By Christina Joerling, Red Cross volunteer

On a cold January morning I stood outside an apartment complex watching a young woman’s life fall apart. It started as a typical morning for her. She got ready for work, had breakfast, and sat down to watch some TV before leaving. That’s when she saw the glow coming from the kitchen.

Her kitchen was on fire.

In tears, she told us how she looked for the fire extinguisher but could not find it. She then ran out to warn her neighbors. The fire department came. They put out the fire. Her apartment was destroyed.

The fire department gave us permission to help her gather some things. As I stepped into a flooded living room, my heart stopped. It sounds stupid to say out loud, but that was the first time I experienced how a fire destroys your life. It’s not only what was burned, but also the damage left behind.

Overwhelmed for a moment, I stepped back outside, took a deep breath and remembered Fred Rogers’ quote.  I looked around me. The fire department was still there making sure we were safe in getting out the things she needed. Her boss had come to the scene to see how she was doing and to take her to a place to rest when she was done.  The other Red Cross volunteers were busy helping her with immediate necessities and getting information to help get her back on her feet.

I had heard how the Red Cross helped those affected by natural disasters and crises, but I had no idea they responded to home fires until I joined as a Disaster Action Team volunteer. That is when I learned there was more to the mission.  From blood drives and disaster response to education and disaster preparedness, the Red Cross works to fulfill its mission statement: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

That day, we were able to assist her with immediate aid and a case worker who would help her get the long-term assistance she needed to put the pieces back together.

That was one of my first cases.

In my short time as a volunteer, I’ve looked into the eyes of people who don’t know where to go next and have been able to offer them a path.  I’ve also seen firsthand the selflessness of the people that have been volunteering for years.  The commitment and passion of those who give their time to help others.  Those who go out, regardless of the weather, to tell someone in distress “We are here for you, and we will help”

You will most likely never know their names, and hopefully will never have to see them. But know they are there, and they make a difference. They are the helpers.