Tag Archives: Findlay

Remodeled office space puts a smile on my face – and other faces, too

Posted on by
Reply

By Todd James, Executive Director, American Red Cross of North Central Ohio

When you work as hard as our American Red Cross team does every day, it is important that the space you are working in is comfortable and that you look forward to spending time there. We are excited to say that our North Central Ohio Chapter headquarters in Findlay is such a place! Recently, the office was completely renovated top to bottom, inside and out, as part of a nationwide office refresh initiative by the Red Cross.

Todd James outside the new Findlay headquarters

With fresh paint inside and out, building repairs, new flooring, new fixtures in the bathrooms, more accessibility including automatic doors, a new parking lot, new signage and more, our office is now a place where volunteers, community partners, families who are meeting with disaster recovery specialists and all visitors will feel welcome and comfortable.

It is surprising how much your mood can be lifted when you are working in a bright, clean, welcoming space and we are glad to offer such a space to our team and those we serve. We are very involved in our community, offering our location to partners and community organizations who need a meeting or workspace and now we can offer, in my opinion, the best location in town for groups to meet, a real showcase for the Red Cross and our commitment to our stakeholders and our community.

Pre-ribbon cutting

During a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 18th , representatives of the Findlay- Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and the Findlay Fire Department joined Red Cross board members, volunteers and employees to dedicate the newly refreshed space, along with a representative from U.S. Senator JD Vance’s office. On the day after Ohio’s junior Senator accepted the nomination for Vice President from the Republican Party, I accepted a proclamation stating, in part, “The Red Cross has long been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals and communities in times of need, and your renovated office will undoubtedly enhance your capacity to deliver these critical services more efficiently and effectively.”

If you couldn’t join us for our Open House, we invite you to stop by our office at 125 Fair St. in Findlay and see for yourself. We will give you the “nickel tour” and tell you about the many volunteer opportunities available, so you can make this your home away from home.

See more photos from the ribbon cutting ceremony in our photo album here.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Corporate leader sees results, lends his time and experience

Posted on by
Reply

By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross Volunteer

Jim Wilkins has responsibilities 24/7 as senior vice president for health, environment, safety and security at Marathon Petroleum headquarters in Findlay.

So how can he — why does he — carve out time to volunteer for the American Red Cross?

“When (Marathon has) an incident or experiences a natural disaster, my team provides critical assets, expertise and personnel during our response, which can include supporting our employees and their families with food, housing, supplies and fuel,” Jim said. “Some of my most rewarding experiences with the company have been on scene, supporting recovery after (hurricanes) Katrina and Ian.”

He’s seen first-hand what Red Cross does in the wake of disasters, whether natural or human-related. Volunteers rally to provide shelter, food, financial assistance for immediate needs, and health and mental health support.

“Our company has had a close relationship with the Red Cross,” Jim said. “We donate money to the Red Cross. . . . We see the results of what they do.”

Jim volunteers as co-chair of Marathon’s veterans’ network, where he learned how Red Crossers can serve the U.S. military, active and retired, and their families. And, of course, “I always thought of Red Cross as blood.”

During the upswing of the COVID pandemic, he agreed to join the volunteer ranks of the North Central Ohio chapter.

“Jim is a vital member of our board of directors, offering his leadership, guidance and experience to help our team deliver the Red Cross mission,” said the chapter’s executive director Todd James.

“Along with his personal passion for our work, Jim has also helped build on our strong partnership with Marathon Petroleum Corporation, creating even more opportunities for our teams to work together to serve those who need Red Cross services.”

Jim takes any opportunity he can to “tout all the great services offered by Red Cross” But he often finds it’s not necessary “since Red Cross is like Coke: Everybody recognizes the brand. It sells itself.”

The rewards of volunteering have certainly sold themselves to Jim. He’s currently the board vice president and head of the philanthropy committee.

“Our chapter is fortunate to have Jim on our leadership team and we truly appreciate his service,” Todd said.

During National Volunteer Week, the Red Cross salutes its more than 275,000 volunteers who respond to disasters, support our armed forces, teach health, safety and disaster preparedness classes, augment the blood collection staff, and educate youth and adults about International Humanitarian Law.

To explore the many flexible volunteer opportunities Red Cross has to offer, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

Volunteer profile: Jeanne Eisentrager, American Red Cross of North Central Ohio

Posted on by
Reply

Note: To celebrate National Volunteer Week, we are featuring profiles of some of the volunteers who help the Red Cross fulfill its mission in Northern Ohio

By Beth Bracale, American Red Cross volunteer

Jeanne Eisentrager’s story may surprise you, as it did me. She is a volunteer for the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio, working out of the Findlay office. Jeanne started as an administrative/operations volunteer and went on to become a Disaster Action Team (DAT) responder and caseworker. She’s become a vital part of the Red Cross team, known for her readiness to help with whatever’s needed and her ability to get the job done. Here’s the surprise: Jeanne has only been a volunteer since September 2018, but her enthusiasm, talents and boldness have earned the respect of those who work with her.

jeanne

“Jeanne is a vital part of our North Central Ohio Chapter team,” said Todd James, executive director of the American Red Cross of North Central Ohio. “In her work as an administrative volunteer and as a DAT member, she always gives her best and makes those around her smile and laugh. I look forward to the days Jeanne is working in the office because I know my day will be a little bit better thanks to her.”

Cheryl Wolfe, business operations coordinator, agrees. She said Jeanne “is dedicated, a hard worker, a shoot-straight-from-the-hip ray of sunshine to our office. She has a huge heart for those down on their luck and is often there to help her neighbors and family. She is a remarkable lady, and we are lucky to call her Red Cross family.”

Another surprise about Jeanne: she’s a senior citizen. Jeanne discovered the Red Cross volunteer opportunity while taking a class at the senior center to learn new skills to become “more employable.” Jeanne said, “I’m fortunate to have found my calling this late in life. I love what I do. I feel that I’m where I belong.”

She is currently the DAT supervisor, as well as the engagement coordinator. She also works with the smoke alarm program. Before the social distancing changes brought about by Covid-19, Jeanne was putting in 20 hours a week in the Findlay office, in addition to going out on emergency calls with the DAT. Her roles take her all around the region.

With the onset of social distancing, responding to emergency calls is a little more complicated. Recently, Jeanne went to the scene of a fire at an apartment complex involving multiple families.

“I just stood in the middle of the parking lot and called to the people, ‘The Red Cross is here to help. Give you me your phone numbers, go back to your cars, and I’ll call you.” She was able to assist five or six families, three of which she continues work with as their case manager. “We really need more volunteers,” Jeanne explained.

Inspired by Jeanne’s story? Wherever you are, there’s a role you can play right now with the Red Cross. The most urgent needs are blood donor ambassadors, blood transportation specialists, disaster responders and virtual volunteers. Find our more at https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html.