Proud to Be a Part of the Red Cross

In the past year that I have been working with the American Red Cross in Salt Lake I have seen amazing things happen. I have witnessed inspiring people drop everything they were doing to to respond when a fire destroyed a family's home. I have seen volunteers like Evelyn Halstead from Utah travel across the country to help in National Disasters. I have had the pleasure of working with some of the most extraordinary volunteers. And I have been witness to the comfort given after an individual's livlihood is destroyed by flames or flood.

As an AmeriCorps volunteer with the Red Cross I have preached preparedness on this blog and to the community with disaster presentations and fun facts to keep my friends and fellow Utahns prepared. I have learned so much about the Red Cross and all of the programs the organization can offer.

All of this is why giving to the Red Cross this holiday season with the Holiday Giving Campaign comes so easy. I urge all of you to make the choice to give gifts this season that save the day! A donation to the American Red Cross means blankets to families who may lose their home this winter due to a disaster, calling cards to soldiers overseas or water supplies to those affected by International Disasters.

Make your holiday dollars count with a donation to the incredible work of the Red Cross!

Fire Response June 29, 2010

Yesterday I went on my first disaster response. We received a call at the office that a house in West Valley had caught fire. I have been itching to go on a response, so I jumped at the chance. With excitement and a little trepidation I went with Sherry and Kris on the response as a PIO/observer.

We arrived at the house; it was completely destroyed. I didn't expect to feel the intense emotions that overcame me. The couple, who have three children, were staring into their home in which nothing inside was recognizable except for a loose hanging chandelier; you could see through the roof. Their two pugs were inside, not able to make it out.

I completely forgot about taking pictures and getting the details to share with the American Red Cross community. My heart ached for this family. Sherry sat down with the home owner to fill out all of the required paperwork. I watched in earnest as Sherry informed him that we were able to help his family with food, clothing, and their necessary medication.

I finally began shooting with my new Flipcam. This is my first attempt at conveying the Red Cross mission through film. Nothing can compare to the despair I saw in the home owner's eyes, I hope this will show you what we do and how we help. When people are most vulnerable and devastated, the Red Cross is there to help.