By: Keira Canan, Brigit Stack and Tammy Taylor
This fall, hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast two weeks apart, causing a path of destruction across 10 states. More than 100 volunteers from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania joined with thousands of Red Cross disaster workers to provide safe shelter, meals, relief supplies and comfort to ensure no one faced these disasters alone. For many of our local Red Crossers, this was their first deployment to a national disaster relief operation. Upon returning home, some of these volunteers shared their reflections with us.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Justin Arthur typed a few words into a search bar on Google.
“I saw what was happening and what was about to happen again,” said Arthur, of York. “When I thought of looking [into] who to volunteer with, it was the Red Cross. It seems like they are everywhere when it comes to disaster where people need help.”
That Google search confirmed that Arthur, who is trained as a biosafety officer as well as an advanced EMT, would be a perfect fit to serve in a disaster health services role. Volunteers in these roles are licensed health professionals and provide health assessments and guidance, assistance with replacement of medication, durable medical equipment, glasses, dentures and other medical supplies, and support individuals with disabilities and functional and access needs.
While deployed in October, Arthur had the opportunity to not only help distribute these items, but also to connect those reluctant to seek medical treatment with the local medical community.
“I’m really proud to help somebody maybe change their views and get them the help they needed,” Arthur said.
His message to people who are considering volunteering with the Red Cross: why not?
“You’re not marrying yourself to any one position,” Arthur said. “There’s a whole bunch of positions and different ways to apply yourself in a large organization.”
The Red Cross workforce is made up of 90% volunteers, and disasters like hurricanes, floods and wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate crisis worsens. Volunteers are needed to serve the communities impacted by these kinds of disasters.
So, why not?
“It’s going to be one of the most rewarding experiences that you can get yourself into,” Arthur said.
Moira Hughes has had a lifetime of service, and she isn’t done yet. Hughes, of Pittsburgh, began her service with the American Red Cross by scheduling orientations for disaster volunteers.
Having recently retired from her 33-year career working in quality management and patient safety with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, she was available to join a deployment to Florida as part of the ongoing relief effort following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
During her deployment to the Tampa Bay area, Hughes spent her time processing people affected by the hurricanes into Red Cross shelters. These shelters provide meals, relief supplies and comfort to those in need after disasters. The shelters are open to all.
Hughes remarked that while there was great need in the community, Red Cross volunteers stood ready to deliver shelter, food and a shoulder to lean on after the hurricanes came through. She encouraged others to join our mission.
“You know, everybody’s welcome,” Hughes said. “We’ll teach you what you need to do. It can be something like making coffee, cleaning cots or cleaning mattresses.”
While there was no shortage of work to be done, Hughes said that the contributions of every individual at every level really made all the difference.
“We’re all there for the same purpose, to support the mission of the Red Cross,” she said. “So, along the way, you gather teammates. You gather friends and have that camaraderie.”
Alex Lee of Zelienople began his first disaster deployment less than a month after signing up to volunteer with the American Red Cross. Initially more familiar with the work of the global Red Cross network, he quickly learned all he could about local disaster relief efforts. In a short time, he completed the required training for shelter volunteers. When an immediate need arose, he pivoted to complete logistics training. Lee even found time to participate in a Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation event in Aliquippa, helping make local homes safer.
Not all volunteers onboard, train and deploy on such an accelerated timeline, but Lee’s can-do attitude made it possible. Two and a half weeks after joining the Red Cross, Lee traveled to Florida to help with disaster relief efforts after hurricanes Helene and Milton. During his deployment, he provided logistics support by shopping for and delivering essential supplies to shelters throughout the Tampa area.
When additional volunteers were needed to support operations in the warehouse, Lee stepped up to help. While there, he trained and received a forklift certification and helped to organize and inventory pallets of disaster relief supplies. Throughout his two-week deployment, Lee felt supported by his fellow disaster workers.
“You’re surrounded by people who have been helping for decades,” Lee said. “The depth of experience is incredible, and it’s great getting to know so many new people.”
Lee said he’s always given time to other causes and hopes to continue to make a difference. His message to anyone thinking of volunteering in any capacity is simple: “Just do it.”
“If you’re able to think about devoting your time and talent to volunteer, that is a luxury,” Lee said. “Not everyone has that luxury, especially those in need of disaster relief.”
After 42 years with his company, Fred Mccorkle of Altoona embraced retirement by dedicating his time to giving back and helping people through volunteering with the American Red Cross.
“It has been a busy retirement!” Mccorkle said.
Mccorkle began volunteering with the Red Cross as a driver, transporting blood donations to processing facilities and area hospitals. When he learned about the need for disaster workers, he stepped up to help and deployed to Florida. Having worked long hours for many years, Mccorkle acknowledged the challenge many people face who want to volunteer but may not feel they have the time to do so.
“I enjoy doing the [biomedical] side,” Mccorkle said. “I don’t know if the disaster side is for everyone, but for humanity, when able, everyone should do it once. With the [biomedical] side, you can find time that suits your needs.”
While working in a sheltering role after Hurricane Helene was outside of his typical comfort zone of feeding and transportation, Mccorkle embraced the challenge with an open spirit and willingness to help. He encouraged everyone who wants to help to find a way.
“Try to put yourself out there to volunteer,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be anything specific, just find a way to help and contribute.”
Helping people has always been a calling for Amy Pogue of Williamsport. A college student studying emergency management, she began volunteering with the American Red Cross two and a half years ago, helping people recover after local disasters such as home fires. This fall, Pogue sought a “boots-on-the-ground” experience by deploying to Florida to support those displaced by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
“I met people from all different walks of life in the shelters,” Pogue said. “I like being a listener, so I feel like I was able to do that when they talked to me.”
During her deployment, Pogue worked in two shelters, where she was responsible for checking residents in and out, distributing food and relief supplies and providing comfort to those in need. While there, she met volunteers with a diverse range of backgrounds, from the film industry to a new Floridian launching a business to retirees and more. Pogue was inspired to extend her deployment to 20 days to continue to help.
“I really felt like I was doing what I should be doing,” Pogue said.
While not everyone has the time to deploy to disaster areas, Pogue encouraged anyone who is considering becoming a Red Cross volunteer should realize they can all contribute something.
“There is something for everyone and you can help in so many ways,” she said. “You don't have to travel to an emergency to help. The goal is just to alleviate human suffering.”
Pogue noted the need for more young people in volunteer opportunities. She is exploring ways to engage younger audiences and hopes to incorporate this into her capstone project before graduating.
Bonnie Thomson of McConnellsburg first encountered the American Red Cross during a scary experience when her ex-husband fell gravely ill in the hospital. Through the Hero Care Network, the Red Cross reached her deployed son within just 30 minutes and offered assistance to bring him home. Deeply impressed and grateful, Thomson felt compelled to help the Red Cross in any way she could.
“One of these days, I am going to pay it back, pay it forward,” she said.
Thomson’s first deployment as a Red Cross volunteer was to Greenville, S.C., to help after Hurricane Helene. Working in a logistics role at shelters, Thomson took on a diverse range of tasks, from helping to unload trucks and managing schedules to keeping track of keys and making deliveries to people with special needs.
“They needed more help,” Thompson said. “They needed more support and patience, and I was able to give that.”
She emphasized the importance of flexibility while working in disaster relief, as circumstances are constantly evolving.
“Keep an open mind and trust that you will have everything you need,” she said. “Ask a lot of questions, be ready to learn, keep a sense of humor, and don't forget earbuds and a sleep mask!”
Since returning home, Thomson wants to encourage others to volunteer with the Red Cross and offered a few words of advice.
“If you have a way to reach out and help someone, why not do it?” Thomson said. “You almost feel like a superhero. Who can’t feel good in that moment? What an awesome feeling!”
Our work isn’t close to being done. Alongside our partners, the Red Cross will continue to support those in need across the Southeast in the weeks and months to come. These back-to-back storms are an example of how the climate crisis is worsening and why communities continually rely on the Red Cross for much needed support. 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 find out how you can help.
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