Tag Archives: Red Cross Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week Profile: Mark Auburn

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By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

Volunteer work for the American Red Cross was never really something Mark Auburn considered. Now, 30 years into his service, he says the Red Cross has become a part of who he is.

Mark Auburn, American Red Cross board member and volunteer

“I don’t have a dramatic story, like many volunteers,” Mark said. “For me, it was swimming lessons when I was a kid – that’s where it started.” It was the personal connection that stood out to him. The time volunteers took with the members of his own community really made a
difference to Mark.

Then, when he found out that the majority of the entire organization was volunteers, Mark said he bought-in even more.

“Ninety percent of the people who work for the Red Cross are volunteers. That’s incredible!” And over the course of his 30 years with the Red Cross, Mark has seen those volunteers help people in his own community and around the world. To witness first-hand the reach of the Red Cross has been nothing short of remarkable for Mark.

“One of the huge changes in the Red Cross over my 30 years of volunteering is the sense of relationship between the Red Cross and the community. When I started, we were very locally focused.” Mark has since seen the reach of the Red Cross extend around the world.

Sharing his story with his fellow volunteers is a key part of the Red Cross experience for Mark. “I think it’s important that volunteers talk with other volunteers to learn their individual Red Cross stories.” That’s part of why Mark is looking forward to the upcoming Volunteer Recognition and Appreciation event in Akron.

Mark is not only a volunteer, he’s also a longtime member of the Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley Chapter Board of Directors. And at 79-years-old, Mark is still going to meetings, face-to-face, to meet and work with fellow board members and other volunteers, all in the name of the Red Cross mission.

The biggest part of that mission is to “alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.” Recently, Mark experienced his own health emergency when he was hospitalized with COVID- 19. “I had complications that resulted in an internal bleed,” Mark said.

During his hospital stay Mark suffered a stroke. As a result, he needed six units of blood. “Because of the blood donated by strangers I am able to tell my Red Cross story today. Someone I will never know gave blood because they believe in the mission of the Red Cross, and it saved my life.”

Mark has seen the impact the Red Cross has made in his own life and around the world, and he encourages everyone to find out more about it for themselves. To do so, visit redcross.org.

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

National Volunteer Week Profile: Monica Bunner

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Giving those in need “a hug, a smile, and some hope”

By Jim McIntyre, Regional Communications Director

Monica Bunner describes herself as “something of an adrenaline junkie.”

That’s a reasonable explanation for her willingness to go anywhere the American Red Cross is needed following a disaster. She said she’s not a “sit at the desk type of gal,” but needs to be physically involved.

Monica’s volunteer career with the Red Cross began in 2017. She was watching Hurricane Harvey unfold and felt she had to do something. She deployed to Houston to help, but not with the Red Cross. Not that time.

“A cause I already supported also needed help,” she said. That cause was Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. She was stationed at NRG Center, taking care of pets when she saw Red Cross workers helping people who needed shelter, and thought, “If I’m not doing the animals, maybe I can do the people thing.”

When she returned to Northeast Ohio, Monica began training to become a Red Cross disaster responder. She has helped people following home fires, installed smoke alarms, and assisted at fundraising events. And she began to deploy to help people who needed shelter following major disasters, such as flooding in southern Ohio, Hurricane Ian in Florida, and the devastating Maui wildfires in Hawaii.

Red cross volunteers Randy Liang and Monica Bunner in Maui, Hawaii

“I always wanted to make a difference, to work with communities, to give people some direction, a hug and a smile, and some hope.”

Monica has continued training to expand her skills, and now works primarily with community engagement and partnerships, helping the Red Cross connect with other resources to assist people who have been impacted by disasters. She also helps reunite families who are separated during disasters, and she helped establish Red Cross disaster communications in Puerto Rico.

Fluent in Spanish, Monica was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and emigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was a child. She worked at NASA’s Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, helping recruit and train women in non-traditional fields like science and engineering, and was on the team that recruited the first female U. S. astronauts.

Following her NASA career, Monica opened a real estate brokerage and a home rehabilitation business, noting how she was one of the first “female flippers.” And she has traveled to El Salvador with a church group to help build homes there.

Monica plans to continue connecting with and helping people in need through the Red Cross for the immediate future but admits the time will come to slow her frenetic pace. “This work is very physically, mentally and spiritually demanding,” she said. But it’s also rewarding. “I love the feeling of just connecting with people,” she said.

The Red Cross relies on more than 265,000 volunteers like Monica Bunner to fulfil its mission, and if you’d like to learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

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

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

Corporate leader sees results, lends his time and experience

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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

Tragedy often inspires charity

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By J.D. Brink, American Red Cross volunteer

Pauline Skaff first volunteered for the Red Cross the week of 9/11.

Like many people after that tragically fateful day, she felt the need to do something. And she has been doing it for 22 years now. More impressive than that, she is 94 years old.

Pauline Skaff, Red Cross volunteer, 2008

“People were lined up around the block,” Pauline said, describing the scene at the Red Cross the week following the September 11th terrorist attacks. Obviously, she wasn’t the only person motivated to help her fellow Americans. “But I didn’t know if they were going to let me do it. She really put me through the ringer,” Pauline said of the then manager of Toledo’s Executive Parkway location.

Volunteering is not an automatic process. The Red Cross vigorously screens their volunteers. Being trusted with the public’s blood and private information is a high bar to pass.

Five more volunteers started at the same time she did. And Pauline is the only one still there every week, like clockwork. “I’ve outlasted them all,” she said proudly.

Pauline Skaff works the reception desk every Tuesday, checking people in to donate blood. She gave up her usual Thursday shift to make room for University of Toledo medical students who wanted to volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stands ready to pick up that slack again, though, whenever they may need her.

And she hasn’t just worked the desk these many years.

“I don’t know how many gallons I’ve given all together.” But Pauline does know that she has pins marking her 2 gallon, 4 gallon, and 8 gallon accomplishments. “My doctor doesn’t want me to give anymore though. I guess being 94, that’s a good idea,” she laughed.

She also had to think about how many jobs she’s retired from. Before becoming a dedicated Red Cross volunteer, she worked at the University of Toledo bookstore for eight years. One day after that, her daughter asked her to temp for one day as a receptionist at the WLQR radio station. She worked there for seven more years. “The last job I retired from was at the Board of Elections,” she said, where she oversaw absentee ballots, especially for overseas military voters. It seems service has always been a part of Pauline Skaff’s life.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

With the U.S. Air Force and Red Cross, Cynthia Skidmore knows the power of being part of a team

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By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

Cynthia Skidmore climbed on a tank and felt at home. A U.S. Air Force veteran and military family member, Cynthia had recently volunteered with the American Red Cross as a member of the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) team. While assisting at a military family picnic, she climbed the tank, saw the families, remembered the times she and her husband served when their children were young, and thought, “This is awesome!” She wanted to keep helping, to reach as many as possible, and knew the effectiveness of the Red Cross’ SAF team in assisting military service members, veterans and their families.

Cynthia Skidmore, Red Cross volunteer

After an exceptional Air Force career, Cynthia left in 2007 to focus on raising their five children while her husband, who was deployed in Saudi Arabia during 9/11, continued to serve. He retired from the Air Force in 2018 after 25 years, and her son Josh joined about the same time. Following the pandemic and her children becoming young adults, Cynthia, who has always been driven and full of purpose —“Going 90 MPH with [her] hair on fire”— found the house empty, felt lost and wanted to help others.

The Red Cross came to mind. Cynthia knew the tremendous feats a dedicated team can accomplish and the feeling of doing something bigger than oneself. She began volunteering with the Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley chapter in 2022 and quickly made an impact.

Cynthia brings extraordinary skills and experience to the Red Cross. Having taught chemical warfare classes and focusing on disaster management while in the Air Force, she is skilled in public speaking and understands many elements of being in an armed forces family, as a veteran, spouse, mother, daughter and granddaughter.

Cynthia’s father, who recently passed away, helped inspire her sense of purpose and drive. A U.S. Navy veteran who served during Vietnam, Cynthia’s father was giving and deeply caring, often helping others, and loved Cynthia’s work with the Red Cross, both as a volunteer and blood donor. Her grandfather was also a Navy veteran. Thus, Cynthia continues her family’s tradition of giving.

In our conversation, Cynthia spoke highly of her Red Cross team and how much can be accomplished when people work together to help others. She enjoys being part of such a team and getting things done.

When asked about her favorite volunteer experiences, she said she has many. One that stood out was assisting at a deployment briefing when several volunteers brought in dogs. Cynthia, whose family has four dogs, said the service members’ children lit up upon seeing them. The dogs helped dispel fear, brought peace, normalcy and joy.

Cynthia Skidmore at a Summit County Veterans Stand Down event

Another favorite event is the Summit County Veterans Stand Down, where homeless and displaced veterans interview for jobs, receive haircuts, medical assistance, food, clothing and additional assistance. It is a tremendous help to those who have served and currently need assistance, and Cynthia is looking forward to the next one.

Cynthia also enjoys her regular volunteer work and being able to help, whether in person or being a compassionate voice on a telephone line.

For any veterans considering joining the Red Cross, Cynthia says volunteering is exceptionally rewarding and presents the opportunity to serve others in ways you never imagined. “It’s the next best thing to wearing a uniform,” she said.

For more information on the Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces or to volunteer, please visit this link.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

This volunteer donates time, talent and treasure

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By Chris Chmura, American Red Cross volunteer

The American Red Cross celebrates the work and support of the hundreds of thousands of volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Red Cross volunteers fulfill many roles from coordinating blood drives, to responding to home fires in the middle of the night, to serving as board members and many more.

Betsy Sterling, left, and Kim Kroh

Betsy Sterling volunteers with the Red Cross of Heartland, Stark and Muskingum Lakes. Betsy met chapter Executive Director Kim Kroh years ago at a charity event called Day of Caring and they have supported each other ever since. 

Betsy is a Tiffany Circle member, current board chair (past 9 years), an every 56-day blood donor, hosts regular blood drives at her company, and a former BASH co-chair (two years in a row).  BASH is an annual fundraiser for the chapter which raised $80,000 in 2022.  Monies raised by this event are used to support the chapter’s work in the local community:

  • Installing free, life-saving smoke alarms
  • Saving lives through health and safety training in CPR/First id/AED & Aquatics Training
  • Providing shelter, clothing, food, comfort & hope to families devastated by home fires
  • Supporting U.S. service men and women during an emergency
  • Supplying critical blood, platelets, and plasma to patients in area hospitals

In 2023, the chapter is combining the BASH fund raiser with the annual Festival of Trees to create a unique event!  https://www.redcross.org/local/ohio/northern-ohio/about-us/news-and-events/events/festival-of-trees.html  

The Tiffany Circle is a close group of people that donates their own personal funds to support the Red Cross.   

Betsy and her family are true believers in giving back to their community.  She is a third-generation member of the Sterling family Beaver Excavating Company.  Community service has played a key role in shaping the long history of community involvement that Beaver Excavating’s ownership and employees have created. Contributions not only include personal time and money, but also have included many donations of construction services, labor, and materials.  

Nationally, the Red Cross has more than 200,000 volunteers, which makes up more than 90 percent of the workforce.  The Heartland, Stark and Muskingum Lakes Chapter is thankful to have humble volunteers like Betsy Sterling.  Her time is extremely valuable because she works in her family business, takes time to volunteer for several charities, and perhaps most importantly is a mom.  

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer

From disaster volunteer to engagement coordinator to mascot

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Chris Gearig takes on a multifaceted role in her chapter

By Doug Bardwell, Red Cross volunteer

Christine Gearig hails from Wauseon, Ohio, about 45 minutes due west of the Toledo
office of the American Red Cross’ Western Lake Erie Chapter (WLE). Having lived there
for 30 years, she’s used to the driving to the Toledo office, where she goes at least
twice a week.

Christine Gearig, Red Cross volunteer

She and a partner take turns as Disaster Action Team (DAT) supervisor and associate (SV and SA) responding to calls from fire departments for seriously damaged homes.

“One case always sticks out from the many cases we’ve been called to. It was a totally devastated home, and we were talking to this huge man, who had lost everything,” recalled Chris. “The more we talked, the more the realization crept in that he had lost it all, and tears began to well up in his eyes. I’d never seen such a large man in tears before, but we realized everyone handles grief differently.”

Chris also serves as the chapter’s Disaster Workforce Engagement (DWE) coordinator. She has created a newsletter for updates on training, recognition, and whatever else is timely for the month.

Apart from the Red Cross, Chris keeps active with two grown daughters, five
grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Add one cat, and they all keep her young.

After retiring, while watching TV, she looked at coverage of a national disaster and saw
Red Cross volunteers comforting the victims amid the destruction. She thought to
herself, “Well, I could do that. I love talking to people and being with people, so it
seemed like it would be the perfect match.” She went online, where to sign up,
and completed her application.

Chris Gearig distributing gifts

“Chris has been an invaluable asset to the WLE chapter,” said Deb Pressley, Disaster
Program manager. “She has taken on various roles for us, including DAT SV, DWE
coordinator, Mass Care Sheltering SA – and has most recently agreed to be our Pedro
the Penguin mascot! When Chris commits to something, I know I can depend on her
to do it thoroughly. She is dedicated, even committing to her duties while out of
town. She asks good questions and brings new ideas, especially to her role as DWE
coordinator. I really appreciate Chris and all that she brings to our team!”

When asked what she would tell someone looking for volunteer work, Chris said, “I
would tell them just to come aboard; it’s not like a permanent commitment, but just try it
out. A good friend, who is also retired, said she didn’t want to commit as much time as I
did, but she came aboard and is now a Blood Drive ambassador, working occasional
drives.”

To explore all the ways Red Cross enables you to help others, start your volunteer
exploration by clicking here.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

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