By: Suzanne Lawler

A catastrophic storm catapulted Joe Apicelli to his American Red Cross Chapter in Connecticut. “I’ve been blessed to be a Red Cross volunteer since Katrina, so I’m on my 19^th anniversary,” he said.

Apicelli is a jolly guy with a big smile that lights up his face. His heart is as big as his boundless amount of energy. The 68-year-old retired early from the restaurant business and feels strongly about his commitment to humanitarian work. “I’ve been so blessed to represent my country this way, to show the American people worldwide what the Red Cross is all about. I have proudly worn the Red Cross logo on my vest,” he said.

Apicelli’s vest and his compassion are hard at work in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. He’s driving an Emergency Response Vehicle to the areas hardest hit by wind and rain in Georgia, handing out meals and providing comfort. “I’ve seen the difference it makes when people see us roll into their neighborhoods,” he said somberly. “It means hope, it’s a sign of hope.”

Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross. The organization’s workforce is around 90% volunteers who give freely of their time and generous hearts.

Doodle Eubanks, a volunteer for more than two decades, had a different journey to the humanitarian organization yet both men embody the heart and hope the Red Cross brings to people impacted by disaster.

The Red Cross gave Eubanks hope and now he readily gives it to others. “My wife died in 2010, a tornado hit my house in 2011 and I joined the Red Cross in 2012.” During the toughest time of his life, a Disaster Action Team member offered Eubanks a lifeline, by suggesting he volunteer with the Red Cross. Now, when Eubanks walks into a room of folks, you will hear a resounding ‘DOODLE’ ring out. People are so glad to see him they practically pull off a stadium wave.

Red Cross volunteer Julie Maloney is serving with Eubanks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It’s not the first time the two have worked on a disaster response together. “Camaraderie is a major part of the Red Cross and any Disaster Response you go out on people know Doodle,” she said.

You may never get the chance to meet Eubanks and interact with his kind spirit and easygoing attitude. Although he has served in many roles, from shelter manager to internal security, in the aftermath of Helene, he is one of the folks who works behind the scenes. Searching out sites that could serve as shelter for people after the storm, office space for Red Cross staff coordinating the response or a warehouse for food and cleaning supplies. “If you don’t want to do disaster, we have a blood ambassador [position] that helps out with the blood drive, I’ve done that quite often,” he recalled. “You feel like you’re just helping people.”

And that’s what it comes down to, the basic mission of helping people, making it possible for hope after a catastrophe. “We’re in this unique position, we have this choice to make in life, you know,” Apicelli said, choking up. “You make a living by what you make in your front pocket but you can make a life by what you give to others.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider putting on a red vest and joining us. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities. Just like the people served by the Red Cross, we’re proud our volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles and beliefs.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.