Community Volunteer Satisfaction

One of the most satisfying volunteer jobs that I have had in our community over the last few years is working shelters with the American Red Cross.  Yes, there are certification classes involved.  One must know how to work with the other American Red Cross personnel, the Dallas Police Department, the National Guard, many fearful and often ill evacuees and other government or local volunteer organizations providing various services at the shelter.  After training there are shifts you can sign up for.  Just being able to check a person into the shelter that has no place to sleep and perhaps a car full of kids or an aging parent truly warms onus's heart.  Working Katrina was an experience as there were countless ill persons by the time they arrived in Dallas.  Working Katrina's triage area was quite an education.  With very little time to set up and no pharmacy on the premises, I drove back and forth countless times between the off-site pharmacy and the Dallas Convention Center.  With Ike we had more notice to set up and be prepared.  But nothing warms your heart and soul more than the 3 year old that follows you around just to say hello or to ask if they could sit by you and talk.  Just a smile, a glass of water, a clean towel or updated information is greatly appreciated by all evacuees.  Does it take time?  Yes.  But time well spent to give back to our own humanity.  If you are looking for a place to volunteer and find personal fulfillment I would suggest contacting your local Red Cross.  No, they do not pay me for this.  They don't even know I am bogging or writing this info.  It just warmed my heart so much and allows me to "get out of myself" and be a human.  Once back at work - good market, bad market, crazy market it does not matter.  The human side of the transaction stands out more and I am able to better understand and have more compassion for my clients and all mankind.