Story told by: Nick Gibson 

If you walk into the American Red Cross of South Carolina’s Central Chapter office on certain days, you will be greeted by 81-year-old Red Cross volunteer Jacquie Russell.  

Jacquie has only been volunteering with the organization for a couple of weeks, but she has already become a valuable part of the team. Jacquie decided she wanted to do something other than spend most of her days at home. 

Originally from New York, Jacquie moved to South Carolina over 20 years ago. Her positive attitude, gentle personality, warm smile, and willingness to help have made an immediate impact on everyone she meets around the office. 

“I’m going to be 82 in December, and I love to work,” said Jacquie. 

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross. Some 90 percent of our workforce is volunteers. 

Every day, volunteers respond to disasters of all sizes, support blood drives, assist veterans and military families, and teach essential lifesaving skills such as first aid and CPR. 

Just like the people we serve, the Red Cross is proud that our volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, lifestyles, and beliefs. 

The Red Cross of South Carolina supports over 2,900 active volunteers in the Palmetto State. 

Jacquie’s passion for volunteering grew from a simple desire to help others and has become a part of who she is today.  

When she’s around the Central Chapter Office, some of her tasks consist of filing paperwork and finding contacts for different community partners. She says doing this makes her feel great inside. 

“It’s fulfilling, it’s terrific to be a part of an organization and to have companionship of the people you are working with,” said Jacquie. “It’s just wonderful to know that you are doing something good for other people, it makes me feel good.”  

Jacquie says as she continues to volunteer, she has more plans to help within the Red Cross. She also encourages others who are undecided about volunteering with the Red Cross to give it a try. 

“The Red Cross is an international organization. So, I’m not just helping South Carolina, I’m helping them overall,” said Jacquie. “I’m capable of doing this.” 

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, some 16 million global Red Cross volunteers work tirelessly in nearly 200 countries to prevent and alleviate human suffering. 

The Red Cross invites you to put on a red vest and join our team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today.