By Noreen Walton, American Red Cross volunteer

Nigel Carter, December 2021 Volunteer of the Month for Orange County, is accustomed to using his skillset in multiple life scenarios. As an employee at Disneyland - The Happiest Place on Earth - Nigel connects with individuals and families as they enjoy the theme park experience and escape the reality of day-to-day life. In his work with Red Cross, Nigel also uses his skills to provide care and comfort when meeting individuals and families whose reality has been deeply changed by personal disaster.  

Nigel’s Red Cross story begins five years ago. While working on his Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification for the city of Costa Mesa, Nigel attended a presentation by the Red Cross. He learned he could put his CERT training to immediate and good use as a Red Cross volunteer and signed on. Five years later, Nigel continues to grow his leadership skills, currently serving as Duty Officer for the Disaster Action Team (DAT) and as a lead with the Regional Application Support Team (RAST). He recently coordinated chapter teams throughout the region, updating points of contact, facility surveys, and shelter facility agreements for 200 shelters.

Nigel is proud of the work he does with Red Cross and credits his fellow volunteers for his success. “The best thing about volunteering with Red Cross are the people I work with. They have such compassion for the mission.”  Nigel recognizes the impact of the COVID pandemic on Red Cross volunteers and their clients.  “COVID has really made it hard for many of us.  We miss that face-to-face contact and the psychological support that comes from being there in person with people who need our support.”

When asked to describe a moment that sums up his work with Red Cross, Nigel explains there is no single event that stands out in his mind.  “Every time I see the devastation out there, and the support we are able to provide, is a ‘Red Cross moment’ for me.”

Nigel’s message to potential Red Cross volunteers is much like the message he heard five years ago at his CERT training. “Because our world is always changing, we are always learning. There is something for everybody in Red Cross and your talents are needed now.”

To learn more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, please visit redcross.org/volunteer.