Danielle Henkel joined the American Red Cross 27 years ago and said her time volunteering on the Hurricane Ian relief operation was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career.

Henkel served as a recovery manager on this deployment, helping people transition out of emergency shelters into safe, sustainable housing solutions.

“I got to know the people living in the shelter on a level I’ve never experienced before,” Henkel said. “They told me their stories, what we could do to support them and make their lives better.”

Henkel recalled one man who needed his CPAP equipment replaced after the devastating storm. By working alongside partner organizations, Henkel helped the man get the medical equipment he needed.

“He came back the next day to thank us. He said this was the most energy he’s had since Hurricane Ian hit and that he ‘had his life back,’” Henkel said. “Our team went above and beyond to make sure his health and safety needs were met.”

Henkel recalled another shelter resident, a young woman who was just 19 years old, tasked with taking care of her family of 11 people. Henkel, her recovery team and community partners helped the family transition out of the shelter and secure housing along with furniture and everything they needed.

“Volunteering can happen at any organization but at the Red Cross we make a difference in lives every single day.”

“It makes me feel proud,” Henkel said. “In the 27 years I’ve been with the Red Cross, it’s still awe-inspiring every day when I go out on an operation and can personally make a difference in someone’s life. And I do that over and over again every time I deploy.”

Henkel witnessed the devastation Hurricane Ian left behind in south Florida when she traveled to Sanibel Island.

“Seeing the destruction of the homes and the lives that have been permanently impacted gives you pause,” Henkel said. “Volunteering can happen at any organization but at the Red Cross we make a difference in lives every single day.”