Every day, Red Cross volunteers perform amazing work, dedicating their time and talent to the fulfilment of our humanitarian mission. Without volunteers we could not achieve our mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.
These community heroes answer the call to help and care for those who need it most every day across the country and around the globe. In celebration of National Volunteer Week 2022, here are two of their stories:
Richard Cornelius
After 30 years of working as warehouse supervisor at Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority (WAPA), Richard Cornelius was ready for a change. While nearing retirement, Richard was recruited as a Red Cross volunteer by Gwendolyn O’Garro, (another Red Cross volunteer) about 17 years ago. During that time, Richard kept involved with the local Civil Defense agency for information concerning pending tropical storms and how citizens could help their neighbors prior to, during and after hurricanes. Richard says, “I enjoyed helping people in the community, especially during hurricanes which can be very devastating.”
Because of his warehouse experience, once he joined Red Cross, he was being encouraged to volunteer in that activity. However, Richard wanted something different. He began volunteering in disaster assessment, and “… really liked it, because I saw firsthand how people were being helped,” he says.
In 2005, he was deployed to Texas in support of the Louisiana community during Hurricane Katrina. Richard was touched by the way Red Crossers from all over the country came and worked together as one unit.
Marjorie John-Pedro
In September of 1989, Hurricane Hugo made landfall on the island of St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands. The island was devastated, and many were left without homes. Marjorie John-Pedro, who had two young children at that time was one of those families. The John-Pedro family received assistance from American Red Cross in the form of food, water and blankets. Red Cross also connected the family to other local agencies that would relocate them to a long-term home eventually.
After experiencing the service of American Red Cross, Marjorie considered joining the organization. However, she did not believe she could be an effective volunteer since she had a young family to consider. The arrival of Hurricane Marilyn in 1995 with its own set of devastation, and receiving assistance from Red Cross yet again, changed her mind.
Marjorie became a Red Cross volunteer in 1996 and started on her training right away. She was deployed shortly after achieving her GAP. In 2001, she was deployed again to support the relief effort of the September 11th attacks. She has also been deployed for hurricanes Katrina, Sandy and other incidents.
Over the last 25+ years, Marjorie has worked in several volunteer roles. She has worked in disaster assessment, distribution of emergency supplies and mass care. What she enjoys about working mass care “…is interacting with the clients,” she says.
Having experienced the devastation storms can bring, Marjorie has strong empathy for clients. When asked why she has stayed for 25 years, she says, “Because everyone looks out for each other. It’s like a family.”
One of Marjorie’s biggest wishes is to be licensed to drive an emergency response vehicle (ERV). USVI has no ERVs, but Marjorie has been fortunate to drive ERVs during deployment.
VOLUNTEER TODAY The need for volunteers has never been greater as larger and more intense disasters happen across the country. For example, the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season was the third most active ever, with 21 named storms causing more than $80 billion in damages. The U.S. also experienced another devastating wildfire season with more than 940 large wildfires destroying thousands of homes and causing $90 billion in damages. And just last month, we saw the most tornadoes ever recorded in March.
With 2022 looking to be a very active disaster year, the Red Cross has a critical need to fill vital volunteer positions. Training is free, but the hope you provide as a Red Cross volunteer to people in need is priceless. Turn tragedy into hope by donating your time and skills. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today.
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