Law student gives back

Third year law student Thomas Walker was looking for a chance to give back. He answered an email request sent out by the president of the student body for event-based volunteers to help with the Red Cross relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Florence. It was an easy process to get plugged in.    Walker spends six hours per week

First-time volunteer finds her place with the Red Cross at Fayetteville headquarters

Things clicked when Kara Zatezalo saw the position description: “Greet volunteers and guests arriving to the American Red Cross Headquarters. Welcome guest with a smile, warm greeting and instruct on proper sign-in procedures.”  After seeing the Red Cross in action for Hurricane Matthew, which destroyed a home she owned, the gregarious pre-kindergarten teacher knew she wanted to volunteer for Hurricane

Red Cross cell phones: a lifeline for volunteers in the field

After a disaster, when communications can be affected, a reliable phone is crucial for American Red Cross volunteers working in the field. One of their first stops at a disaster site is therefore the Disaster Service Technology (DST) Department, where their colleagues will provide them with Red Cross cell phones and laptops. “Our phones are a lifeline to someone who

Red Cross supports state fair amid storm recovery

While hundreds of Red Cross disaster relief volunteers helped residents of eastern North Carolina recover from Hurricane Matthew, several health and safety volunteers helped manage one of North Carolina’s most beloved traditions—the North Carolina State Fair. Every year, thousands attend the North Carolina State Fair, a 10-day event, to celebrate the best of the Tar Heel state with unique food,

Volunteering Spans Generations for Arizona Family

Grandfather, Grandson in North Carolina Helping with Hurricane Response Alejandro Reynoso is trying to teach his grandson a lesson. His classroom is a Red Cross emergency response vehicle. Mr. Reynoso and his grandson, 18-year old Dominic drove the ERV from Arizona to North Carolina to help people affected by Hurricane Matthew. “I think we should all take some time to contribute

Red Cross, Partners Reaching Out to Residents Affected by Flooding

Food Being Prepared by Southern Baptists, Delivered by Red Cross Volunteers More than 2,000 people woke up in a shelter in Eastern North Carolina on Sunday morning, more than a week after Hurricane Matthew dumped heavy rains on the region. 30 shelters remained open for residents who are not yet able to return to their homes. Many residents who ARE

Red Cross Volunteer Dedicates His Service to His Son

  California Resident Helping at a Shelter in Columbus County Jess Chairez doesn’t mind being called Joe.  After all, the name “Joe” is spelled in large letters on the front of the hat he wore while working at the Red Cross shelter at West Columbus High School in Cerro Gordo. On the back of his hat are the words “Joe’s

Red Cross Volunteers Travel From Several States to Help in N.C.

Red Cross volunteers have come from all over the U. S. to help residents affected by flooding following Hurricane Matthew. At the Western Prong Baptist Church in Whiteville on Thursday, October 13, volunteers from several states arrived in Emergency Response Vehicles to deliver meals prepared at the mobile kitchen set up by the Southern Baptist Convention. A dozen states were

Little Boy Gets a Birthday Party in a Red Cross Shelter

Volunteers, School Workers and Neighbors Help a Family in Crisis Jailen Allen celebrated his third birthday Wednesday evening in a Red Cross shelter in Burgaw. It was his family’s fifth night at the shelter. Still, it was a festive occasion. Jailen and his family took refuge inside the shelter at Burgaw Middle School on Saturday, when their home was destroyed

Flooding Forces Families to Flee

Shelter Population in Tar Heel State Doubles in a Day Rising water levels in the wake of Hurricane Matthew continue to create dangerous conditions for many residents of North Carolina, prompting thousands to take refuge in more than 60 shelters throughout the state.  About 3,600 people spent the night in a shelter on Monday, double the number from Sunday night.