On October 24, 2007, I set out on my very first American Red Cross National Disaster that took me to San Bernardino, CA for 12 days. Our job, once we arrived, was to drive an ERV (Emergency Response Vehicle) into the San Bernardino Mountains (Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, etc) to deliver food and supplies to the victims of the Grass Valley and Slide Wildfires. We encountered numerous people who continually expressed their appreciation to us (as American Red Cross volunteers) for being there to help with their recovery effort. Several people were amazed to learn that Fred (my ERV buddy) and I drove all the way out to California just to help them during their disaster. We gave a lot of hugs in addition to handing out bulk items. We saw complete destruction of several homes, some with only a few windows blown out of them, and some that were completely untouched by the fire. Regardless of the level of loss each person had, they all were grieving as a community as their neighbors were all part of their "family".

Someone asked us "How is it that we are able to just take off and respond to these disasters?" We both agree that the only way we're able to do this is because we have great families and support systems at home. The families of ALL the Red Cross volunteers need to be thanked as they are OUR heroes at home that take care of things on the home front in order for volunteers, like Fred and I, to go out and do what we have trained to do. Without them, none of us would be here.

The one thing that had me most excited while on the trip was people who were victims of the fire (or just living within the community) asking me “How do I become a disaster volunteer?” because they feel it’s time for them to give back to those who have helped them. THEN—I get home from my adventure and I have friends asking me the same questions! I LOVE IT! The answer is to contact your local American Red Cross chapter and tell them you want to become a disaster services volunteer and they will guide you from there on which classes you need to take.

I would encourage each of you to check into social service groups to see what you can do to help out humanity. Whether it’s volunteering locally with a group you feel most passionate about, or going beyond your own backyard—someone somewhere will appreciate what you’ve done for them.

Comments 

Kudos to you Tara for going beyond your backyard. This is also a good time talk about making monetary donations to services like the Red Cross. Not everyone can make the commitment to volunteer, but most of us can spare a few bucks to help make these services possible. As a volunteer firefighter I have seen the Red Cross in action when people lose their homes to a fire. The volunteers do a great job but without donations from all of us their services would be hindered. You never know when you will be the next person in need of help. So during this season of giving don't forget about the Red Cross.

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