Red Cross Volunteers Help Georgetown Evacuees Find Comfort and Connection

Story by Kate Walters, Cindy Huge and Andrea Carlson

As a Red Cross volunteer, service is always focused on the people in need.  That’s what motivates volunteers, Carlos Ortiz of Florida and Bob Farr of Michigan. One of their many duties is to help evacuees find solace in a shelter in Georgetown, South Carolina, as the town awaits the crest of the rising waters and the potential for more floods.

Carlos Ortiz and Bob Farr discuss shelter plans for the day.

Flooding is still a concern for residents in Georgetown until the rivers begin to recede. Relationships with government partners and county Emergency Operation Centers as well as expert data allows the Red Cross to stay up to date with the latest weather concerns and water levels.

Each day, dozens of volunteers compare and analyze the latest models and numbers to determine where shelters are needed, how long they are opened and what the needs are for that community.

The Red Cross then relies on volunteers like Carlos and Bob to help make each shelter feel comfortable like home. From making sure evacuees have activities and games to keep them busy in the common areas, hot food in the cafeteria, even making sure each person has a space that is just for them.  

“They may be sleeping on cots, but the cots have been strategically placed in the most quiet

and private places possible,” says Carlos.

Ortiz and Farr unload comfort kits for clients.

Carlos prefers to hang out at the shelter during his off hours, too, so that he can build a stronger bond with its residents. He says, his favorite time is spent inside the shelter is when meals are shared. It has given him time to allow friendships to develop and people are most relaxed.

“Sometimes a client just needs to be heard. Being available is an essential part of being a volunteer,” he says.

These extraordinary men consider it their privilege to serve the people of Georgetown. The people, in turn, are grateful for their compassion and kindness.

The Red Cross will continue to be here for the residents in Georgetown, providing everything we can, as long as it is needed. From shelters, food, clean-up supplies and support.

All of this is possible, thanks to the amazing support from donors around the world. Please click, test or call to donate to the Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small. Visit Redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text the work REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Distribution of Supplies and Support: Red Cross Helps Mullins Residents

Story by: Andrea Carlson, American Red Cross

Highway 76 in Mullins doesn’t normally experience a rush hour, especially at 2 p.m. on a weekday. But Tuesday, the community came out in droves to receive much-needed supplies from the American Red Cross.

Volunteers work to load bleach and water
into a Mullins resident's car.

“I think this is awesome, just awesome,” said Mullins resident Wodie Ellis. “The Red Cross is awesome. You are really helping. People are coming out and getting things they need.”

Eight box trucks filled the parking lot, packed with emergency supplies like shovels, rakes, cleaning supplies, food, water and snacks. Volunteers worked for several hours under the hot South Carolina sun, making sure everyone received the items they needed to begin recovering from Florence.

“I will be out to help as long as I need to,” said Lisa Baker, a Mullins resident. “We were spared by Florence, so as soon as we had the opportunity to come help with the Red Cross, we were here.”

A Red Cross volunteer looks at stacks of
newly delivered clean-up kits.

In just over an hour, more than 250 emergency clean-up kits were distributed to the community and hundreds more were ready to be handed out. The Red Cross distributed nearly 1,000 kits in just two days.

“It’s been a hard few weeks, and it still isn’t over yet,” said Red Cross volunteer Terry Davis. “We are still at risk for flooding and many people in our community are still under water. .’

Nelson Davis, a longtime resident of Gresham, was just one of the many who lost significantly in Hurricane Florence’s wrath.  The storm filled Nelson’s home with rain and debris. Members of his family were forced to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter.

“We got hit pretty hard,” Nelson said. “We had a lot of water and couldn’t get in or out. The men stayed at the house as long as we could and the ladies went to a shelter.”

He appreciated the effort from everyone who was there to help. Even the local high school football team came out to fill vehicles with those much-needed supplies.

A Red Cross volunteer hands supplies to
a member of the Mullins High School football team.

“This is a great effort from everybody. Some of us don’t even have water or food. So, to be able to come get those items today, it’s a big deal,” says Nelson.

Even as the hot sun bounces off the black parking lot pavement, dozens of volunteers worked around the clock to provide supplies to people, like Nelson. One of the youngest volunteers is 13-year-old, Lex Baker.

“I love this,” he said. “I am so happy that we are helping. Kids my age can do so much for their communities. I am even coming back out with my Boy Scout group to volunteer for the Red Cross.”

Several sites have been identified where emergency supplies will be distributed and handed out to people who need it most in the coming days and weeks. The goal of the Red Cross is to make sure people have the support and materials they need to pick up the pieces and start to rebuild after Hurricane Florence.

A Family Affair: Setting up an American Red Cross Shelter Together

Story by: Cindy Huge, American Red Cross Volunteer

When the call came in to set up an immediate shelter the Bass family sprung into motion. 

They had been trained in sheltering, by their local chapter of the American Red Cross, but have never had the opportunity to set one up until Hurricane Florence arrived. Carolyn, her son, Eric, and daughter in law, Elizabeth, quickly assembled at Blenheim Middle School, in Conway, South Carolina and went straight to work. Elizabeth took out the manual and page by page followed the instructions, step-by-step on how to organize a shelter. This came as no surprise to her husband and mother in law since Elizabeth was a teacher and the “organizer” of the family.

With the help of family and his best friend, Eric began to set up the cots needed for the 200 evacuees since he knew people would be arriving soon and he wanted them to have a comfortable bed with a warm blanket.

Carolyn, Eric and Elizabeth Bass.
Photo by: Heather Kanipe

As clients began to arrive most of them were very wet from the rain and rising waters. Everyone was greeted with a smile, a hug and reassured that they would now be in a safe, dry place with warm food to eat.

The Bass family left nothing out while setting up their shelter and even identified a space for all the pets needing a place too. They made sure the animals were all well cared for, had easy access to the outdoors and were housed in a safe, warm and dry spot. The cats, dogs and even a bird all co-existed well in their personal cages placed around the room.

News came that a retirement home needed to be evacuated and the Bass family arranged for the residents to be all housed in their own area of the shelter along with their caretakers so that they would feel more comfortable.

“We loved being available to assist the elderly, they mean so very much to us in this community. Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth Bass with a furry shelter resident.
Photo by: Heather Kanipe

As the days progress, the Bass family remains at the shelter, even spending the night in the volunteer area, to reassure that each client feels safe and is well taken care of. Their love for one another is apparent and easily transmitted to everyone whom they encounter. They truly are the heart of the Red Cross.

Red Cross Volunteers Deliver Supplies to Where They’re Needed Most

Story by: Kate Walters and Walt Palmer, American Red Cross Volunteers

When Mike Uhlan of Stuart, Florida and Jerry Henderson of Fort Pierce Florida heard that a hurricane was headed toward the east coast, they began preparations for deployment. 

Uhlan had previously responded to six disasters with the American Red Cross including a month driving an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria hit the island. Henderson had never deployed to a disaster before but his wife deployed to Virginia as a volunteer with their local Red Cross chapter and he was inspired to follow her lead.

Mike Uhlan and Jerry Henderson package
hot meals for residents in Marlboro County.
Photo by: Kate Walters

While Uhlan was working full-time in the aerospace industry, he served as a volunteer for his local fire department. After he retired, it was a natural fit for him to join the efforts of the Red Cross as is often the case with many of our volunteers who have previous work or volunteer experience in emergency management fields.

Mike and Jerry joined forces on the day they arrived at their local chapter in Florida and partnered as ERV drivers to support recovery efforts in South Carolina.

Emergency Response Vehicles are specifically designed to deliver food and other supplies such as clean up kits directly to people when they need it most. There are two different types of emergency vehicles being used throughout the disaster; a Ford E450 Heavy Duty diesel vans converted after their service as ambulances or an adapted version of the Mercedes Sprint. ERVs are equipped to carry large quantities both in bulk and weight. They have large windows that provide convenient access for meal distribution.

Ulhan and Henderson, along with 7 other ERV teams converged at Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church where the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Organization had taken on the daunting task of preparing meals to feed 7,000 people. Volunteers helped load more than 300 hot meals onto each vehicle which were then distributed to communities in and around Florence, SC.

RVs are lined up at Hoffmeyer Road Baptist Church

 to be loaded with hot meals. Photo by Walt Palmer

Three ERV teams traveled just over an hour to the Marlboro County Courthouse, in Bennettsville, twice that day to serve hot meals for lunch and dinner. They were met with very thankful residents, many of whom lost household power and the food in their refrigerators had spoiled.

“This flood has made life more difficult for people who are already experiencing a great need. The Red Cross delivers two hot meals every day with kindness and compassion, uplifting the spirits of our citizens,” said Dr. Carolyn A. Price, Chair of the Marlboro County Council.

When the lines of hungry people began to diminish, a local principal and several teachers told the pair about a neighborhood that was still behind a barrier of floodwaters. Without hesitation the two ERV drivers transported the food directly to the affected area, accompanied by the Benettsville Intermediate School staffers.  The community members identified areas of need and the ERV drivers responded. Grateful residents then waded through the waters to access the warm meals for their families. Over the course of about 2 hours they distributed 300 meals.

Charminique Ross takes hot lunch across 

the flood waters to her mother. Photo by Kate Walters

There are people who just don’t have the resources to be able to put up a large enough stockpile of food in case of a disaster. They’re trying to make ends meet every day. When a hurricane comes through they are often without employment for long stretches of time. They find themselves in a very difficult situation. That is when the Red Cross comes in to help ease their suffering.

 “We want to bring the people what they need, where they need it, when they need it.” Says Brad Keiserman, Red Cross Vice President of Operations and Logistics.

As the water continues to rise along the Pee Dee and Waccimaw Rivers, the Red Cross is preparing and responding to the needs of the people affected by higher water levels. As of this writing, Red Cross continues to deliver over 6,000 meals twice a day by way of Emergency Response Vehicles.

 For more on how to prepare, respond and recover during a flood event go to https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html

Red Cross Keeps Close Eye on Flooding as Residents Evacuate

Story by: Andrea Carlson, Cindy Huge and Kate Walters, American Red Cross

Two years ago, Shaindel Grant, a homeowner in the Rosewood Estates of Socastee, SC, watched the National Guard rescue her mother, Virgie, who is blind and uses a wheel chair, by canoe from the front porch. 

Tim Grant, 22, demonstrates the water level
in their home after Hurricane Matthew.

“It literally broke my heart to see that happen, and I don’t ever want to witness that again,” Shaindel said.

Her adult son, Tim, returned later by way of a paddle boat to collect the family pets. The contents of her home, the comforts that she had worked many years to accumulate, ended up in a pile in the front yard. Her life was literally diminished to a purple plastic box of photos. 

“It’s taken me 2 years to recoup from the last time and now we’re getting ready to do it all again” she says wearily.

This time around, she’ll be better prepared. She knows how it feels not be ready.

Shaindel and her son, Tim, stand on their porch
which will soon be under water.

“The biggest worry we have right now is water, water, water,” says Ed Cubanski, the Information Dissemination Lead with the American Red Cross. It is his job to identify the biggest issues still looming for the people in South Carolina.

“Over the next several days we are going to be closely monitoring the Pee Dee and the Waccamaw rivers, Ed said. "The water hasn’t crested there yet and levels could get quite a bit higher. We are going to get eyes from the air today to validate the models and data we are seeing and determine which communities are most at risk."

Flooding predictions became reality on Saturday, September 22, when various models indicated Florence’s wrath was far from over.

For residents like, Shaindel she has been monitoring on her own. Water has slowly been creeping up from the intracostal waterway down the street from her home. Not wanting to lose everything they have, she and her son began preparations five days ago. She has boarded their three beloved chihuahuas at The Horry County Animal Care Center where they were graciously taken in free of charge to flood victims. They removed all their furniture and household items except for the mattresses they sleep on.

The Grant family with a Red Cross 

volunteer in their empty home.

Another neighbor, Mike tries to control his feelings as his eyes well up with tears while he talks about the imminent flooding and the impact of previous storms and disasters. 

The arrival of a local church group touched him deeply. Twenty church members spontaneously showed up to offer help. They put up heavy duty black tarping on the outside of his home and placed 190 sandbags around the perimeter. 

“I am very thankful for their help”, said Mike. “I just can’t believe they worked so hard in the hot sun to help a fellow community member that they don’t even know. I appreciate the kindness they showed me.”


The stress of another flood continues to weigh heavily on this community, as well as with members of the Red Cross who continue to monitor and track the rising water. The delay of the rivers cresting has caused relief opportunities to slow down and wait, so they are prepped and ready when the water finally recedes.


The American Red Cross recommends that you refer to the following information to help you prepare for rising flood waters. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html 

Mike’s home is tarped ahead of the rising waters.

Red Cross and Partners Unite at Marion County Shelter

Story by: Heather Kanipe and Walt Palmer, American Red Cross Volunteers

A.C. Tollison recreation Center
Photo by: Walt Palmer         

Living in a shelter can be stressful for everyone. Nothing is familiar and normal schedules are interrupted. Red Cross volunteers work hard to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all shelter residents but it takes partnerships with area businesses, shelter residents and other outside agencies.  

“They were absolutely awesome,” said Sue Jones, Red Cross shelter manager at the A.C. Tollison Recreation Center in Marion.

Sue was referring to the SC Guardsmen whom had just finished their deployment at the shelter.

“They worked 24/7 for several weeks patrolling the building for us, providing security services and even helped close down our previous shelter in record time. They took the lead on several matters so I could focus on other tasks. We couldn’t have done any of this without their help,” said Jones.

Sue Jones, Red Cross Shelter Manager
Photo by: Walt Palmer

The Marion shelter works like clockwork.  Sue’s leadership and organizational skills are a big reason for that. But Sue is quick to point out she had many partner organizations helping to make her job easier. National Army Guardsmen are now at the shelter to fill roles vacated by the SC Guardsmen. Their reassuring presence is felt the moment you walked through the door.

A passerby then announced Tracie Woodberry was the unofficial leader of the shelter; so, we introduced ourselves and were drawn into his warm smile.

“He’s a charmer,” Maryellen Taylor, a volunteer warned us as she embraced Tracie.

Shelter resident Tracie Woodberry with
Red Cross volunteer Jeff Heathcoat
Photo by: Heather Kanipe

He was enjoying his greeter role and delighted in making people feel comfortable. Tracie said, people used to avoid him because of his disability but he would pull them in and talk about it to put them at ease.

“It’s all about helping each other because that’s what life is all about,” said Tracie. “I don’t have to get anything for myself. Someone is always nearby asking if I need anything. At this rate, I may never leave,” he joked.

Tracie’s neighborhood is surrounded by the Pee Dee River and he doesn’t know the status of his home but it isn’t bothering him today. He was much more concerned with helping everyone else feel at home in his shelter.

Community partners of the Red Cross continue to support residents inside the shelter. From the Salvation Army providing food services, to the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief providing mobile shower units and laundry services onsite for residents everyone is doing their part to make sure life inside the shelter is the best it can be.

“Many residents have access and function needs at this shelter,” said Sue.

In addition to basic sheltering services, the Red Cross provides special needs cots, service dogs, mental health professionals and health care professionals to shelter residents.

Warm meals provided by Red Cross partners,
the Salvation Army.
Photo by: Heather Kanipe

A children’s section with books and toys was also set up to help occupy the smallest residents, like two-year-old Joselynn Altman.

           

Joselynn’s family stayed in a hotel as long as they could after Hurricane Florence hit, but at $60/night they decided to seek out a Red Cross shelter three days ago.

“Water was up to our doorstep when we left and we don’t know what we will find when we go home,” said Amanda. “During Hurricane Matthew, we had to put Joselynn on our shoulders to escape our home in chest deep water so leaving before Hurricane Florence was an easy decision. We didn’t have to be told to evacuate.”

And thanks to the Red Cross’ team of volunteers and community partners, the mission to provide support and comfort is making a difference for the families who need it most. 

Red Cross and Partners: Prepped and Ready for Flooding

By: Walt Palmer and Kate Walters, American Red Cross Volunteers

They are here, in the open field, in the brutal sun. They keep cool as best they can, and they stand ready. Thus far, boats have rescued people from rising waters, but these crews await the helicopter flights that will come as the waters from Hurricane Florence begin to flood communities.

And they wait, always at the ready.

Ambulances and trailers at the
Florence airport drop zone. Walt Palmer/Red Cross

The American Red Cross has partnered with Human Emergence and Rapid Transformation, or as they are known, H.E.A.R.T.; a statewide group of volunteer first responders and military personnel that use their specialized training to rescue disaster victims. Hurricane Florence has produced flooding that has people surrounded and cut off. These are just some of the folks who are helping stranded families.

The H.E.A.R.T. Team will get people to this safety zone by helicopter, provide a quick physical evaluation and, if needed, provide immediate transportation to an are medical facility.

Red Cross DMH and DSC teams at the
Florence airport drop zone. Walt Palmer/Red Cross

The Red Cross has provided two teams for this effort: a team of Disaster Mental Health (DMH) specialists; and a team of Disaster Spiritual Care (DSC) specialists.

Christine Gardner is a Red Cross volunteer and mother of three who was able to help out on this disaster because her co-workers at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA picked up six of her 12-hour shifts including a night and a weekend night.

Rodney Jong flew in from Seattle to help. Rodney is a grandfather and a retired LFMT counsellor. He started with the Red Cross in high school and has continued to serve throughout his career. His first deployment with the Red Cross came during the September 11 tragedy.

Keith McLellan has been serving with the Red Cross for six years in a wide variety of roles. It was during debriefing from one deployment that his supervisor suggested he should look at serving in the spiritual care area. As we talked, he reminded me that “Where there is no hope in the future, there is no power in the present” (John Maxwell) and that “the Red Cross offers people that hope” during the chaos of disaster.

The H.E.A.R.T. and Red Cross team and the
Florence Airport drop zone. Walt Palmer/Red Cross

Carl Seitz had a full career as a firefighter, retired, then became an ordained minister. He specializes in “serving those who serve” and sees disaster spiritual care as a “ministry of presence” providing active listening so that victims' stories can be heard and their healing can begin. He still ministers to first responders.

So far, the rescues have been by boat, but when the helicopters begin bringing in folks, this pop-up facility will kick into high gear. When a person arrives at the facility, they will be given a very quick physical examination by the H.E.A.R.T. Team as well as being offered the chance to talk to one of the Red Cross volunteers. 

The EMTs will be looking for people who need immediate medical attention, a team of firefighters will be providing vital decontamination for people who have been stranded in flood waters – exposed to chemical and biological contaminants. After going through the necessary checks, evacuees will be given the chance to speak with Red Cross volunteers, trained in mental and spiritual care.

Word arrives that another community has been cut off by the rising waters. The water is headed this way. These highly-trained specialists are prepped and ready to serve. Their finest hour is near.

For more information on flood safety, please visit:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html 

A+ Rating for the Red Cross

By: Heather Kanipe and Cindy Huge, American Red Cross Volunteers

“We are anxious and scared about what we will find,” said Jackie Thompson, “but we are alive and safe; everything else can be replaced.”

Jackie Thompson, his fiance Sandy and her
daughter Bailee cuddle with puppies at the Red Cross shelter
in Marlboro County. Photo by: Heather Kanipe

Jackie experienced loss two years ago when Hurricane Matthew hit his home. He and his fiance, Sandy Lassiter, were still trying to fix the inside of his home when Hurricane Florence hit. Today, they find themselves back inside a Red Cross shelter.

Surrounded by adorable puppies at the Blenheim Elementary and Middle School shelter, Jackie and his family sit on the floor allowing the bundles of fur to crawl, tumble and play all over them. Without any prompting, Jackie looked up at the red crosses on t-shirts and said, “I give this place an A+. If there were a higher rating to give I would do it.”

Meanwhile, his fiance’s daughter, Bailee was dancing in the hallway with a Red Cross nurse, happy to be wearing her new warm socks. Her mother, Sandy explained, “after having to wear wet shoes for several days, the warm socks given to them were a welcome gift."

Bailee dances in the Red Cross shelter as
she shows off her new socks.
Photo: Cindy Huge

 Sandy was quick to note she had moved to the area recently and had already made great friends at the shelter. 

“I had to be transported to the hospital during our stay at the shelter and everyone pitched in to make Bailee, my daughter felt, comfortable while I was gone. The staff was fabulous and Bailee never seemed anxious or afraid in my absence.”

While playing outside, Bailee had been stung by a bee a few days earlier and Dennis Grooms, a Red Cross nurse, became her new best friend and they’ve been attached to each other ever since. Jackie added, “Believe it or not, this is a disaster but we’ve really enjoyed our stay here.”

Many of the families staying at the Blenheim shelter received assistance from the Red Cross for both hurricanes Matthew and Florence over the past two years and the sentiments of this family were echoed by other shelter residents also making the most out of their stay.

Red Cross Nurse Answers the Call

By: Heather Kanipe, American Red Cross Volunteer

Michelle Smith was finally rewarded with retirement in January 2018. Prior to that retirement, she worked as a registered nurse in the long-term care industry for 25 years, then as an emergency preparedness coordinator for 21 years in Uma County, Arizona.  Today we found her volunteering far from home on her first ever deployment for Hurricane Florence at a Bennettsville, SC shelter.

Michelle Smith 

“I found myself longing to give out band-aids and comfort to those in need,” says Michelle.  

So that’s just what she’s been up to since arriving at the shelter.

When the Red Cross opens a shelter for evacuees, one of the many positions they have staffed is a nurse. Currently, dozens of nurses working throughout various shelters throughout the Pee Dee/Myrtle Beach areas. During our Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, there have been more than 2,850 health service visits provided. While inside a shelter, nurses work around the clock to monitor, assess and treat the people staying inside. That can include, prescribing medications, changing dressings, ordering glasses, dentures and other medical equipment and medical needs.

The progression to the Red Cross was an easy one for Michelle because she worked a lot with Red Cross employees coordinating emergency plans back home and formed friendships with them along the way.

For Michelle, the chance to work inside an organization she has supported for so long has been so rewarding.

“They had a need for nurses and I had a need to be needed,” Michelle said.

Four Generations Seek Refuge at Red Cross Shelter

By: Cindy Huge and Heather Kanipe, Red Cross Volunteers

Gathers family spending a few moments with

 Cindy Huge, Red Cross Public Affairs Volunteer, outside of the shelter.

 Photo credit: Heather Kanipe

“We never had a problem like that before and I’m 54 years old,” says Nelisa Geathers, as she carefully watched over her large family as several members sat outside enjoying the beautiful weather and playing with small children. “This time we left and came to the shelter much earlier for help.” 

Nelisa and her family have temporarily made the James R Frazier Community Center shelter located in Conway, SC, their home.

Two years ago, their homes were flooded when Hurricane Matthew hit the coast. Nelisa is still waiting to hear if her home was flooded after Hurricane Florence swept through the area. The Geathers family has been warned that more flooding is expected in the next couple of days so they made the choice, as a family, to stay put at the shelter.

Their entire family is here, all four generations. “Y’all didn’t see half of them yet-EVERYONE that’s inside are our family” said Nelisa.

“If it wasn’t for the Red Cross, we don’t know what we would have done” said Nelisa’s third cousin.

Bryan  Chadman practicing his basketball shots.

Photo Credit: Cindy Huge

Bryan Chadman, is a 15-year-old point guard on his school’s basketball team and an honors student and also Nelisa’s cousin. He’s been passing the time on the shelter grounds working on his skills on the court and says his dream is to play in the NBA one day and give back to the homeless.

When asked if a second stay in a shelter in as many years had impacted Bryan, all he could do was nod his head and hold back the tears. The first time the family left, it was done in a hurry during Hurricane Matthew, as the rapidly rising waters began to reach the top cabinets in their kitchen. The family was literally swimming for their lives. Bryan explained, he had a cousin that took swimming lessons after that experience and became a lifeguard in case he was ever in that situation again. 

Shadai Huggins and her child.

Photo Credit: Heather Kanipe 

For some families, going through multiple experiences like this could cripple relationships between them. But for the Geathers’, despite the natural disasters this family has endured over the last few years, they have grown not only in numbers, but strength and tenacity. The bond they share is evident in the way their faces light up with joy during each interaction.

A Long Walk Leads to the Red Cross

by Mauri Shuler, American Red Cross Volunteer

Allie Stevens took a long walk on the way to the Red Cross, but now he wouldn’t be anywhere else. 

Volunteering in South Carolina, he is driving relief trucks filled with food and water for people who have been isolated or displaced by Hurricane Florence.  He loves volunteering at the Red Cross because it represents, he says, what he knows is best about this country which he said he learned by walking across it.

Allie Stevens stands in front of one of the
American Red Cross emergency response vehicles.

 “I started walking across the country to show everyone what a beautiful country this is, filled with people who care about others,” he said.

After his wife died of cancer, Stevens decided in 2009 to take time off to reflect and look at life, at a very slow pace.

Stevens walked from California to Alabama pushing a rickshaw decorated with flags, stickers, pennants and pins from police and fire departments, service clubs like the Rotary and American Legion…and his dog.

He remembers two things very clearly:

1) “Most of what kept me going during my walk was the kindness of people I met.”

2) “I kept seeing the Red Cross show up wherever people need them.  They were always there: fires, floods, even dust storms!”

Photo courtesy Allie Stevens

"You name it, the Red Cross showed up," he said.

So, now Allie Stevens shows up too.

In the past two years, he left his Mobile, Alabama home four times to deploy to other hurricanes and a massive winter freeze.  He remembers what it was like when he was living away from home, displaced, camping out and says it helps him understand the victims of these disasters.

This Vietnam-era Marine is a cancer survivor himself, who is both determined and resilient.

“When I lost my wife, I didn’t know what to do with my life," he remembered. "Now I do. I volunteer with the Red Cross because I saw them showing up to help others.  So, I’ll show up, too!”

“As long as my health holds out,” he added, smiling.

If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, click here to sign up.

Hurricane Florence: Red Cross Grateful for Dillon Teen's Leadership

Story by: Kate Walters and Walt Palmer

This is Tramone Hester’s first time acting as a volunteer shelter manager for the American Red Cross, and he’s doing a tremendous job. He serves at the tender age of 18-years-old.

Tramone Hester manages his first shelter with

a smile. Photo by: Kate Walters

His mentor, veteran volunteer Richard Schaffer, saw his leadership potential and put him in charge of an entire shelter which has housed up to 250 people overnight since the beginning of the Hurricane Florence evacuations. This local shelter is open and responding to the needs of displaced families in Dillon, South Carolina. Tramone has been hooked on volunteering for the Red Cross ever since he stepped up last year to help organize a blood drive.

Find out about hosting a Blood Drive challenge:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-a-blood-drive/learn-about-hosting/why-host-a-blood-drive/leaders-save-lives.html

When Tramone joined in a friendly rivalry with students from his high school and the neighboring school in the same county, it’s wasn’t about football, it was about blood donations.

The Dillon Wildcats challenged the Lake View Wild Gators and the winner would be the team that donates more pints of blood. The prize? The opportunity to win a scholarship, and a meaningful leadership experience.

“We did it to hype the community up so that we could get more blood donations. We made it like a race!” he said.  

After the resounding success of the competition, he became a blood donor ambassador. He is also active on his local Disaster Action Team (DAT). And now he has hands-on training as a shelter manager.

Richard shares sheltering advice with Tramone.
Photo by: Kate Walters

As he humbly tells his story, his youthful energy shines. He especially loves working with the children. He gives them coloring books, paper and crayons.

“They’re making a lot of friends. They keep us up at night," he mentions.  

It’s is like a family here. One little girl is loving her time at the shelter because the Red Cross provided a stuffed Mickey Mouse for her to play with. Gabby, age 8, drew him a very special picture saying, “This is a picture of the American Red Cross giving people love.” (*** WARNING: heart melting image ahead.)

Gabby, Age 8.

Tramone strikes a nostalgic tone when he speaks of his new leadership role. He is wise beyond his years. He thrives on helping foster a spirit of community in the shelter. He facilitates a group meeting every day where clients work to establish positive relationships and promote unity. He is proud to say that he knows the name of almost every person in the shelter.

“We’ve been here so long that we’ve become family.” He stays keenly aware of special needs in the shelter. He makes sure that those with functional and access needs are taken care of.

He is glad to be developing lasting relationships. Members of the South Carolina Army National Guard were staying at the shelter while taking part in search and rescue efforts. When it was time for them to move on, they all exchanged phone numbers.  

Mickey sits next to a Red Cross comfort kit,
normally given to children in time of disaster.
Photo by: Rebecca Torriani

“We were actually sad when it came time for them to go,” Tramone said. “We have shared a very intense experience.”

Tramone sees a future for himself with the Red Cross.

“I’m always going to be here. I’m not going anywhere.”

For more information about organizing a blood drive and scholarship opportunities through the Red Cross please refer to www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-a-blood-drive

As the water rise in the wake of Hurricane Florence, rest assured the American Red Cross is providing shelter, food, hydration and comfort.

Hurricane Florence: Residents Give Back by Giving Blood

by Mauri Shuler, American Red Cross Volunteer

More than 140 blood drives have been canceled in the wake of Hurricane Florence resulting in over 4,200 uncollected blood and platelet donations. Fortunately, Red Cross blood centers around the nation continue collecting these critical blood products. 

Through the Red Cross national inventory system, the Red Cross has the ability to move blood around the country to wherever and whenever it is needed most.  In Columbia, South Carolina, Sunday, a dozen residents showed up at the Red Cross to give blood and platelets to help during the current disaster.

Tammy Barnett was born and raised in South Carolina and thinks her donation may be particularly helpful to her neighbors right now.

Frankie Dowey says lying down for two hours for a platelet donation is hard, “but I can be uncomfortable for a little while,” he said, “if I can be of help to someone who is suffering.”  He plans to continue donating once a month.

Ann Schwenker moved from New York 20 years ago and said, “I figured folks definitely would need it now.”  Ann started donating 15 years ago and tries to come to Red Cross at least monthly.

Your blood donation will be transported or stored for use in areas where hospitals need it most.  Ahead of this storm, the Red Cross sent additional blood products to the Southeastern states likely to be hit by the storm and is prepared to send more as needed.

Eligible donors in unaffected areas are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to help maintain the nation’s blood supply. There is a critical need for platelet and type O blood donations.  You can make an appointment on the Red Cross Blood Donor App, go to Redcrossblood.org on the web, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).