Volunteering Together

For Red Cross volunteers John and Julie Stone, packing their suitcases and heading out of town when the Red Cross needs them has become a way of life. When the call came for sheltering support on the day of the Oroville Dam evacuations, this San Diego couple was called immediately to help staff Chico’s Silver Dollar Fairground shelter. Bags packed, they arrived within a day’s notice and immediately began helping evacuees at the shelter.

John and Julie have over 17 years of combined Red Cross volunteer experience and have been on four national disaster relief operation deployments together. In addition to responding to major disasters, the couple also volunteers for their local San Diego chapter by supporting emergency responders, volunteering at blood drives, and setting up local shelters, while also supporting the Disaster Action Team (DAT). In addition, John is certified as a shelter supervisor, DAT lead and teaches disaster classes.

While volunteering at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds shelter and helping evacuees, Julie relates, “Going on disaster operations together enables us to truly appreciate each other’s strengths in a way we might never have known.” John adds, “Helping people begin the road to recovery gives us a great satisfaction.”

You can make a difference by volunteering with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross relies on generous volunteers who give their time and talent to help fulfill our lifesaving mission. You can get trained to respond to local or national disaster relief efforts. Disaster responders meet the needs of those affected by disasters, providing food, shelter and comfort for families affected by major disasters such as floods, fire, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up and learn more.

Story and photo by Maggie Buckenmayer, American Red Cross