As winter weather approached Darlington County, American Red Cross volunteers and staff mobilized early, preparing for conditions that could escalate quickly in a region with limited winter-weather infrastructure.

“We didn’t really know what we were going to get, but we were well prepared for what came, and we were prepared for more than what came,” said Richard Puffer, a Red Cross shelter supervisor, daily Disaster Action Team responder to home fires in Darlington County, and board member of the Eastern chapter.

For Alex Coats, a Disaster Program Specialist, the forecast underscored the importance of readiness — especially in the South. “I’m from Boston, where we’re used to this weather,” said Alex. “South Carolina doesn’t have the same resources to handle snow and winter storms. You still don’t know what the worst will be when it hits, so the Red Cross needs to be prepared to respond.”

Volunteer Robert Harris prepares to welcome community members at Darlington Middle School

“We try to be prepared and ready in case of any disaster,” said Robert Harris, a shelter volunteer who has served with the Red Cross since 2019. “We’re there for the community. When people came into the shelter, we treated them the way the Red Cross expects — helpful and positive.” Puffer added that the Red Cross’s presence remained in sync with local officials and emergency partners. “People knew they could count on the Red Cross,” he said. “We made a difference.”

Robert added that the Red Cross’s presence remained in sync with local officials and emergency partners. “People knew they could count on the Red Cross,” said Robert. “We made a difference.”

An American Red Cross emergency response vehicle and shelter trailer sit outside Darlington Middle School

The shelter team brought together experienced volunteers, newer responders and Red Cross staff, allowing the group to adapt quickly as conditions changed. Weather and road challenges required flexible staffing rather than traditional shifts.

“We had to adapt,” said Richard. “Everyone was agreeable to being flexible, and it worked.”

Alex, who supported the shelter as a staff member, said the experience highlighted the strength of volunteer leadership.

Volunteer Gary Thurman clears the way for people seeking refuge at Darlington Middle School

Throughout the response, Red Cross teams worked alongside Darlington County Emergency Management, sheriff’s deputies, Department of Social Services staff and school officials.

“There was quite a team of people ready to help,” said Richard. “That cooperation made a difference in how smoothly things ran.”
 

Why the Red Cross?

Robert said his dedication to the Red Cross is deeply personal. A blood donor for nearly 50 years, he also follows in the footsteps of his father, who once served on a Red Cross board in Spartanburg.

“That’s another reason to stay with the Red Cross,” said Robert.

Alex said they chose the Red Cross because of its reach and mission. “I’m proud to stand behind it and help fulfill a mission that provides hope.” Alex emphasized that donor support enables proactive response — not reactive response. “We must prepare beforehand so we’re ready to provide shelter, food and care when people need it.”

All agreed the experience is both impactful and personally rewarding. “You get to make a difference when things aren’t going well,” said Richard. “There’s something here for everyone.”

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