As Hurricanes Approach, We’re Reminded of Why We Work and Volunteer Here

Posted on August 29th, 2008 by Wendy Harman

It’s 8:30 pm. I had a really long and fairly stressful day at the office getting ready for Gustav.

I just got home and compulsively checked my email to find a Google Alert with the following blog post by Nevada, MO Greater Ozarks Chapter volunteer Joyce Wallace that did nothing short of make me melt right into the ground.

She puts into words exactly how all of us feel about being a part of this organization.

Joyce Wallace

I asked her permission to repost this and she said,

“I am a fairly new volunteer as I joined about a year ago when I seen an ad in the local newspaper for volunteers wanting to take a shelter class. I took that class and have been on the go ever since. I am a co-captain on our local DAT team, line up the candy for our Blood Mobile and help whenever and wherever I can. I love the Red Cross!”

Without further ado, her incredible post from her blog Thoughts From the Porch Swing:

Recently my five year old grandson said “Nana, I seen your Red Cross on T.V.” He is my favorite fan and loves having his “nana” tell him what I am doing each day with my local Red Cross office. I have taught him to watch the Weather Channel and have talked to him about hurricanes and tornadoes and floods. He knows what the word evacuation means and understands the goal of the Red Cross is to help those who are facing a disaster in their life. All this may seem like a lot for a five year old to understand and maybe he really hasn’t grasped the whole picture yet. But, he is quick to recognize the symbol of the big Red Cross and in his five year old mind, knows it means help is there.

Joyce Wallace kids

Once again our country is facing the probability of hundreds and possibly thousands of our citizens becoming displaced. Not only will they lose their homes but may become separated from their loved ones. We will be dealing with both physical and emotional issues as we try to help the victims of these storms. I am reminded of how proud I am to be a part of an organization whose sole purpose is to help those in need without partiality. As I see the Red Cross emblem at the scene of a disaster, I feel a great surge of pride within me because I know there are trained, caring, and compassionate individuals on the scene. Every one of these individuals wholeheartedly believe in what the Red Cross stands for and are willing to be available to help as long as they are needed.

As a Red Cross volunteer I will not only be there to pray for your safety, but I will also be there to hold your hand, cry with you and do everything I can to make the day you face a disaster a little easier to bear. And I am proud to be a part of teaching the next generation the importance of what that great big Red Cross stands for so they too will want to be a part of this caring, compassionate organization!

Filed under: Disaster Response, Volunteers

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4 Responses to “As Hurricanes Approach, We’re Reminded of Why We Work and Volunteer Here”

  1. Claudia Caldwell, on August 29th, 2008 at 1:08 am Said:

    I wanted to say thank you to Joyce Wallace. She does make a big difference in everyone’s life that she comes in contact with! She is a wonderful person and Red Cross has a great woman on their team! And I am sure that your grandson who is only 5 will understand in great detail what you honestly do. And he might follow in your footsteps one day! Thank you Joyce for everything you do!

  2. Robin, on August 29th, 2008 at 4:23 pm Said:

    Wow…beautifully said.

  3. Laurie McMillan, on August 29th, 2008 at 10:17 pm Said:

    I agree with Joyce. I’m also a Greater Ozarks Chapter volunteer. I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization. My husband and I are professional volunteers and by far this is the most rewarding

  4. Peggy, on August 31st, 2008 at 3:29 pm Said:

    Joyce is a wonderful person inside and out. Not only is she active with Red Cross but also with her church and community. She goes over and above whatever she does. She is an inspiration to us all. We feel so fortunate to have her as a part of our community and our chapter. As I write this she is in Springfield Mo helping get ready for the evacuees.

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