Muhammad Ali was quoted saying “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” This quote perfectly embodies the life that Becky Eisenbraun, a volunteer for Dakotas Region of the American Red Cross, has led. As a resident of Hill City, South Dakota, Becky currently serves as a DAT (Disaster Action Team) captain and was deployed to Texas for Hurricane Harvey relief. She has been a shining pillar of what it means to give back to her community and beyond.
Becky’s road to volunteering through the Red Cross began with a stroke of luck, when she was a member of the Pennington County CERT (Certified Emergency Response Team). The director of this CERT team shared an email from the local American Red Cross chapter, concerning a need for more volunteers. Becky rose up to the challenge and was willing to volunteer – beginning a wonderful journey with our organization. The most unique part is that Becky says “I have no previous volunteering experience.” She has, however, always been an optimistic, giving, and caring person, which led her to answer the call to serve with Red Cross.
In August 2017, our nation was affected by one of the most horrific natural disasters in recent memory. Hurricane Harvey hit Texas around 11 pm ET on Friday, August 25, and began reaping devastation. By Sunday, it had dumped 27 trillion gallons of rain over Texas, and caused as much as $75 billion in losses, with many residents in coastal Texas requiring shelter and assistance. The Dakotas Region sent down more than 120 volunteers to aid the relief efforts, with Becky being one of those brave volunteers who was deployed.
“When I first arrived,” Becky said, “transportation was waiting and took us to the local office. There was a bit of time waiting for assignment details, but I was informed right away that the original assignment had changed.” Quick to adapt to the needs of the area, Becky dove right in to assist where she could. She was inspired by what she witnessed – noting “the most memorable occurrence was how hopeful and resilient our clients in the shelter were.”
Asked what would be her one piece of advice for individuals thinking about volunteering with American Red Cross, Becky exclaimed “just do it!! In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being able to help someone.”
Wishing to start getting involved with the Red Cross yourself? Click here to learn about more opportunities to volunteer in your community.
