By Catie Ballenger
As a retiree, John Mathews likes to travel. Often, he and his wife will vacation to places he has previously deployed as a Red Cross volunteer “to see them at their best since I have seen them at their worst.”
John has volunteered his time and talent on nearly 40 Red Cross disaster relief operations. He became a full-time volunteer in 2012 when he retired. Now he deploys several times a year.
On his most recent deployment, the 2021 California Wildfires, John served on the Community Engagement and Partnership (CEP) team. “CEP is the part of Red Cross that provides network possibilities for our governmental and non-governmental partners. Not one organization has the resources or staff to provide help to every person affected in any disaster. CEP provides a platform for faith-based groups, such as Salvation Army or Southern Baptists, to provide resources to be used by the Red Cross, local, state or national response teams,” explained John. “CEP is a ‘Force Multiplier’ in that it adds value to everything that we do with other groups.”
John volunteers and works disaster response operations with the Red Cross because he can. “Many volunteers are trained but unable to deploy due to work or family obligations. I am trained, prepared and available, John said.
“I volunteer out of a sense of compassion for those who need the resources and personal touch that I can deliver. I feel that my whole life has led me to this moment. I am a composite of all my experiences. And I’m compelled to share what God has given to me to help others in times of need.”
John can still see the faces of those impacted by the California wildfires who have lost everything. He is proud that the Red Cross is in California to help.
Volunteers like Dana and John make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce, responding to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Large disasters like the California wildfires, hurricanes, floods and tornadoes are increasing in frequency and intensity.
It’s critical to have a trained, ready volunteer workforce to make sure we can provide comfort and support to anyone who needs aid after a disaster. Join us to make a difference in our community and help someone in need after a disaster. Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer.