By Nick Genty, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross continues to play a vital role in disaster relief efforts across Arkansas and throughout the United States. In the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes that struck the state on March 31, more than 400 Red Cross volunteers and staff from at least 35 states continue to travel to the area to provide essential services such as food, lodging, medical, mental, and spiritual help, as well as other resources to help those affected to begin their recovery process.

These volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, such as Brian Bingle and Robert Thorp, who have found a new purpose in volunteering for the Red Cross following retirement.

Bingle, who had a 30-year career as a city administrator, gained firsthand experience of the importance of volunteer organizations during ice storms that left his community without power for weeks. He was attracted to the Red Cross because it gave him the opportunity to continue to give back to real people in need.

“I’ve always been drawn to giving back, out of all the different organizations we had to work with (as a city administrator), Red Cross gave me the opportunity to plug into a volunteer organization to continue that theme. What drives me to Red Cross is the gratification I get from helping,” Bingle said.

Meanwhile, Thorp, a retired registered nurse with experience in critical care, cardiac, orthopedic, and several other areas of the healthcare field, has found a new purpose in working with the Red Cross.  While in Arkansas, he and Bingle are helping to provide a place to stay for those displaced while helping them begin their recovery process.

“Now that I am retired, I want to do more for the community and give back, but also to keep my mind and body active. I could have gone to some desert island somewhere and sat back with a Mai Tai and a little umbrella, but I wanted to keep myself active mentally and physically. They say you live longer and are much happier doing it that way and I believe ‘em,” Thorp said.

Both Bingle and Thorp encourage others to volunteer for the Red Cross, emphasizing that individuals with any skill can make a difference in disaster relief efforts. They acknowledge that it may be daunting at first but taking the first step by reaching out to the local chapter is crucial in supplying much-needed aid to those affected by disasters.

"Admittedly it is a little daunting at first,” Thorp says. “There is fear of the unknown, so take it from those who are volunteering, we all had those exact same fears and maybe a little trepidation, so just take that first step. Give your local chapter a call and see what the needs are. It can be any kind of skill from homemakers to highly skilled doctors and nurses, everyone can make a difference in some way.

Bingle echoes Thorp when it comes to volunteering.  “There is a need, there truly is a need.  We can’t get enough of you.  If there is an interest, whether it’s locally or regionally, don’t hesitate, see if you can get yourself plugged into the Red Cross.”

For more information on how to become a volunteer for the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer