By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Red Cross volunteer

Chris Narayan says volunteering for the American Red Cross can make a difference in people’s lives who need it the most. He knows this firsthand, as a victim of a fire that devastated his apartment in 2012. Hope was handed to Chris by volunteers from the American Red Cross, who provided food, hot beverages and financial assistance to meet his immediate basic needs.

At that point, Chris said he vowed to become part of the organization that helped him recover from the apartment fire disaster.

Learn Chris’ American Red Cross volunteer journey:

Years of volunteer service with American Red Cross and duties: I have been volunteering with the American Red Cross for five years and I currently serve on the Delmarva Chapter board. I serve as elected official liaison for the board; I provide intake recovery for disaster areas; and I can provide media coverage and updates for the American Red Cross as needed.

I have been living in Newark, Delaware, for 28 years and I’m originally from Georgetown, Guyana. I work in legal order operations at the Bank of America, where I have worked for 27 years.

What inspired you to volunteer for the American Red Cross? My apartment building in Bear, Delaware, had a devasting fire in early 2012. A resident decided to put ashes from their fireplace onto their deck, and 19 units were destroyed in the aftermath.

The American Red Cross showed up and provided me with financial assistance to meet my basic needs and offered similar emergency assistance to others displaced by the fire. I was so touched by this group whom I had no idea at the time who they were. I was very thankful for the American Red Cross looking out for all of us. I vowed to join forces with the American Red Cross and to give back as I was given to. 

Why is it important to volunteer? It is particularly important to volunteer our time during a disaster to give support and to provide the necessary resources and supplies to our affected communities. People need our presence. They feel better when we are there with them, showing that we care. 

How have you helped people in your volunteer role for the American Red Cross? I deployed to Rolling Fork, Mississippi in April as an American Red Cross volunteer to help with disaster relief after a massive tornado hit the town and stayed on the ground for an hour and 10 minutes. This tornado left massive destruction and loss of lives. I would open a case for people displaced as a result of the tornado, and if they qualified, they would instantly receive a [debit] card preloaded with financial assistance to help during the recovery process.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about volunteering for the American Red Cross? Please join the American Red Cross in helping communities affected by fires and weather-related disasters. It is so rewarding to give back to the communities and knowing you will make an impact in people's lives. 

Is there anything else that you would like to add? Theresa Young, executive director of the Red Cross of Delmarva, has been a tremendous support to me. I call always call her when I am unsure of something.

****

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross. 90% of our workforce is volunteers.

Volunteering with the Red Cross can be an opportunity to learn new skills or use ones that you already have, from driving and loading vehicles to checking in blood donors to serving meals or offering spiritual care to people affected by disasters.

Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find out how you can support your community.