Story told by: Cheary Shelim, Red Cross Volunteer

Like many, Selenia Sadai of Columbia, SC, felt the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene in her home and community. After she sorted things out, she had a desire to help others who may be going through similar circumstances. One of her coworkers told her about the American Red Cross. 

“Hey, if you’re interested in maybe helping out other individuals who may go through disasters like you went through, the Red Cross is a really good place to start,” her friend urged. Intrigued, Selenia did her research online. After learning more about the Red Cross, she decided to sign up as a volunteer.

Selenia shares how she didn’t know what she was getting herself into when she first started volunteering. But she soon realized that the Red Cross makes a significant impact on many families experiencing disasters, such as home fires.

In addition to providing help during disasters, volunteers also have the opportunity to support blood drives, teach lifesaving skills, and assist veterans and military families. She felt that this was in line with her calling to help others and continued volunteering.

After a while, Selenia became the Disaster Action Team Lead. As part of her role, Selenia reaches out to new volunteers, helping them through training and supporting them. She checks in from time to time to see if they need more support. She also helps existing volunteers, keep track of supplies and other things they may need when they go on a disaster call. In addition, she helps examine the processes responders use in the field, aiding with streamlining procedures.

Selenia shares how she feels fulfilled from helping others and how it has made her a better person. “Being able to go out and meet different people, being able to comfort individuals during a time of need — all of that is very satisfying for me. It gives a sense of purpose because I feel like I’m actually doing something in the world to help change it or make it better.”

Selenia adds that her fellow volunteers at the Red Cross have become like family. “We’re so tight-knit,” she shared. “These are people that I would never have run into if I hadn’t joined the Red Cross.” She also loves being able to meet people from different countries. “You have people who are very good-hearted, caring, and loving. If that’s something that you may lack in life or you are looking to have, the American Red Cross is definitely the route to go.”

What would she say to someone on the fence about volunteering with the Red Cross? “I would say, try it out,” said Selenia. “Your brain can give you hesitation around starting something new or starting something unknown to you. But when you actually get started, you’ll learn that it’s very, very easy. And it’s very satisfying.”

The need for volunteers is more critical than ever. Currently, the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster about every two weeks. In addition, the majority of the nearly 65,000 disasters that volunteers respond to annually are home fires. This Volunteer Week, the Red Cross invites you to put on a red vest and join our team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today.