Recognizing Mother's Day and My Mom: Volunteer Extraordinaire

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor and proud daughter of Jennifer Enders 

Catherine Carlton & her mom, Jennifer Enders

My mom is the ultimate volunteer. And I have her to thank for one of the main reasons I volunteer for community organizations such as the Red Cross. 

Ask her to do something, and she’s not just immediately saying yes, she’s adding to your request with suggestions on what else she can do to help.

Being her daughter – this has its privileges as well. 

“Can you pick up Jeffrey from school?” 
“Yes, and I have made pasta and a salad for you for dinner.” 

My mom belongs to many groups (both here in Texas and in California where she splits her time) and is always one upping herself on what else she can do to help others.

She not only wants to help the organization, she does special things to recognize her fellow volunteers. She does “tribute” cards to thank volunteers of the Music Center in Los Angeles and soon will be bringing this lovely tradition to the Newcomers Group of Arlington. She is always the camera woman taking photos so she can do a tribute DVD to highlight the people making a difference. 

But really it comes back to her desire to give back. 

She delivers Meals on Wheels. She is a docent at three nonprofits. And she gives her time to many more. 

She often quotes Erma Bombeck when she describes why volunteering is important. 

"Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain love for one another." 
-Erma Bombeck

Following that quote, that means I reflect my mom.

And I am so proud to do so as a volunteer with the American Red Cross.

Happy Mother's Day. 

To begin your volunteer legacy with the Red Cross, join us at redcross.org/dfw.

Read More

Red Cross Supporter Jackie Stevens’ Mother’s Day Gift: A Daughter Giving Back

Written by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Claire Stevens sings with her heart and giving spirit at her coffee house fundraiser earlier this month.



Jackie Stevens has made the importance of giving back an ongoing lesson for her third-grade daughter, Claire.

It started with a specific piggy bank for charity efforts, which sat alongside two other banks: one for savings and one for spending. She has great pride in her daughter’s recent endeavor in giving back to her community – and so do we.

After seeing coverage of the DFW tornados last month, Claire suggested she do something to help the Red Cross help the families impacted by the storms. “We could make money for the Red Cross when we do a coffee house,” Claire told her mom.

Claire has been taking piano lessons for about 18 months and recently connected that she could use her music to help others. When a family friend who goes to the same music school as Claire asked her to play at a coffee house with him, she suggested that they use the show to raise money for the Red Cross. Claire’s fellow performer was immediately on board and thought the idea was awesome.

“She was so excited to help,” Jackie said, noting Claire knew that the storms meant some kids lost their homes, their stuffed animals, their toys and even their puppies. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to come home from school and not have your house and your room.

Jackie added, “We were so proud that we offered to match their donations.”
In total, Claire and her fellow performer donated $204.28. The end feeling became infectious in Claire, who is already thinking about her next charitable endeavor. “We can do it again and get more people to come and we can raise more money,” Claire explained to her mom.

“As a mom you talk to your kids about a lot of things, big and small, and how they should respond,” Jackie said. “And you hope when situations arise they will make good decisions and follow through. You hope that they are understanding why philanthropy is so important, and that you’re doing a good job of being a positive role model. When you realize they get it, it’s such a great feeling. I’m really proud.”

The American Red Cross, commonly referred to as “The World’s Greatest Mother,” wishes everyone a Happy Mothers Day. We know that the spirit of giving often begins at home, and we appreciate you and what you do to teach the idea of giving back and helping organizations like the Red Cross.

How did you learn to give back to your community?

Jackie shared, “I learned about giving back from watching my parents who never made a big deal about the things they did to help and they were always there for me and my sisters. My husband is also a big believer in charity so when Claire was about 3, we started the piggy banks and modeling an attitude of giving back. We have a ‘Thanksgiving Clean Out’ the weekend after Thanksgiving and we donate clothes and toys to Goodwill every year. We donate clothes to Catholic Charities throughout the year and started a tradition of donating to the North Texas Food Bank in the names of Claire's teachers/administrative team at Christmas.”

To follow 9-year-old Claire’s example and make a donation to the Red Cross, visit us online at redcross.org, text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Read More

Gifts to Show Mom You Care

Flowers are nice—but the gift of preparedness is one that endures.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you may be thinking of what to give the person who brought you into the world. Fortunately, the American Red Cross has many items to help you show your love.

Kits

Almost everyone believes preparedness is important, but it’s a fact that close to 60 percent of Americans are wholly unprepared for a disaster of any kind.

Having an emergency preparedness kit can help put your mind at ease. Some kits—such as the Vintage-Style Emergency Preparedness Kit—contain everything from emergency food and water to first aid supplies and a radio. The Personal Safety Emergency Pack includes basic preparedness and first aid items, and is small enough to stash in a glove compartment.

The 66-piece Deluxe Personal First Aid Kit contains the essential items to help you be prepared for minor injuries. This is another compact kit that is great for the car or office.

Radios

The electricity is out, and you need information fast. The American Red Cross Microlink FR160 Eton Emergency Radio and the Solarlink FR360 Eton Emergency Radio can help keep you informed.

Both radios can be charged with both solar power and a hand crank, giving you unlimited power for AM/FM radio, NOAA weather channels, emergency lights, cell phone battery life and more.

Other Fun Gifts
If your mom is already well-stocked with preparedness items, consider giving her some stylish Red Cross gear, such as a jacket, t-shirt or hat. Or give her a classic Red Cross vintage field bag to carry all her essentials.

Check out the many other items and gifts at the Red Cross Store, and have a very happy Mother’s Day!

Read More