What do you call a full-time volunteer? Tom

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Tom Elliot poses with his Bravo Zulu coin.

Tom Elliot is the kind of volunteer that he says “you kind of call full-time.”

After retiring from a career as a top cop, Tom played golf and went fishing. 

“I figured out I couldn’t do that every day,” he said. “I got bored.” 

He heard a Red Cross call for help on the radio after Hurricane Gustav hit and volunteers were needed. 

“I said I can do that,” Tom said.

They put him to work in the warehouse; soon he was delivering supplies to shelters.

And he has not stopped working, more specifically volunteering, since. 

“They told me if you really want to learn, pack your bags,” he said, before packing his bags and heading out to Galveston to help with Hurricane Ike relief for two weeks. 

He now is the logistics guy. He handles safety, asset protection and safety inspections, among many other duties. He is also in charge of all the Red Cross fleet, managing the 138 vehicles in the region. 

“He offers sound, practical advice, and I have come to rely on his wisdom in all areas of fleet management,” said Stacey Wood, American Red Cross Director of Business Operations. “The Red Cross is truly blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer.”

Tom continues to go out on one big disaster relief trip each year: Tennessee in 2010 for flooding, Mississippi in 2011 following tornadoes; New York following Sandy last year, and Colorado this year following the flooding. 

This all translates to about a 5 to 7-hour work day during the week, plus all the 12-hour days when working a disaster. 

“He never says no to anyone with a need,” said Barb Stevens, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, American Red Cross. “We just wouldn't make it without him.” 

Last month, Tom was honored for his work with a Bravo Zulu coin, presented to Red Crossers for exemplary service. It was a creation of North Texas Regional CEO, and retired Navy vet, T.D. Smyers.

When thanked for his work, volunteering and more, Tom says, “I’m not here for the thanks. I know that what I’m doing takes care of the people who need our help.” 

Which is what makes him exemplary.

Start your Red Cross story the way Tom did at RedCross.org/DFW.

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Make a Red Cross Resolution

by Raul Jauregui, volunteer contributor

Join us in 2014!

2014 is upon us and you’ve probably been thinking about your new year's resolutions. Maybe it’s getting back to the gym, getting your finances straightened out or simply being better this year. As you’re thinking about which resolutions to tackle, I’m encouraging you to make your year impactful to complete strangers -- devote some time to volunteering. It’s a great way to create positive vibes within you and the people around you. It can have a long lasting effect on people you may never meet but knowing you made a difference in someone’s life is truly a gift. 

The Red Cross is the perfect organization that can help you meet these needs. There’s something for everyone, like setting up a blood drive in your local community, learning how to perform CPR or helping victims who are devastated by a disaster. These are all ways you can help the Red Cross and make your 2014 a year full of meaning. 

The motivation and determination to stay active with the Red Cross is the challenge some of us may face, but if you dedicated one day a month to volunteering with the Red Cross, imagine how you will feel in December. It’s like achieving any goal; the way you find success is by being consistent and staying focused. 

So, here’s to your New Year’s resolution! This is your year for all the right changes; just make sure to include volunteering with the Red Cross a part of the change in 2014. It will create wonders in your life and for those who come across the Red Cross during times of need. 

For more information about how you can join the Red Cross, visit RedCross.org/DFW to start your application today!

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Taking Action on Make a Difference Day

by Jennifer Holland Jameson, volunteer contributor

Volunteer this Make a Difference Day.

As a Navy wife constantly relocating to new cities and a mom of two kids, I’ve had to suspend my defiantly independent attitude and ask for help in countless ways. There’s a certain level of expectation for family members to lend support in tough times, but the assistance from strangers simply astounds me sometimes. It’s that kind of unconditional generosity that gives me hope for a future where my children will thrive. 

I’ve often wondered how to foster a heart for acts of service in these two tiny people who are so inward focused and oblivious to the hurt of others outside of their toy-packed playroom. How do I instill in my son and daughter that same inspiration of hope I found? 

I needed to show them. 

Like most busy moms, I didn’t know how to give any more of myself when I already felt defeated at any given moment. The demands of a newborn and a preschooler had reduced me to a walking napkin that smelled like BO and soured milk. I desired to make a difference in my community, but I didn’t know how to do it. 

The afternoon I watched news reports of determined men and women pulling dirtied, bloody children from an obliterated elementary school after a tornado struck Moore, Okla., I knew I could no longer sit on the couch and just cry. I was motivated more than ever to DO something. 

The American Red Cross was the first website I checked. Instead of just donating money, I was enticed by the “volunteer” tab. I was fascinated by all of the ways this iconic charity mapped out how anyone could help that wasn’t just rushing to the scene of a disaster or giving blood. 

It was such a gift to find a position that called for writers, a skill I had honed as a newspaper journalist before I became a mom. I’m eager to pour myself into my north Texas community and learn new skills through the many training options. 

Finally, I have an opportunity that allows me to make a difference and show my children how to give hope to others.

This Make a Difference Day, don't just think about wanting to make a difference, do it. Take the first step at RedCross.org/DFW.

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Like Mother, Like Son: Teaching and Learning in Service as a Red Cross Mom

by Rebecca Lawson, staff contributor 

Red Cross Dallas Chapter
Board Member Jodi Lash

Growing up, Jodi Lash remembers watching her parents pay their bills every few weeks – and how they always set aside a little for charity, even though they didn’t have much. Now, as a Bonnie McElveen Hunter Lifetime Tiffany Circle member, Legacy Society member and Chair of the Dallas Area Chapter Board, Jodi has not only continued her parents’ charitable example with her children, but continues to make a lasting impact within the Red Cross. 

When Jodi first began supporting the Red Cross, like many, she associated it with disaster relief, blood and the lifesaving classes she had taken as a child. But once she got more involved, she discovered the full scope of its mission and was inspired by the spirit of volunteerism and seeing “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” She felt compelled to do something on a bigger scale. 

Upon moving to Dallas in 2006, Jodi recalls touring the Dallas warehouse along with her son, Jonathan, who she and her husband were teaching about charitable giving: “I remember welling up with tears as they explained how the warehouse mobilizes and what it’s used for…I was thinking, I have to be part of this.” Her son was equally impressed, and as a result made his first charitable gift, purchasing much needed blankets with his Bar Mitzvah money for the Red Cross. 

As it turns out, that warehouse tour was only the beginning of the Red Cross journey for both mother and son. Jonathan began volunteering at the Dallas Area Chapter, at first working in the warehouse and then gradually in each of the other departments, as part of the Volunteer Public Service component of the Congressional Award. At age 16, he also became a certified CPR instructor, teaching others how to save lives. Jodi recalls how Jonathan wanted so badly to go with the disaster teams out on calls: “He would say to me, ‘I don’t feel like I’m doing enough.’ But I explained to him, you really are – because someone you train may go out and save a life.” 

Jodi was equally taken with the Dallas Tiffany Circle when she attended one of their luncheons shortly after moving to Dallas. “They had such a passion for the mission, and such big generous hearts, and they welcomed me with a huge Texas welcome” Jodi joined the Dallas Tiffany Circle in 2008 and became a Bonnie McElveen Hunter Lifetime member in 2011. “The women who are part of this special group are so incredible,” says Jodi. “They span all age groups and backgrounds and professions and geographic locations, but they all come together in this tightly bonded group of women who rally around the mission of the Red Cross.” 

Jodi and Jonathan’s Red Cross experiences came together at a Dallas Tiffany Circle event last year, where Jonathan was the speaker and gave a hands-on CPR demonstration. 

Overall, Jodi says, “The different ways everyone helps really makes up the heart of the Red Cross. And it has such broad implications as it spreads out into the community.” Jodi has certainly lived that message – both through her own work as board chair and with Tiffany Circle, and by passing that legacy of philanthropy to her children, as it was passed to her. 

To begin your Red Cross story, visit us at redcross.org/dfw.

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Flags for our Fallen: Memorial Day with our Services to Armed Forces Program

Photos courtesy of Kim Puritan, volunteer contributor

This Memorial Day weekend in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces volunteers joined other local service groups to honor our fallen military members by placing flags at the gravesites at DFW National Cemetery. Over 900 volunteers total showed up to the cemetery on the early morning of Sunday, May 27, to take part in this tremendous tribute.

The Red Cross team, made up of civilians, veterans, such as Harry Friedrich, and servicemen and women, like Captain Matthews, took moments of gratitude and honor at each spot where a person who gave his or her life for our freedom was laid to rest. An American flag was then placed in memory of each precious life given for our country.

To learn more about our Services to the Armed Forces department and how they bring comfort to our military members, visit redcrossdallas.org.

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Celebrating Asian Pacific Heritage Month: Returning the Kindness of Volunteers

written by Linh Le, staff contributor

Linh Le is of Asian Pacific Heritage and an involved member of our team!



My parents came to America hoping for simple luxuries such as education for my siblings and me and the chance to succeed. Growing up, I never wanted for anything because my parents worked so hard to provide everything I needed. I truly fit the “Asian stereotype” since my parents owned businesses like a nail salon, donut shop, laundry mat and dry cleaner. But none of that would have been possible with the generosity of volunteers.


Volunteers provided my family with a safe place to stay and guidance when they first emigrated from Vietnam to America. They helped shape opportunities for my family and to this day, my mom still talks about how lucky we were to have a nice family volunteer to help us.

“Thank you” barely begins to scratch the surface of how grateful I am to those who open their hearts so freely to help others. It is because of one kind stranger and his family that I had a fair chance at receiving an education and really fulfilling the American dream. It is something that I don’t take for granted knowing that my parents barely got an elementary education before being forced to drop out to help out their parents and family.

Through the American Red Cross, I have started learning about volunteer opportunities to help families and individuals in need, like others did for mine. This May, to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month, I encourage any first generation Asian-Americans whose lives have been touched by the kindness of volunteers to lend a helping hand. To learn how you can start volunteering with the Red Cross, please visit redcross.org.

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Celebrating our Youth in Action: Meet Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Angel Diaz

Written by Linh Le, staff contributor

American Red Cross donor recruitment representative Shiela Winans  with Red Cross volunteer Angel Diaz at the Middle College High School blood drive.

Angel Diaz, age 18, knew that if he wanted college and career opportunities he would have to take matters into his own hands. In the coming weeks, Angel will be the first member of his family to graduate high school. Not only will he receive his high school diploma and be class valedictorian, Angel will also receive recognition for obtaining an Associates of Science and Associates of Arts.

In addition to his educational achievements, Angel is an American Red Cross blood drive coordinator volunteer.

“At Middle College High School, we are more focused on academics. I thought a blood drive was a great way to bring solidarity and help out the community at the same time.”

Angel and his friends coordinated the blood drive in every way, from securing rooms to recruiting fellow students to donate blood.

“You could see that the blood drive helped increase morale. We did a great job and exceeded our goal! It was a great way to bring everyone together.”

When he isn’t coordinating blood drives, studying or working, Angel also volunteers at Methodist Hospital in Dallas, where he has logged more than 300 volunteer hours. He said volunteering in the emergency room of the hospital made him realize how important it is to donate blood.

“Patients shouldn’t suffer because there isn’t compatible blood. Initially, I was scared to donate – who isn’t – but after spending time in the emergency room, I know how important is it to donate blood so it’s there for patients when they need it.”

Initially Angel started volunteering to meet people and build his resume for college, but now volunteering is something that he loves.

“Whether I am helping the Red Cross or at the hospital, it makes me feel good to know that I am making a difference.”

This fall, Angel will be attending the University of Denver where he received a full scholarship.

To learn how you can coordinate a blood drive, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/hosting-blood-drive.

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Earl Reminds Us to Always be Prepared

Hurricane Earl has battered the northeastern Caribbean with heavy rain and sustained winds of 135 mph causing flooding and power outages. This category 4 storm is on a path projected to hit the East Coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warns residents from North Carolina to Maine to monitor the storm. These types of storms are a great reminder that it is important to be prepared.

The American Red Cross offers a training program "Disaster Volunteer Reserve," where individual volunteers can attend a short boot-camp training and will only be called upon when a catastrophic disaster strikes. Taking this proactive step ensures that you are in a position to help. The Dallas Area Chapter is offering several classes in September at various times and days.

The news of this current storm brings back the horrific imagines generated by Hurricane Katrina just five years ago. While many people have taken action, it is never too late to be "Ready When The Time Comes." This is a corporate volunteer program that will train shelter workers in advance of a storm.

Hurricanes are strong storms with the potential to create hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes. Preparation is the best protection against these dangers. For more information you can review the Hurricane Safety Checklist.

Whether you take action as an individual or as a company, please consider being prepared before disaster strikes.

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Disaster Training is the First Step

Above are some incredible photos from the recent flooding in Laredo, Texas.

When you see these types of images, do you ever wondered how you could help? I remember exactly when I decided to start volunteering for the American Red Cross. I was sitting helplessly in my living room watching the devastation that Hurricane Katrina inflicted. The first step is to take the Introductory Disaster Volunteer Workshop. In a few hours, you will learn the Mission of the Red Cross and about mass care activities, including sheltering responsibilities, fixed and mobile feeding, and bulk distribution of essential supplies so you can become a disaster reserve volunteer.

Upcoming classes are Saturday, July 17th 9am-12:30pm, Tuesday, July 20th 6-9:30pm, Saturday, August 21st 9am-12:30pm, Tuesday, August 24th 6-9:30pm, and Saturday August 27th 9am-12:30pm. To register please email Keith Bridges at kbridges@redcrossdallas.org .

All participants receive certification cards for the Fulfilling Our Mission and Mass Care Overview classes.

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