personalize their pillowcases.
Created in New Orleans, the Pillowcase Project was inspired by the story of local university students carrying their belongings in pillowcases during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Through the program, the Red Cross aims to incorporate preparedness education into elementary school and after-school curriculums nationwide.
The program is sponsored by Disney.
If you are interested in learning more, becoming a presenter or in scheduling a presentation near you, visit redcross.org/hawaii.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit humanitarian organization that provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters.
All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free.
The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others.
Your gift supports the organization’s life-saving mission in your community, across the country and around the world.
To send a contribution, mail your check to: American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816. You also can make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call (808) 739-8109.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, visit redcross.org.