Story told by Megan Miller, Red Cross Volunteer

Becky Kadera found her passion in responding to local disasters as a volunteer with the American Red Cross of South Carolina Upstate Chapter. Going on 13 years of service with the Disaster Action Team (DAT), Becky is unwavering in the care she provides to people in need during the most tragic events of their lives.

“It was time to get in there and do my part,” Becky describes when she first felt the call to serve  in 2011 when she witnessed all of the tragic disasters impacting the nation. From Hurricane Irene to multiple wildfires displacing families, Becky felt emotionally compelled to sign up with the Red Cross DAT and serve however she could. Now she says she really enjoys whenever she gets the call to respond to the next local disaster.

“When I go to sleep at night, I am at peace knowing I have a roof over my head and knowing where my next meal will come from,” said Becky. “My goal when volunteering is to provide that same sense of peace to families during these disasters.”

Red Cross DAT volunteers are among the first on the scene along with first responders to disasters such as house fires or floods. Some of the services provided by Becky and other DAT volunteers include providing safe shelter, a hot meal, or even a toy for the children.

“What might be a small thing for us is everything to someone in this tragic situation - to see a child’s eyes light up when they are given a toy, despite everything they have just experienced, that is what keeps me coming back to serve,” she said.

Becky wants to encourage those who may be intimidated by disaster response. When describing her first time responding to a house fire with the Red Cross, Becky says “Honestly, I was overwhelmed, but I was able to get guidance from experienced volunteers and the first responders on the scene. The longer I was there, it came to me that they just needed someone to help in their worst time.”

“A caring and compassionate heart” is the only prerequisite for volunteering according to Becky. If you’d like to join Becky in supporting your community, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.