Jason Toy is an example of a young man who wants to give
back to his community. At 32, Toy is spending time as an Red Cross
shelter assistant helping families who evacuated from their homes during
Hurricane Matthew.
“It has been pretty neat,” Jason said of his experience. “It
is nice learning things and nice making people feel better. They are always a
little nervous during a storm.”
Toy, who has an undergraduate degree in public policy from
Rutgers University in New Jersey and is working on his graduate degree in
public health, went through a Red Cross boot camp to train as a disaster
responder. Just prior to the Hurricane Matthew response, he took a refresher
course on shelter management.
Having lived in New Jersey for years before moving to the
Myrtle Beach area, Jason has had several experiences with hurricanes. He knows
how hectic life can get during a storm. He finds helping the Red Cross
to help others “a fulfilling experience.”
As a Red Cross volunteer, he has also trained in other areas
such as public affairs. During his first experience in an emergency shelter,
Jason said his job was to “put on a bright face” and welcome evacuees, make sure
they had eaten and just help them get settled.
He said he really enjoys making people feel good during what
can be for most a very stressful time. He thinks volunteering for the Red Cross
is a great way for people to help their own community during times of crisis.
“When it is your city, you have to do what you can to help
your own people,” Jason said. “I just find that fulfilling.”
Photo and story by Angela Nicholas/American Red Cross
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