By Anastassia Roberts, American Red Cross intern

There is no question that volunteers are a vital component to the American Red Cross, as they make up 90% of the organization’s workforce. Without them, the Red Cross wouldn’t be able to achieve its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

One volunteer in particular has made a lasting impact on the Red Cross and her community. With over 8,000 logged hours of service, Red Cross volunteer Sarah Palmer of San Diego County is being awarded the highest U.S. President’s Volunteer Service Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her outstanding achievements and nine-year commitment to the Red Cross. “I am beyond honored,” Palmer expressed upon hearing the news.

As a Red Cross volunteer, Palmer has filled many roles such as Office Assistant, Scheduling and Engagement Lead, Stewardship volunteer, Blood Donor Ambassador, Transportation Specialist and others.

Before volunteering with the Red Cross, Palmer had over 40 years of office experience, so it’s no wonder these skills come to use in many of her roles. As an Office Assistant and Scheduling and Engagement Lead, Palmer organizes spreadsheets that are crucially important to the Donor Recruitment Department Account Representatives who schedule blood drives.

Furthermore, Palmer notifies volunteers when there is a critical need for them and is in communication with Volunteer Services when performing logistical work in Volunteer Connection, an internal platform that helps with volunteer management. “I also have the front desk phone calls come to my laptop 24/7 so that I can forward any calls that need to get to the departments, disaster specifically, in a timely manner,” Palmer mentioned. Even when she is not actively volunteering, Palmer makes herself available to ensure that the Red Cross is prepared for and notified of current disasters.

When she is not organizing spreadsheets or updating volunteer information, Palmer assists Fund Development as a Stewardship volunteer. In this role, she writes, organizes and mails thank you letters to financial donors.

In the past, Palmer performed tasks in Biomedical Services as a Blood Donor Ambassador and Transportation Specialist. As a Blood Donor Ambassador, she engaged with blood donors to ensure their comfort before following next steps including the health screening and blood draw. As a Transportation Specialist, Palmer played a crucial role in delivering lifesaving blood products from blood donation centers to local hospitals.

Palmer remembers a time in which her efforts to deliver lifesaving blood were recognized. “I was getting on the elevator at one of the hospitals with my delivery when the person who was on the elevator started crying and thanking me, saying that the blood I was bringing was for their family member who was going in for immediate surgery and needed this blood right away,” she shared. According to Palmer, this moment confirmed that she was volunteering with the right organization.

Palmer shared that one of the best parts of volunteering with the Red Cross is that she knows just how much she is welcomed and appreciated. She encourages potential volunteers to give the Red Cross a try. “Be open, welcome communication, be willing to learn, be willing to listen and you will find your place!” says Palmer.

Learn more about Red Cross volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.