March is Red Cross Month
Scrubby Bear
Florham Park resident Joanne Greene Tobias is a health and safety instructor for the Colonial Crossroads Chapter and often presents the Red Cross Scrubby Bear Hand Washing Program to local children.
Greene Tobias says, “I’m delighted to be a part of the Scrubby Bear program. The program teaches young children how to properly wash their hands with soap and water, as well as to make hand washing a part of their daily routine.” Despite its simplicity, frequent hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent colds and respiratory illnesses like the flu according to the Centers for Disease Control. The most common way people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or eyes after touching someone or something that is contaminated with the cold virus. Many illnesses can be prevented, especially among children, merely by stopping the spread of germs.
Greene Tobias was a Language Arts teacher in Jersey City for 25 years, so addressing young children comes naturally to her. In addition to her career in education, she also served as a crew chief in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 14 years. Although she enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, Greene Tobias was repeatedly called for active duty service and was deployed all over the world. “While serving overseas, anytime there was a disaster or crisis I would see the Red Cross relief workers and emergency vehicles and it reminded me of home. It was a good feeling,” says Greene Tobias. After retiring from her teaching position, Greene Tobias wanted to give back to the community and felt the American Red Cross was a natural fit. “I love teaching children and they really enjoy the Scrubby Bear Hand Washing program. It’s simple but extremely effective and I think it can make a difference in helping young children stay well,” adds Greene Tobias. Jonathan Tobias and twins Jacqueline and Jordan Ann are also fans of Scrubby.
