For Debbie McDonnell, community service has always been more than a calling, it’s been a way of life. After a career in local government where she oversaw fire, police, and emergency management across several cities, Debbie retired and returned to her hometown in Ohio. But after decades of leading others through disasters, she quickly found herself asking: What’s next?

The answer came in a news article. In August 2024, after the devastating hurricanes, Debbie saw a notice that the Red Cross was seeking volunteers. By October she had applied, and by January she was on the ground as part of her local Disaster Action Team. From there, she dove into nearly every opportunity available, from disaster response and mass care to service with veterans and support for blood services.

One of Debbie’s favorite roles is serving as deputy liaison to the Columbus Veterans Association. Each Thursday, she drives a golf cart to help veterans navigate the VA campus. For her, the small rides are filled with big moments: conversations, laughter, and connection. “Some tell me, ‘You’ve made this the brightest part of my day.’ That’s so rewarding.”

Debbie has also been on the front lines of disaster relief. She recalls with emotion her deployment to Kentucky during devastating floods. Driving supply trucks, handing out shovels and cleaning kits, and even delivering hay for a woman’s horse, she witnessed firsthand the resilience of communities facing tragedy.

She remembers one family whose home was completely surrounded by water, looking like an island in a field. Another man, whose foundation had been washed away, clung to the single tree left standing by his house. Debbie and her team could not erase the loss, but they could listen, offer supplies, and reassure people that they weren’t alone. “It was life-changing work,” she reflects.

Closer to home, she has responded to local fires as part of the Disaster Action Team. She recalls sitting with a single father and his daughter, both displaced after their apartment fire. She recalls him telling her “I don’t know what to do next”. Debbie was proud to say, “That’s why we’re here - to help connect you to resources and provide immediate relief.”

For Debbie, the motivation is simple: people. “Every time I meet a family or interact with a veteran, I know the Red Cross is there to provide resources. It’s so rewarding. It touches my heart.” She emphasizes that the Red Cross provides volunteers with everything they need to succeed: training, tools, and a supportive community.

Her advice to anyone considering volunteering is enthusiastic: “It’s so much fun! I always start by asking people what their passion is. We want you to spend your time doing what you love. You don’t need special skills; the Red Cross teaches you everything. Whether you give one day a week or just a few hours a month, your contribution makes a difference.”

Debbie also highlights the need for greater awareness. Too many people think the Red Cross is only about blood drives. In reality, it’s a network of services: disaster relief, community recovery, support for the military, and more. “Every day you’ll be rewarded by what you’re doing,” she says with conviction.

From managing cities through emergencies to riding a golf cart with veterans, Debbie has found new purpose in her Red Cross journey. “I’ve been honored to be part of this work,” she says. For her, retirement wasn’t the end of serving, it was simply the beginning of serving in a new way.

Want to become a part of the Red Cross mission? Explore our volunteer opportunities and find your place in this life-changing work today!