Raquel Garcia, pictured in the middle, was looking for her purpose when she found a volunteer opportunity with the American Red Cross. Since joining in 2021, Raquel has volunteered in many capacities and was recently named Volunteer of the Month.
“The Red Cross makes a difference in many lives and there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping others.”
- Raquel Garcia
By Joe Gutierrez, American Red Cross volunteer
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Raquel Garcia was looking for something to help her feel more fulfilled. She turned to the American Red Cross as a way of getting involved and making a difference not only to herself, but to her community as well.
“I was struggling to find purpose and decided to look for a volunteer opportunity. I enjoyed working with youth and was aspiring to become a teacher,” Raquel said. “I applied for the adult advisor for the (Red Cross) Youth Advisory Council and found it was the right fit.”
It turned out to be the right decision. Raquel has been named the June Volunteer of the Month for the Red Cross Riverside County Chapter for her outstanding work with young people who volunteer for the Red Cross.
Raquel, who joined the Red Cross in February 2021, said she was attracted to the organization because of its selfless mission.
“The Red Cross is always working for the good of those around us,” Raquel said. “We are all one moment away from a disaster and it’s beautiful to know that the Red Cross is always there when you need it the most.”
Raquel has volunteered in many capacities at the Red Cross including as a Youth Engagement Lead, a Blood Donor Ambassador, a sheltering team member, a Disaster Action Team lead and a disaster duty officer.
She believes her daily work with young people as a secondary teacher at Norton Science and Language Academy has made her a good fit with the Red Cross.
“Being outgoing, willing to work with others, and seeing the value that others bring to the table are great qualities for the Red Cross,” she said.
Among her many activities as a Red Cross youth advisor, Raquel oversees the young people during their meetings, presentations and workshops.
“I work with the students to ensure Red Cross clubs are being seen and reached out to,” she said. “We help the Red Cross clubs thrive by being there to support them in their endeavors to implement the Red Cross mission at their schools.”
This work motivates her to stay involved.
“The Red Cross makes a difference in many lives and there’s nothing more fulfilling than helping others,” she said. “Seeing kids go off to college year after year is so rewarding especially when I helped mentor them.”
Raquel said her Red Cross moment came when she knew she was volunteering for the right organization while serving at a Sound the Alarm event.
“I got to work alongside my youth (volunteers) to educate and install smoke alarms in the community. We found out that there was a recent fire in that community and the residents were given peace of mind from our help,” she said. “I installed many alarms that day and my youth (volunteers) did an amazing job educating the people on how to stay safe in a home fire.”
She said the best thing about volunteering with the Red Cross is helping to give back in so many ways.
“I used to volunteer with Service to the Armed Forces, and I loved contacting the families in need to help them locate the resources they needed. I also enjoyed working out in the field for disaster response. The devastation of a home fire is a definite wakeup call and being available to help those in need is heartwarming,” Raquel said. “The tears and hugs are all worthwhile.”
It’s also something she would tell her fellow Red Cross volunteers.
“I would tell current Red Cross volunteers that there are so many different facets of the Red Cross and you should try new things and new experiences,” she said. “Some of the most rewarding and memorable experiences are going out in the field and working with people in your community.”
And what would she say to potential Red Cross volunteers?
“This organization is one of the best in the world and they need you to help with the mission,” Raquel said. “You won't regret giving your time and effort to be a part of the Red Cross family. It truly is an unforgettable experience that opens an array of opportunities.”
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