On “Make A Difference Day”, Oct. 25, the nation's largest single day of volunteerism, more than 3 million people turned out to perform thousands of charitable acts for others. I had the opportunity to go to Jefferson Barracks Memorial Hospital with the St. Louis Area Chapter Youth Corps volunteers to play bingo with the veterans. Not only was it amazing to meet all of the veterans, but we had a great time playing bingo! There were around 15 veterans and five Red Cross Youth Corps and Americorps members spending time together that day. The other volunteers and I helped call out numbers, get drinks and cookies for the vets and played a few rounds as well. The winners got coupons to the hospital cafeteria. I think the veterans enjoyed having new faces around and spending time with us.

While at the hospital, I also got to talk with a Vietnam veteran that was recovering from surgery. He was so happy to be out of his room interacting and playing bingo. He had some amazing stories that will forever stay with me. He was thankful to all of us for coming out and I could tell in his eyes and his actions, those words came from his heart.

As I am coming to find out, everyday at the Red Cross is different. Did you know the Red Cross responds to over 1,000 fires each year in the St. Louis area? It’s true. A dedicated group of Red Cross volunteers is ready to respond 24/7 every day of the year. This week I got to join the team and ride in the Red Cross Disaster Action Team truck. We didn’t have any fires, thankfully, but I loved getting to know the volunteers.

I also went to my first big meeting with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team, Disaster Mental Health and Disaster Health Services staff and volunteers – all volunteers that help in the field. We had nachos, got to chat with other volunteers and staff, and role played through different disaster scenarios so we would be prepared for the real thing, should a major disaster affect our area. I learned a great deal.

For the rest of the week I’ll be in the office working on the Disaster Action Team Mentoring Program we are planning.

Until next time,

Angela

Angela Hakim is a Red Cross AmeriCorps member.

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