For Connie Abrams, service has always come naturally. After a lengthy career in customer care that included banking, accounts receivable, and purchasing, retirement didn’t slow her down. Instead, she saw it as an opportunity to give back in a new way.

Raised with a deep sense of community, Connie has always believed in the power of helping others and was continuously seeking ways to give back. In May 2024, she found another way: volunteering with the American Red Cross. Since then, she has taken on many roles, such as a Blood Drive Donor Ambassador, Board Committee Member, Disaster Action Team Service Associate, and Recruitment Team Member. Whether assisting with blood drives, responding to disasters, or helping recruit new volunteers, Connie embraces every opportunity to serve.

For Connie, Black History Month is more than a month—it’s a lifestyle. “I highlight it 365 and sometimes 366 days a year,” she says. To her, it’s not just about reflecting on the past; it’s about ensuring that the contributions and presence of Black Americans remain acknowledged and celebrated every day.

One of the challenges Connie faces as a volunteer is the realization that she can’t do everything alone. The community's needs are substantial, and while the Red Cross provides vital relief, there are always more ways to help. This is why Connie collaborates with various non-profits and agencies, ensuring that people in need are connected with the additional resources they deserve.

Connie’s advice for those looking to make a difference is simple: “Be willing to serve and keep getting up.” It’s a reminder that every act can have a lasting impact, no matter how small. Through her dedication and service, Connie is not just honoring Black history—she’s actively shaping it, one act of kindness at a time.

Volunteers constitute about 90% of our workforce and make it possible to respond to an average of 65,000 disasters yearly, most of them home and apartment fires. Find out how you can make a difference by searching volunteer opportunities today at redcross.org/volunteer.