By Joe Gutierrez, American Red Cross volunteer

Poorvi Saini has been an American Red Cross volunteer since 2016, first as a high schooler in San Diego, through college and even as she makes plans to go on to medical school.

As a member of the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Hero Care regional management lead for the Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties, she volunteers every day, Monday through Saturday.

That selfless dedication led to Poorvi’s fellow team members recognizing her commitment in supporting the military community. This ultimately led to her being named the Volunteer of the Month for November.

Poorvi began her Red Cross journey in November 2016 at her school’s Red Cross Club, which offered an opportunity to attend a holiday card-making event in downtown San Diego for members of the military community.

“Since I’ve always loved art, I thought it sounded like a fun way to combine creativity with giving back to the community,” Poorvi said. “The experience was more impactful than I ever expected.”

Decorating the cards was enjoyable, but the real magic happened when she began writing heartfelt messages to veterans and active-duty service members.

“As I crafted those words of gratitude, I reflected on their immense sacrifices and contributions to our country. Knowing that a simple card could bring a smile to someone who had given so much was deeply moving,” she said. “That moment marked the start of my journey with the Red Cross, and I’ve been inspired to stay involved ever since.”

She was attracted to the nonprofit because of its focus on providing humanitarian aid to veterans and active-duty service members.

In San Diego and Riverside, areas with a significant military presence, veterans and active-duty service members face a number of challenges — transitioning to civilian life, grappling with homelessness, navigating complex family dynamics, and overcoming barriers to education and employment, she said. These social struggles are often compounded by medical issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders and limited access to healthcare.

“I felt a strong desire to contribute to the solution and to support these individuals who have given so much for others. The Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) department stood out as a place where I could make a meaningful impact,” Poorvi said. “Its mission to provide humanitarian aid and resources aligned perfectly with my own values and aspirations. The idea of being part of an organization that offers tangible help, emotional support, and advocacy to service members and their families was exactly what I was looking for.”

Her experiences as a Pathmaker intern at Palomar Health Medical Center was instrumental in shaping the skills and mindset that she said made her a good fit for the Red Cross.

“At Palomar, I was involved in a wide range of patient care tasks, but what I valued most was the opportunity to provide emotional support to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments,” she said.

Many of the patients she worked with were chronically ill and had spent months in the hospital, often feeling frustrated or anxious about their circumstances. As their primary point of contact during the day, Poorvi assisted with their clinical needs and helped them process their emotions, find hope, and stay motivated to follow their treatment plans.

“This role taught me how to connect with people on a deeper level, especially during times of uncertainty and stress — skills that translate seamlessly to my work with the Red Cross,” she said. “Just as I comforted patients at Palomar, I now support veterans and service members, ensuring they feel heard, valued and supported. My ability to remain compassionate, organized and proactive has been a great asset in both environments.”

As a volunteer, she has served in a number of roles and departments.

She started as a youth volunteer in the Volunteering Services department, participating in Service Saturdays. Her work included tasks like creating cards for current volunteers, reaching out to them via phone and email, and overseeing administrative duties. It was an excellent introduction to the behind-the-scenes work that powers the organization.

During the pandemic, she transitioned to SAF as a caseworker, handling contact card, family follow-up, and critical community services cases. Her responsibilities included informing family members of deployed active-duty service members about SAF services, following up on their satisfaction with Red Cross support, and assisting veterans in accessing essential financial and medical resources. She also connected them with other nonprofits to provide aid with healthcare costs, food, shelter and more.

As she gained experience, she stepped into the role of case management lead for the chapter, assigning cases to volunteers, ensuring timely case completion, and serving as a resource for volunteers who have questions about their cases.

“It’s a role that requires both leadership and collaboration, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to guide a team of dedicated volunteers while continuing to make a direct impact on the lives of service members and their families,” Poorvi said.

What keeps her motivated is knowing that no matter how small it may seem in the moment, the work she does can make a profound difference in someone’s life, such as helping a family reconnect with their deployed loved one during an emergency or guiding a veteran to resources that provide food and shelter.

“The gratitude I’ve received from those I’ve assisted reminds me of the importance of this work. Every phone call, every email and every case is a chance to make someone’s life a little better, and that’s an incredibly powerful motivator,” Poorvi said. “Beyond that, the collaborative and supportive culture of the Red Cross inspires me to keep growing and contributing to this mission.”

One of Poorvi’s most memorable moments came while following up with the family of a deployed active-duty service member they had helped arrange emergency leave for their loved one. She was calling to ensure their needs had been met.

“Hearing the relief and gratitude in their voice was profoundly moving. They told me how much it meant to have someone guide them through such a stressful time and expressed their deep appreciation for the Red Cross’s support,” she said. “That moment reaffirmed that I was part of an organization that truly cares — one that goes beyond providing services to offer compassion and reassurance during difficult situations. It’s moments like these that make me proud to be a Red Cross volunteer.”

She said the best thing about being a volunteer is the collaborative culture and work environment.

“The people I’ve worked with — from staff to fellow volunteers — are some of the most dedicated and compassionate individuals I’ve ever met,” Poorvi said. “Everyone brings their own unique background and skills to the table, creating a rich, collaborative environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.”

She added that what sets the Red Cross apart is its unwavering commitment to its mission.

“Every initiative, no matter how big or small, is carried out with the same level of care and dedication. Being part of such a driven and supportive organization has been an inspiring and transformative experience,” she said.

That’s the message she shares with current Red Cross volunteers.

“Keep going! Your work, even if it feels small at times, has an impact far greater than you might realize. Every phone call, every case, and every moment of effort contributes to a larger mission of hope, compassion, and service,” Poorvi said. “Trust that what you’re doing matters and that your dedication is changing lives, one act of kindness at a time.”

And what message would she give to potential Red Cross volunteers? “If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while working alongside passionate and supportive individuals, the Red Cross is the perfect place for you,” Poorvi said. “Whether you enjoy hands-on service or behind-the-scenes work, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering here has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I encourage you to take the leap — you won’t regret it.”