|
|
Newsroom Chapter Blog
|
 |
|
Apr
21
4/21/2009 9:22 AM
 When I was anticipating retirement, I knew that I wanted to use my time in service to others. I called several organizations to see what we had to offer each other. The Red Cross was one of the few to return my call. I had training courses all lined up to fit my schedule and along came Hurricane Katrina. I called the Red Cross and said "I have no training, but could you use a warm body?" I was told to come in the next day to begin one day's worth of on the job training as a case worker. I spent the next three weeks doing case work and financial assistance paperwork here in St. Louis and THEN got my official training. I better understood the classroom training with my first hand knowledge! I currently volunteer once a week as a team leader on the Disaster Action Team. The DAT experience forms friendships on the team and allows me to help people in their immediate time of need. (We also go interesting places for lunch!) Whether consoling a client over the loss of their pet alligator (no kidding), joking with and canteening hot and tired firefighters, helping a parent deal with the fact their 8-year-old who accidentally set the house on fire or helping a family that lost everything in a disaster get food, clothing and shelter, it is always a fulfilling experience. Volunteering for the St. Louis Area American Red Cross has been one of the highlights of my retirement!
Dan Stokes is a volunteer with the St. Louis Area Chapter.
Tags:
4 comment(s) so far...
Re: Dan Stokes - Learning Fast
Dan - Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us celebrate Volunteer week. I especially appreciate your dedication to training...both taking courses to ensure your skills are up to date AND sharing your knowledge with other team members. You give so generously of your time and talents - I'm glad you and Dena are part of our team!
By Becky White on
4/22/2009 6:47 PM
|
Re: Dan Stokes - Learning Fast
Hi Dan,
Thank you for sharing how you became a member of DAT. I can think of no one better able to handle the loss of a pet than you and Dena. Thank you for the time you are spending with DAT. I look forward to riding with you and Dena again.
By Patty Lee on
4/25/2009 2:29 PM
|
Re: Dan Stokes - Learning Fast
Thanx for the email
By Charles/Betty Stokes on
4/27/2009 2:27 PM
|
Re: Dan Stokes - Learning Fast
Good post, but have you thought about Dan Stokes - Learning Fast before?
By Vino Nebbiolo on
8/31/2009 11:41 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|