Red Cross volunteers Marilee Thomas and Amanda Schafer.
The American Red Cross Minnesota Region is looking for more Disaster Action Team (DAT) members to help their neighbors in need after disasters like home fires or floods. Disaster volunteers help provide comfort and essentials for people after local disasters.
"It’s very rewarding,” says Marilee Thomas, an experienced DAT volunteer. “Typically you’re meeting someone during what they’re probably going to remember as one of the worst times in their life. Sometimes they’re upset, sometimes they’re still kind of in shock, trying to process things. But then, when you see hope start to grow, that’s the most rewarding.”
Marilee, from Marshall, Minnesota, has volunteered in many capacities with the American Red Cross and has deployed nationally several times, but she always comes back to casework—her favorite thing.
“I start out just listening to them, letting them tell their story, then making the connection of referrals or what we can do to help them so they start their path to recovery.”
We’re always looking for more volunteers to help their neighbors in need after disasters like home fires. Tuesdays this November (5, 12, 19 and 26) from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., the Red Cross is hosting informational calls to learn more about volunteering. Please email mnrecruit@redcross.org for call-in details or to set up a time that works for you.
Click here to read more about Marilee Thomas and her volunteer experiences on the American Red Cross Minnesota Region’s blog.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross provides for the emergency needs of those affected by disaster, including shelter, food and emotional support; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. The Minnesota Region serves 5.2 million people across Minnesota and part of western Wisconsin with offices in Duluth, Mankato, Minneapolis, Rochester and St. Cloud. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.
