By Eilene E. Guy, American Red Cross volunteer

Never underestimate the power of volunteers. The American Red Cross certainly doesn’t: Harnessing the willingness of volunteers and the generosity of supporters is what we’re all about.

In Ottawa County, Club Red is a million-dollar example of that willingness and generosity. Club Red members focus on four “pillars” of service to the Red Cross: fundraising, support of the military, blood drives and education.

Carol Schemmer serves as the group’s commander, the same rank she held as a U.S. Navy nurse – although she hastens to say she doesn’t “command,” she just coordinates.

With a core of a couple of dozen women, she can call on as many as 60 “ad hoc” participants for specific events: staging fundraisers, packing “boxes from home” for service men and women at Christmas, manning blood drives, teaching citizen CPR and making homes safer with free smoke alarms.

“The Red Cross addresses so many needs,” Carol said. “For us, it comes down to ‘If we don’t do it, who will? If I don’t step up, who will?’”

Club Red began in Ottawa County when one woman, Cindy Amerine, was inspired to raise funds for the Red Cross in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Her “Sherry and Chocolates” event evolved over the years, featuring home tours, galas and, more recently, a day-long golf and social event that raised more than $50,000!

That put the group’s tally “well north of a million dollars” since its first fundraiser in 2006, said Rachel Hepner, executive director of the Western Lake Erie Chapter of the Red Cross.

“I can’t tell you how fortunate we are to have the support of these wonderful women, who give so generously of their time to these important activities,” Rachel said. “But it’s not just their time and their talents: It’s the influence they have on their community on behalf of the Red Cross.”

Carol said it’s easy to muster support. “People here know the Red Cross. We’re just a conduit for the generosity of the community that supports us.

“We’re connecting the community with the cause.”

If you’d like to get involved with Club Red of Ottawa County, Rachel Hepner at Rachel.hepner@redcross.org can put you in touch with this dynamic group. For volunteer opportunities with the Red Cross elsewhere, go to redcross.org/volunteer.

As Carol said, “If we don’t do it, who will?”

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

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