Category Archives: Northern Ohio Volunteers

National Volunteer Week Profile: Pam Orban

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By Kathryn Dean, American Red Cross volunteer

Dedicated volunteers are a vital part of the American Red Cross workforce. That’s why recognizing volunteers like Pam Orban is an important part of National Volunteer Week.

Pam Orban, American Red Cross volunteer

Pam has been volunteering with her local Red Cross since the summer of 2019 when she signed on as a blood donor ambassador. A retired intervention specialist with a focus on psychology, Pam had originally considered returning to work when she spoke to a friend.

“I was going to go back to the hospital and work in the pediatric department, and then I thought, ‘oh man, I don’t know,’ and then a friend of mine says, ‘well why don’t you do the Red Cross? ’ And that got me started in it,” Pam reflected.

Due to her ever willingness to help out where needed, her role quickly shifted to becoming the lead scheduler for blood drives in her region, as well as a liaison for the Academic Service Learning (AS-L) program. Kathy Cline, volunteer supervisor for Northern Ohio Biomedical Services, has nothing but praise for the hard work and dedication of Pam to the organization over the years.

“Pam’s roles have been an immense support to the success of the Donor Ambassador and Academic Service programs in Northeast Ohio,” said Kathy. “The Donor Ambassador territory she helps lead is always one of the top in the country, and the AS-L program, which she has greatly supported, is a success because of Pam’s assistance.”

The AS-L program coordinates volunteer service with academic learning. Pam works with Kent State University nursing students and the Blood Donor Ambassador (BDA) program.

“Dr.(Mariann) Harding, who is a professor there, developed the program as part of the curriculum for the students. So, the students have to do one drive per semester for credit. It helps us out because it schedules (blood) drives in the southern counties that don’t normally get filled,” Pam explained. “In the BDA, the (students) welcome the donors, help them with registration, talk to them and handle the canteen (refreshment area), and of course they call me for an event. It’s a good experience for these kids.”

Pam’s supervisors admire her reliability and dedication to the Red Cross and willingness to go the extra mile. Pam herself appreciates her volunteer service as a way to keep her mind and body active in retirement.

“I love it. I feel my Red Cross volunteering plays an important role within the community,” Pam joyfully stated. “I work directly with volunteers to find and schedule blood drives. I also help team members whenever needed. I have an active part in saving lives.”

Volunteering can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and the Red Cross is always in need of enthusiastic volunteers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities in your area by visiting the Red Cross website.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

National Volunteer Week Profile: Wesley Leong

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Engaging the next generation of volunteers

By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

You may know that 90% of the American Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers. You also may be aware that there are various roles in which someone can serve the organization. Today, we want to share another aspect of the Red Cross that you may not be as familiar with—our Red Cross Clubs and our club coordinators who help support them.

Wesley Leong, American Red Cross volunteer

Red Cross Clubs support the overall mission of the Red Cross, engaging with key local, national and international issues. Any school age or college student can start a club, with the support of the Red Cross and their school. In the Northern Ohio Region, there are 12 clubs at various high schools and colleges.

Wesley Leong is one of two Red Cross club coordinators who support the region. His passion for the Red Cross Clubs and the organization as a whole is evident the minute he starts talking about it. Wesley works with new and existing clubs, acting as their primary source for any questions, advice or support they need. Typically, he meets with each club’s officers once a month to get an update on their activities. With new clubs, he meets regularly with their leadership to develop a charter and help brainstorm ideas to help establish the club and lay a solid foundation for success. He also acts as a liaison between each club’s officers and the Red Cross Northern Ohio Region, helping navigate any needs that may arise.

Clubs are required to create and hold various mission projects through the year that support the different areas of service in the Red Cross. This school year, some of the events that have taken place include blood drives, volunteering with veterans and completing CPR training.

Wesley has volunteered with the Red Cross for about four years. During the pandemic, he learned about the work done by the Red Cross for natural disasters—in response when disasters strike and how they educate communities to be prepared before they hit their area. This work inspired him to start his own club at Revere High School in Richfield. His club’s first mission project was organizing a gift drive to collect items and create care packages for veterans. The club continues to grow and support the Red Cross.

When asked what was his favorite part of being a club coordinator, he cited all of the different people he gets the opportunity to work with, from the various clubs to the employees and volunteers who support the Northern Ohio Region. He also has the opportunity to see all of the work being done by the clubs in the region and how they impact our community.

For those interested in starting their own Red Cross Club, Wesley highly recommends doing so. “It gives you volunteer and leadership experience, and you can help the community.”

You also have the opportunity to see how different areas of expertise come together to support the Red Cross, from clinical volunteers to even law. It can help individuals find different volunteer opportunities and gain experience in the areas they want to pursue for their future career.

Wesley’s final thoughts sum up his dedication to the Red Cross perfectly. “If you are interested at all in joining the Red Cross as a volunteer, don’t miss out on the opportunity. It will impact so many people around the world and in your community.”

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

National Volunteer Week Profile: Tom and Gwen Johnson

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They help get Red Cross resources where needed

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

A little under six years ago, Tom Johnson decided to help after a disaster, contacted the
American Red Cross, and was soon assisting at a Florida shelter in what would become his first of 18 deployments thus far. A few months later, Tom was heading to the Red Cross’s Heartland, Stark, and Muskingum Lakes (HSML) chapter, when his wife, Gwen, decided she would like to help, too.

Tom and Gwen Johnson

Since then, Tom and Gwen have taken on enough roles to fill this page, but Tom is primarily the logistics lead for the Northern Ohio region, while Gwen helps engage volunteers and forge shelter agreements. In short, they ensure people, supplies, facilities, and vehicles are ready whenever and wherever needed.

They are also responders on the Disaster Action Team (DAT) and help install smoke alarms.

Much of the Red Cross’ ability to quickly, effectively provide assistance -whether during a disaster, supplying blood to hospitals, aiding the U.S. Armed Forces, or other lines of service -is due to volunteers like Tom and Gwen.

Mike Parks, Kim Kroh, Tom and Gwen Johnson

Kim Kroh, Executive Director the HSML chapter, said, “Tom and Gwen have amazing stamina and are some of the most philanthropic people I have ever met. Gwen is one of my Community Volunteer Leaders (CVLs) and has helped me immensely, including archiving the history of seven counties. Tom is always willing to help around the chapter, whether that is loading the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) for Hall of Fame activities, volunteering at our fundraising events , or reaching high places (Tom is super tall). It is a blessing to have Tom and Gwen representing the HSML chapter, and an honor to call them my friends.”

Tom and Gwen bring a lifetime of experience to the Red Cross. In addition to raising two
children, Tom worked in telecommunications for 40 years; Gwen most recently worked in retail. They have three grandchildren, enjoy traveling, hiking, and animal watching.

Being creative, lifetime learners, they have continued to hone skills and explore new avenues as Red Cross volunteers. While Tom had known about several Red Cross services, including being assisted when he was in the service and his father passed, he was still surprised how many opportunities and classes the Red Cross offers. (Another of Tom’s roles is helping at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery).

It is a good fit for them. Tom and Gwen both like to remain busy. It is one of the things Tom enjoys about logistics, especially during deployment, as the days are filled with activity. Gwen enjoys talking with and helping people, although she jokes part of her job is sending them away (on deployments).

While Tom and Gwen modestly describe themselves as being “behind the scenes,” joining to help rather than receive pats on the back, they have seen the positive effects of their work: a young lady hugging a blanket other HSML volunteers had sewn, saying she will cherish it forever; an older woman who couldn’t believe they travelled 90 minutes at night to help just her; a shelter resident initially nervous being around others developing friendships; the appreciation of having someone listen and help after losing their homes.

They have also met a lot of nice people, enjoy the diverse experience and perspectives of their fellow Red Cross members, and being able to help when it is most needed.

For anyone considering becoming a Red Cross volunteer, Tom and Gwen point to the many opportunities, the ability to discover new perspectives and see the world differently, the enjoyment, the friendships, and even the T-shirts. And if you join in the HSML chapter, they will likely be among those helping you begin.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

National Volunteer Week Profile: Dave Martaus

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By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Semper Gumby: Always flexible. That’s a cherished characteristic of American Red Cross volunteers – and Dave Martaus is Gumby in person.

Dave Martaus, American Red Cross volunteer

“Dave is a key volunteer here at the North Central Ohio chapter. He’s willing to do anything that needs to be done – not just the high-profile, public-facing activities, but even the so-called ‘little things’ that keep an operation running,” said chapter Executive Director Todd James.

A retiree from Marathon Petroleum Corp. in Findlay, where he rose through a series of interesting assignments, Dave has been involved with Red Cross facilities maintenance, logistics, disaster response and support for our armed forces.

“Cheryl Wolfe (operations manager for the chapter) always has a list of things for me to do,” he said with a chuckle. Recently, he assembled a couple of new filing cabinets for the office. “Wasn’t something I’d ever done before, but it was interesting.

“When Lora Taylor (disaster program manager) came on board, we needed to account for our disaster trailers. So we brought all four trailers from around the chapter to a vacant garage here in Findlay and emptied all the contents,” he recalled. “We laid all the stuff out; it looked like a giant garage sale.”

He and his co-workers sorted the contents and repacked the trailers with the right number of cots, blankets, comfort kits and other supplies that would be needed in case of a major disaster. He said it was interesting, getting familiar with what’s involved in preparing for a big response.

Dave appreciates the variety of volunteer opportunities within the Red Cross. “I’ve thought about possibly getting involved with blood services,” he said. “I know they need people to transport blood (from blood drives to the blood processing center in Cleveland and from there to hospitals). I could do that.”

Dave Martaus is one of the more than 265,000 Red Cross volunteers that we’re saluting during Volunteer week. But their selflessness is invaluable all year round.

If you’d like to find out more about the many volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross, please click here for more information.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

It’s National Volunteer Week

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Volunteer Profile; Pat Crawford

By Sue Wilson, Red Cross Volunteer

What would we do without the selflessness of those who give their time by
volunteering?

In honor of National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), we are featuring profiles of some of
the dedicated volunteers who help the American Red Cross fulfill its mission in Northern
Ohio.

From left: Gail Wernick, Pat Crawford, Kelsey Jeffrey, Debra Kellar, and Kevin Brooks of the Northern Ohio Region Volunteer Services team, and Rachel Hepner, Executive Director, Western Lake Erie Chapter

Pat Crawford spends most of her time honoring and thanking others for their service.
From her home base in the Western Lake Erie Chapter, headquartered in Toledo, she
handles the five chapters in the Northern Ohio region as the Regional Volunteer
Services Recognition and Appreciation Lead. If you thought that in this crucial role in the
Volunteer Services Department, Pat seems to have volunteering in her blood, (pun
intended) you’d be right! And she passed down that heart to serve to her sons: her
eldest was Red Cross trained in water survival, first aid/CPR and was a lifeguard, and
her youngest is a law enforcement officer in Findlay. 

Like many who volunteer, Pat has a Red Cross story. 

Pat’s oldest son and his family moved to Louisiana. When Katrina hit, their home
experienced extensive damage, and they had to come back to Ohio for awhile. Pat will
be forever grateful for the tremendous support the family received from the Red Cross.
Beyond that, Pat appreciates what the Red Cross does for our military.

“I have many family members and friends that were and still are in the military. I know
what the Red Cross does to help our servicemen and women and their families,” she
said. 

Pat’s volunteer experience started many years ago. She was a front desk receptionist
and a TeleCare call receiver. She was later “hired” by AmeriCorps to serve a year at the
Red Cross, but stayed on for four years, starting first in the Disaster Services office and
then moving to other areas like the Pillowcase Project and educational classes. After
her last AmeriCorps year, she retired and became a full-time volunteer for the Red
Cross. 

Volunteers Pat Crawford and Gareth Loboschefski catch up at a volunteer recognition event

What Pat loves most about her job as the Volunteer Services Recognition and
Appreciation Lead is expressing gratitude for the hard work of the many volunteers
throughout the regions’ five chapters.

“I feel it is very important to let volunteers know that they are appreciated and supported
for what they do,“ Pat said. “I feel really good when a volunteer wins a gift card or
receives a Red Cross item and they take the time to tell you how much they appreciate
it.”

While it may be the little things that Pat finds rewarding, she has one story in particular
that exemplifies the powerful life-changing and lifesaving impact volunteering can make.

One day, way back when she worked the phones, she received a call from a woman
who could not get in touch with one of her older female clients. “We called the police
and fire to do a wellness check on this person, because her daughter, who lived out of
town, hadn’t spoken to her since Saturday, and it was now Monday,” Pat shared. 

Pat called emergency responders who broke into the house and found the woman
unresponsive, but thankfully alive. When Pat went to visit the client in the hospital, the
grateful woman said, “you saved my life” — a comment she still gets goosebumps
about.

One of Pat’s dreams, and something she worked over two years to accomplish was to
get the Nurses Pin awarded at the Recognition and Appreciation Events. That dream
came true for Pat in 2023 and will continue every year. “They are special pins that have
numbers that are assigned to the volunteer nurse, and records of these pins are kept in
the archives in Washington, D.C.,” said Pat.

Pat Crawford, who spends much of her time honoring others for their volunteer work, is
a true example herself of what it means to be a Red Cross volunteer.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Giving blood gives time to those fighting cancer

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By Sue Wilson, American Red Cross volunteer

February 4, 2021- If you or someone you love have gone through a health scare of any kind, you know firsthand how your perspective changes in the blink of an eye. When my husband got his cancer diagnosis, we were shocked. We thought there was a simple explanation for his symptoms. We thought the biopsy was a routine test they were doing along with some others. We were in a state of disbelief when the doctor said that not only was it cancer, but it was advanced. He died a year later.

Cancer has a way of making time an all-consuming obsession. The realization that every minute is important, every day should be cherished, and that time is a precious commodity is never far from my thoughts. 

When you think about fighting cancer, the first thing you may think of is chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. What so many don’t realize is that many cancer patients undergoing chemo will likely have a need for blood. In fact, five units of blood are needed every minute to help someone going through cancer treatment. Patients fighting cancer use nearly one quarter of the nation’s blood supply – more than patients fighting any other disease. And, yet, only 3% of people in the U.S. regularly donate blood.

You may not have put the two together before but giving blood can help patients fight cancer. There simply aren’t enough people regularly donating blood to meet the ongoing need. That’s the message the American Red Cross wants to spread.

We know that not everyone is eligible to donate blood, so a financial donation is also encouraged. By making a financial gift in any amount, you’re helping to give patients and their families time, resources and the hope they need to fight back.

My grief had me vacillating between a depressive despair that made me want to do nothing and a manic desire to do anything and everything to help others who were suffering. But I didn’t know where to start. Donating blood is a start. It’s a meaningful way to honor someone you love who is battling or has battled cancer. To learn more and to schedule a blood donation appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.

To make a financial gift, visit redcross.org/donate.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteers

Red Cross board member donates plasma to help others recover from COVID-19

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By Eric Alves, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

January 25, 2021- Over the past year, our lives have been consumed by news and updates regarding the coronavirus. We have experienced school closures, canceled vacations, social distancing and mask wearing.

Many of us however have either experienced the virus firsthand or know someone who had COVID-19. For Debbi Grinstein, both experiences are true.

Debbi, a trust officer for Farmers Trust Company, previously served as the board president for the Lake to River Chapter and is currently a board member for the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley. In addition to serving on the board of directors, Debbi is also a Disaster Action Team volunteer, assisting residents following a local disaster.

Debbi Grinstein

On December 10, 2020, Debbi began to experience postnasal drip, feeling achy and had a slight fever. That is when she found out that she would join the list of millions of Americans who had COVID-19.

Despite the diagnosis, Debbi considered herself lucky because despite the slight symptoms, she was able to continue to work and exercise at home, and her recovery was quick.

In addition to herself, Debbi experienced the virus through a loved one, as her son, who lives in New York City, also was diagnosed with COVID-19.

During her recovery process, Debbi decided right away that she was going to donate convalescent plasma once she was fully recovered, to try to help others overcome the virus because “it was the right thing to do.”

Convalescent plasma comes from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus. Plasma is the part of blood that remains after red and white blood cells are removed. It is rich in proteins and antibodies. Hospitals and research labs around the country are working to see if these antibodies can help the immune system fight COVID-19.

On January 15, Debbi attended her scheduled appointment at the Akron Donation Center to donate her valuable convalescent plasma.

To those who have recovered from COVID-19 but are on the fence about whether they should donate their convalescent plasma, Debbi has a message for you: “Convalescent plasma is helping a lot of people and it does not hurt when you donate.”

Those who have received a verified COVID-19 diagnosis, have fully recovered and have been symptom free for at least 14 days are urged to sign up to give convalescent plasma by completing the donor information form HERE.

To hear more about Debbi’s COVID-19 journey and about her convalescent plasma donation, be sure to follow our Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages for an upcoming video conversation with her.

Resolve to Make a Difference

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By Samantha Pudelski, American Red Cross volunteer

January 11, 2020- Have you made your New Year resolutions yet for 2021? It’s never too early to check off a goal on your resolution list or to start making the most of this new year.

 In 2021, resolve to volunteer with the American Red Cross and help make a difference in your community! The vital work of the Red Cross supports communities across the country every day and throughout Northern Ohio – it’s at the heart of what we do.  Volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce and help deliver the vital services that the Red Cross provides.

The Northern Ohio Region of the Red Cross needs volunteers in the following positions:

Blood Donor Ambassador

  • Age 16+
  • Help save lives in your community by supporting blood collection at a local blood drive.
  • Commitment: 1 shift (4-6 hours) per month

Blood Transportation Specialist

  • Deliver life-saving blood products from collection sites to processing a lab and/or hospital
  • Commitment: 2 shifts (4-6 hour shifts) per month

Disaster Action Team Member

  • Virtual Opportunity
  • Assist individuals and families who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disaster.
  • Commitment: monthly on call shift

SAF Hero Care Regional Caseworker

  • Ensure military families’ needs are met when faced with an emergency
  • Commitment: 2-4 hours per week

To learn more about these opportunities and to apply, visit redcross.org/volunteer or contact Melanie Collins at melanie.collins4@redcross.org or 330.204.6615.

Red Cross disaster workers ring in new year helping others

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By Eric Alves, American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

January 4, 2021- While many in Northern Ohio were celebrating the ushering in of 2021, and the Cleveland Browns returning to the NFL playoffs, disaster workers from the American Red Cross were active during the holiday weekend helping neighbors in need.

Despite the cold temperatures and the constant uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Disaster Action Team (DAT) members took time out of their New Year’s celebrations this weekend (December 31-January 3) to virtually and socially distant respond to 16 incidents in Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Medina, Summit and Trumbull counties and assisted 51 individuals. In addition, the Red Cross provided the residents with more than $11,000 in financial assistance for immediate needs such as lodging, clothing and food.

“If it was not for the dedication and selflessness of our DAT members, we would not be able to fulfill the Red Cross’ mission,” said Renee Palagyi, senior disaster program manager. “Despite the pandemic, they continue to put weekends and holiday celebrations on hold to help a neighbor in need. The Red Cross of Northern Ohio is constantly grateful for our DAT members and everything they do.”

To date this year, the Red Cross of Northern Ohio has assisted 1,410 adults, 807 children and has provided more than $455,000 in immediate financial assistance.

Additional volunteers are needed to train for disaster responses, specifically to respond to home fires locally. People in good health and who are willing and able to receive free Red Cross training can visit www.redcross.org/volunteertoday, or can call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The number one priority of the Red Cross is the health and safety of our employees, volunteers, blood donors and recipients, and the people we serve, and we have implemented several measures, in accordance with CDC guidelines, to protect our workers and those who need our assistance.

If you are unable to volunteer but you would like to support the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts, donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

As the largest humanitarian organization in the world, the Red Cross has the ability to use your donation to reach more people in need, more quickly. Your donation to the Red Cross helps provide food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance during disasters.

Any amount donated truly helps with their recovery.

Consider resolving to volunteer in the new year

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By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer 

January 1, 2021- I first stepped into the American Red Cross’ Cleveland office three years ago on a frigid, vibrant January morning. A few weeks earlier, I had resolved to do more to help others, to take part in making the world a bit better. Since then, I have taken on various volunteer roles, each of which has been challenging and exceptionally rewarding. I have gotten to see the relief and hope on people’s faces when assisting after a disaster, had the honor of sharing extraordinary life stories on this blog, assisted first responders during major events, and have seen communities pull together to donate blood or begin to move on after a disaster. I have also seen the incredible levels of dedication and caring from Red Cross staff and fellow volunteers. Through it all, I have learned a great deal about myself, our community and humanity.  

As you consider your New Year’s resolutions, please consider volunteering with the Red Cross. While there are several opportunities, depending on your skills and interest, below are brief overviews of needed roles in the Northern Ohio region: 

Disaster Response

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), several positions are available. To give a sense of DAT’s vital importance, in 2020, members responded to nearly 1,200 events in Northern Ohio, most of them home fires, and provided more than $1 million dollars in financial assistance. Several DAT members also deployed nationally following major disasters. Several safeguards are in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, including responding virtually when possible. For more information, click here. 

Biomedical Services

There are several roles for those interested in helping the Red Cross collect and transport blood. In fiscal year 2020, the Northern Ohio Red Cross created 506,000 life-supporting blood products to help patients in 80 hospitals across Northern Ohio, all with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Open volunteer roles include:

  • Blood Donor Ambassadors (must be at least 16 years of age) to assist during blood drives
  •  Blood Transportation Specialists to deliver blood products to processing labs and hospitals
  •  Blood Donor Transporters in Holmes and Wayne counties to drive donors to appointments

For details on Biomedical Services, visit redcrossblood.org. 

Services to the Armed Forces (SAF)

If you would like to help support those in the U.S. military, veterans, and their families, there are several opportunities. These include facilitator roles for mental health professionals as well as caseworker and other roles. In 2020, the SAF group completed 5,500 case services for military families and delivered “Get to Know Us” briefings to nearly 5,400 military members and their families before deploying from Northern Ohio. Many positions are currently operating virtually during the pandemic but will return to in person when possible. More information on how the Red Cross serves the military community is available here. 

If you are interested in these or other volunteer positions, visit this web page. More information on assistance provided in 2020 is available here. To read the national Red Cross “Resolve to Volunteer” press release, click here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer