Story by Cassi McCarrick, Communications Volunteer

With 34 years of service and more than 60 pins on her lanyards, Lisbeth (Beth) Patrick is a “decorated” American Red Cross volunteer.

What started as a simple CPR and first aid class for a local Girl Scout troop in 1988, turned into a lifetime commitment as a volunteer and instructor.

“I love helping people and being there to support the team in every aspect of the Red Cross. It’s a valuable and personal experience you never forget,” said Patrick.

Beth began her volunteer work as a member of the Tampa Bay Chapter. After she became an AED, CPR and first aid instructor, she would teach classes statewide which introduced her to the Red Cross tradition of collecting pins that represented various chapters and programs.

From Florida, Beth branched out across the country, where she continued to volunteer in New Jersey, California and Arizona -- and continued collecting pins -- while helping with emergency sheltering, teaching classes and driving emergency response vehicles to community outreach events. She is now back in the Tampa Bay area as a member of the staff services lodging team.

Her roles and travels have yielded a collection of pins in different shapes, colors and patterns, which over the years represent the cultures and landscape of large and small chapters, regions and states.

"It was a fun hobby in the early years of volunteering and still is, as no two regions are the same, or have similar pins,” added Patrick.  She plans to donate her collection to the Red Cross National Archive in Washington DC in the future.

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