Meet the Griffins!

Happy Friday! Today we'd like to bring you the story of Annaliese and Bill Griffin. This interview was conducted by Shelby Fill.

Tell me what you do for the Red Cross.

Years ago, I (Annaliese) started with WSYL (We Speak Your Language) as a German translator and then Bill and I were disaster volunteers and helped out at other big American Red Cross events like the golf scramble and the Gatsby Ball. Now we volunteer at the blood mobiles and the Donoramas, and I volunteer about twice a week at the East End fixed site. I work in the refreshment area and Bill works as the greeter.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job duties with the Red Cross?

I enjoy meeting all of the wonderful people. All of the volunteers and employees at the East End feel like an extended family and I would say that 99.9% of all of the donors are absolutely wonderful! The happiness you get out of volunteering is incredible, although I’ve always said if you go in happy, you will come out happy.

Why do you volunteer?

When I first moved to Louisville, I got very ill and spent 30 days in the hospital. We had wonderful neighbors that helped take care of my family and me, and I volunteer now to give back to the community what the community gave me in that time of crisis.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for the Red Cross?

We volunteer at a nursing home once a week. I make cupcakes to celebrate the birthdays and we play bingo. We help out at the church as ushers and greeters. Every Tuesday Bill volunteers at a prison, he brings them magazines and talks to the prisoners. And we enjoy our family—we have three children and two grandchildren.

What does it mean to you to be a Red Cross volunteer?

It means happiness and the joy we get from helping out and meeting new people.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Red Cross, and how long you have been a volunteer?

I will be volunteering with the Red Cross for 25 years this summer and for Bill it will be 21 years. Soon after I came to America, Bill’s mother was seriously ill and dying. The doctor only gave her a few days to live and her only wish during this time was to see her youngest son, who was deployed in Germany during WWII, one last time. I was telling my neighbor this story and I didn’t know then that he was a high-ranking employee with the American Red Cross. He was able to call Washington and get my brother-in-law home in just 24 hours to see his mother and spend that time with our family. We were so appreciative of what the Red Cross did for us then, that’s why we volunteer with the Red Cross now.

What has been the most memorable thing you have seen working with the Red Cross?

Every 8 weeks we have a donor who brings his 10 year old son The little boy is severely handicapped and in a wheelchair. It took him a long time, but now he knows who I am, smiles when I say hello to him, and we are able to play around when the site isn’t too busy. I am so thankful that he is able to respond to me and I am able to spread a little joy.

Thank you Annaliese and Bill; we're lucky to have you as Red Cross volunteers! Are you interested in volunteering on blood drives in Kentuckiana? Visit www.redcrossblood.org

to find the volunteer opportunities closest to you!

"It’s humbling to think that something that small can make that big of a difference..."

Today we'd like to introduce you to Helen Harrah, a Disaster Services volunteer.

What do you do for the Red Cross?

I volunteer with our Disaster Action Team (DAT) and am teaching basic disaster relief training courses (but would eventually like to teach more!). What does the Disaster Action Team do? We respond to house and apartment fires. The fire department calls us with an address, and we travel to the fire site and assist the clients. We go through a casework process (which involves a lot of forms!) to determine their needs (shelter, clothing, food, etc), and distribute a Client Assistance Card (like a cash card) to them. We also refer them to other social service agencies, and let them know who they can follow up with at the Red Cross office. We also do a lot of listening, hearing them out and acknowledging what they’ve been through.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Red Cross, and how long you have been a volunteer?

I’ve been a Red Cross volunteer for about two and a half years. I started several months before I retired, because I knew that when I retired I wanted to do the things that I wanted to do and couldn’t do when I worked. My job didn’t allow me to take much time off. I picked the Red Cross because I was excited about the organization and knew there were a variety of opportunities here.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job duties with the Red Cross?

The most interesting thing is the cross-section of people that I see who are affected by disasters. There’s not one group or socio-economic status- we’re all equally affected by disasters.

What does it mean to you to be a Red Cross volunteer?

Being appreciated by our community and other staff and volunteers. I could be sitting at home doing nothing, but instead I’m giving back to people and our community now that I have the time to do it.

Why do you volunteer?

Once I made a commitment to really get into volunteering with the Red Cross, I realized how much I got back from it. I’ve come to appreciate the American Red Cross more. It’s been amazing for me to see how good people are even in the worst of situations, and I feel like I’m a better person for it.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for the Red Cross?

I like to travel, especially finding new places to go. I try to visit my mother more often, and go hiking, camping, tend my vegetable and flower garden, and volunteer at my church. Basically, everything that I didn’t have the time to do before!


What has been the most memorable thing you have seen working with the Red Cross?

One thing that was really memorable for me was distributing clean-up kits after the August flooding last year. I only helped out for about 8 hours, but it was a really great feeling to see the way people appreciated us and responded to the simple things like buckets, mops, and bleach. It’s humbling to think that something that small can make that big of a difference in people’s lives.

Thank you Helen, we're proud to have you as a volunteer! Are you interested in joining the DAT Team, or being trained as a Disaster Relief volunteer? We train volunteers to engage in 30 distinct activities during a disaster through our Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) system! Call 561-3770 or visit our website at www.louisville-redcross.org to find the office nearest you.

Meet Trish Tindall!

In our fourth National Volunteer Week profile, we're proud to introduce Trish Tindall, a volunteer with our Shelby County Service Center. Interview conducted by Anna Rosales, Americorps Member.

What do you do for the Red Cross?

I’m a volunteer, and I work with Angela and several others on fundraising for Shelby and Henry Counties. I put on the fishing tournament each year in Taylorsville to raise funds for anything that goes on in Shelby and Henry counties. I already have the 2010 tournament scheduled for September 25, and have phone calls from people wanting to participate. I’m hoping the tournament will be a lot bigger this year.

This past year I was also nominated to the board which I felt was a real honor.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job duties with the Red Cross?

Just being involved in the community, and letting people know what the Red Cross stands for. Red Cross is something everybody needs to get involved in to support the community. I have a 4-year-old grandson, and he loves going to Red Cross events.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for the Red Cross?

I work at American Founders Bank in Shelbyville, and I am co-owner of Todd’s Auto Repair. When I’m not at the bank, I’m at the shop. That’s where all the Red Cross flyers go up. A lot of guys that fish come in, and I’m always passing out information.

From May to the first of November, I’m at the campground nearly every weekend. At Cummins Ferry I help out with activities. We’re having a kid’s activity day with the fire department, National Guard and Sheriff’s Department. I’m also trying to get someone to take the kids on a nature walk.

What does it mean to you to be a Red Cross volunteer?

It gives me great pleasure being able to help the community, and being able to help others. I think Angela and Vicki are doing a great job in Shelby and Henry counties. The volunteers of Shelby and Henry counties are fantastic!

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Red Cross, and how long have you been a volunteer?

I started volunteering in 2008. I had a blood transfusion, and I know how important it is to give blood. When I was 21 years old, I was in a bad car wreck and needed blood; if it hadn’t been for the American Red Cross, I might not be here.

How has this experience changed your life?

It makes me appreciate things more—to know that there are people out there that care.

What has been the most memorable thing you have seen working with the Red Cross?

I would have to say the smiles on kids’ faces when they know that somebody cares. Working at the fairs and being at the parades. The kids love it. I love watching kids come up to our Red Cross mascot, Scrubby Bear, and ask “Can we have our picture taken?”

Thanks Trish, we're lucky to have you as a volunteer! To see some photos of our Shelby/Henry County team in action (and Scrubby Bear!), visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/louisvilleredcross. To join them as a volunteer, contact Angela Disch at (502) 633-2486.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

In honor of Administrative Professionals Day, we've decided to profile one of our administrative volunteers that works tirelessly behind the scenes to help us meet the needs of our community. Meet Joan Holzknecht! This interview was conducted by Shelby Fill, Volunteer Specialist for the Louisville Area Chapter/River Valley Blood Region.

Tell me what you do for the Red Cross.

I spend one day a week at the Red Cross downtown office. In the morning, I volunteer in Blood Services doing administrative work and then I spend the afternoon in Armed Forces Emergency Services making follow up calls to families to ensure they have had a successful call back from their deployed loved one. Additionally, I try to volunteer at one blood mobile a month and like to volunteer at the Holiday Heroes special event blood drives.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Red Cross, and how long have you been a volunteer?

I have been a Red Cross volunteer for about 6 months now. I wanted to become a volunteer here because there were many different opportunities within the organization, so I knew I would be able to find volunteer jobs that would interest me and help the community.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job duties with the Red Cross?

The most interesting thing is learning about the workings of military communications and the circumstances revolving around family communications. Both military personnel and their families are extremely brave. Also, our Armed Forces Emergency Services call center takes calls not only from families here in the area, but almost 200 locations throughout the nation.

What does it mean to you to be a Red Cross volunteer?

It gives me a sense of belonging to something that is well respected and vital to the community. I am proud to volunteer for an organization that is doing so much for people locally, nationally, and throughout the world. Volunteering has made me more compassionate and outgoing, and I also enjoy the sense of community and camaraderie between the staff and other volunteers.

Why do you volunteer?

I believe it is the right thing to do. Since high school, I have tried to volunteer at various locations to try and serve others. I had teachers and family members instill in me the importance of volunteering.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for the Red Cross?

I am an Every1 Reads tutor at Jeffersontown Elementary; sing in my church choir (shout out to the alto section!); and have started to sew funeral pall cloths to be used at indigent burials. I like to spend a lot of time with my family, especially my grandchildren.

Thanks Joan; we're lucky to have you as a volunteer! Would you like to help the Red Cross stay organized? Check out our Administrative Assistant volunteer opportunity at http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp317471.jsp!

Meet Mark Kovatch!

In our second National Volunteer week profile, we're proud to interview Mark Kovatch, a volunteer for the Louisville Area Chapter. This interview conducted by Shannon Burnett, a Crossing Generations and Red Cross Social Media Team member.

What do you do for the Red Cross?

I’ve been a volunteer for the Red Cross for approximately six years, beginning as a Board Member and, more recently, as a volunteer for special projects. I’m able to bring my over 30 years of corporate business experience to the table, and am currently assisting Keith Alvey, Chapter CEO, by providing support on various business projects at the chapter.

I also have a special passion for the AFES (Armed Forces Emergency Services) program and donate my time to that endeavor. I’ve never forgotten my experience of being assisted by the Red Cross AFES program. I felt this program was too well kept a secret, and decided to volunteer in support of it. I’ve worked with Joann Risky, who directs the program.

Is there something that you think would surprise people about your job? A “Wow” or “Gee-Whiz” factor?

Few people know that the Louisville call center is one of the largest call centers in the United States!

What does it mean to you to be a Red Cross volunteer?

I’m attracted to volunteer for the Red Cross because of its “purity of mission.” I enjoy being part of an organization that provides such valuable services to the community. Everyone cheers you on, because they know you are at work to make things better.

What has been the most memorable thing you have seen working with the Red Cross?

My most memorable event is a very personal one. When I was a 19 year old on active duty with the Navy, I received the difficult news that my father had suddenly passed away. The Red Cross’s AFES program stepped up to enable me to navigate the red tape and allow me to return home to deal with my father’s passing. They made it effortless, and I think it’s a valuable service to military servicemen and their families.

Thank you Mark, we're lucky to have you as a volunteer! If you're interested in becoming a Red Cross Hero like Mark, contact our Volunteer Office at 561-3770 or a Red Cross office near you.

Red Cross Volunteer Profile- First in a Series!

Hello all! Welcome to our first in a series of Red Cross volunteer profiles during National Volunteer Week (and beyond!). Today we'd like to introduce Tamara Langley, a volunteer at our Ft. Knox office.

What do you do for the Red Cross?

I am the Director of the Helping Hands program at Ft. Knox. Helping Hands is a program for military members and their dependents; we give out baby formula, clothing, household items. In March 2010, we had 111 visits in total, thirty families visited for food. So far in April, we’ve had 60 visits for food.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Red Cross, and how long you have been a volunteer?

I joined the Red Cross four months ago, and joined because I was bored and was looking for something to do! I moved here from Lakeville, MN, but didn’t have time to volunteer for the Red Cross there.

What is the most interesting aspect of your job duties with the Red Cross?

Meeting a wide variety of people, and I’ve only been on post for a few months, and I’m already helping with a five day a week volunteer position! I just love it though, and would love to volunteer more!

What does it mean to you to be a Red Cross volunteer?

I think being a Red Cross volunteer is the most rewarding thing you can do. I love it. It means that you’re a really selfless person, and you get to help people.

What do you do when you aren’t volunteering for the Red Cross?

I work a part-time job at Coldwell Banker, and I also volunteer as a part of the military Family Readiness Group (FRG), which calls to check on families, connect them to civic resources, and communicate announcements from the commander. My husband is not very high-ranking, so folks are surprised that I have so much time to volunteer!

Thank you Tamara; we're lucky to have you as a volunteer! If you're interested in devoting time to our Helping Hands program or volunteering through our Ft. Knox office, call May Giulitto at (502) 624-2163.

Happy National Volunteer Week!

National Volunteer Week is a special time at the Red Cross. Across the country over 95% of all Red Cross staff members are volunteers. If you are a volunteer, thank you. If you support or work with volunteers, thank you.

In 2009 our Louisville Area Chapter volunteers dedicated over 105,000 hours of service responding to and preparing for disasters, helping military families communicate with loved ones, teaching life-saving health and safety classes, and supporting our blood donation efforts.

Every year the Independent Sector sets a value of a volunteer hour. In 2009, that number was $20.85. So, in 2009, our volunteers donated time worth almost $2.2 million to the Louisville Area Chapter and the communities we serve.

Volunteerism is more than about numbers. It’s about the stories of service that echo throughout Kentuckiana, the United States, and the world. This week, we’ve asked a few volunteers to share their story. Check back here every day to see profiles of some of our amazing volunteers!

Do you want to start your own volunteer story? We have numerous volunteer opportunities available all across Kentuckiana, and offices in Louisville, E-Town, Ft. Knox, Shepherdsville, Shelbyville, Buckner, and Georgetown, IN. In 2009, we had almost 300 new people join our volunteer program, and are ALWAYS looking for more!

If you know someone who is interested in volunteering, have them call (502) 561-3770 or visit our website at http://www.louisville-redcross.org to find the office closest to them.