During the weeks-long Hurricane Ian disaster relief operation, more than 2,800 trained American Red Cross disaster workers from across the country have been onsite supporting the operation. A disaster of this magnitude requires a team effort.
Prompted by her company, Salesforce, Monica Grant from Utah took a week off to volunteer with the Red Cross. Her company provides opportunities for staff to volunteer on a local, statewide, national or global level. Monica heard about Hurricane Ian and saw the destruction online and decided to travel to Florida to assist in the effort.
“I’ve talked with folks from so many different walks of life,” Monica said about her volunteer experience. “I was thinking about how important it is to be out in the community and feel like you’re doing good. It has brought me a sense of fulfillment and also a sense of unity to interact with so many people from all kinds of backgrounds.”
Robyn Davies, also a staff member from Salesforce, volunteered for the same opportunity. “I just love helping people, I try to volunteer as often as I can locally.” Davies explains, “I saw this opportunity pop up and thought it would be amazing to come out and help people in need.”
Despite living just a few miles apart and working for the same company in Utah, Monica and Robyn met in Florida for the very first time. Through their shared interest in helping those in need, they have become great friends and plan to continue their friendship back up in Utah.
“The best part of this experience is meeting so many incredible volunteers and clients that we’ve served - and that’s been the best part, making those connections and getting to know as many people as we can while we’re on site,” Monica said. “We have met many in different situations, and all of them have been very grateful for anything we can do to help.”
“We’re all working for the same goal and we’re all trying to help one another and in a world that feels pretty divisive, it feels like this is really what it’s all about. This community and the disaster operation have been a good reminder of all of our humanity and the fact that we need to look out to one another.”
Trained volunteers are providing health, mental health and spiritual support to families who have suffered unimaginable loss. This includes help coping with new challenges, managing medical conditions, caring for wounds or injuries, and replacing prescription medications or other critical medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs.
Hurricane Ian created a disaster bigger than any one group can manage alone. The Red Cross is part of the solution—but not the only solution—to help families recover and works closely with local officials, government agencies and other nonprofits to coordinate relief efforts and make recovery plans.
American Red Cross relief is free to anyone with disaster-caused needs, thanks to the generosity of the American people. To become a trained disaster volunteer, go to redcross.org/volunteer or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Written by Duhane Lindo, American Red Cross Public Affairs