Christine Lawrence is a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer who takes particular pride in serving the armed forces. She’s usually the first volunteer to offer services to lead workshops or offer other regions help when they’re short-staffed. Christine’s programs’ participants often rave about her, and she’s described by Red Cross colleagues as warm, funny, and compassionate. 

Christine is active with the Red Cross Armed Forces Resiliency Program, the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service, Disaster Mental Health Services, and the Regional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Her dedication to her volunteer work is so complete and her drive is so obvious, she’s a clear asset to the American Red Cross.

Christine says it was a mixture of her professional experience, an inward desire, and heavenly direction that led her to volunteer with the Red Cross, and more specifically, volunteer services with the armed forces. Christine explained, “my background includes working in different sectors relating to medical health, public health education, and management. I didn’t realize that, in each sector, I gravitated toward certain areas. One of those areas was advocating for individuals and armed forces. Recent medical situations I encountered surprisingly led me to the Red Cross during my own physical recovery.” 

Numerous cherished memories keep Christine involved with the Red Cross. She shared that just a ‘Thank you, ma’am,’ from soldiers fulfills her work. Volunteering in response to disasters and training new volunteers with the Service to the Armed Forces program reminds Christine of who the American Red Cross is helping and that encourages her to serve with an open heart. She also described her work overseas as an extremely rewarding opportunity that allowed her to work with the military on a different level. 

When asked about words of wisdom or advice for those considering volunteer work with the Red Cross, Christine said that she had hesitations of her own before falling in love with the organization. Her hesitation came from a fear of a new learning path, and she shared that she’s still learning with the Red Cross. She shared that there were times when she questioned her own professional abilities, but she encourages any new person considering volunteering with the Red Cross to embrace their hesitancy and allow that fear to be a walkway to embracing something new. Christine’s advice: 

“Each one of us has gifts to brighten someone’s day who may be in need. Allow yourself the chance to do that and in return, your soul will smile.” 

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

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- Written by Grayson Uckele