It’s hard to believe, but nearly five years ago, millions of lives were changed forever as Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Here at the Red Cross, we launched the largest disaster response in our 125-year history. Yet through all of the destruction and grief, we witnessed hope as friends and strangers sprang into action.
In St. Louis alone, more than 650 volunteers answered the call to help those in need. Although Katrina was damaging on so many levels, she managed to strengthen an already dedicated and unwavering family of volunteers that, we are proud, call the St. Louis Area Chapter home.
So as families often do, we want to take this opportunity to get together, five years later, to share stories and give thanks. And because we are a family with a lot of children and extended relatives, we’ll be doing this two ways: This week on the blog, we will be sharing a different story every day, from a volunteer who played in integral part to the Katrina Relief Operation. Then Thursday, we invite volunteers who contributed to the Katrina Relief Effort, or those whom were inspired to volunteer as a result of Katrina to share their stories in person at our first ever
Relief Reunion. Both ways are an opportunity for us to say thank you to the volunteers who we truly wouldn’t be able to live without.
One of those volunteers is Dan Stokes. This is his Katrina story.
 |
| Red Cross Volunteer Dan Stokes |
Five years ago, I was in Anchorage International Airport having finished a 25th anniversary trip with my wife, Dena. We were awaiting our flight home to St. Louis and watching the airport TV; Katrina was bearing down on New Orleans. I had recently retired and had arranged to take classes at the Red Cross for after my trip. When I arrived home I called and said, “You have my paperwork, but I’ve taken no classes and have no experience. Could I come in and move boxes or something?” The response that I got was, “Come in tomorrow – you will be a caseworker!”
I got my one day’s worth of on-the-job training and did three weeks worth of life changing volunteering. Listening to the stories of the Gulf Staters was a humbling experience. Nearly every one of them exhibited courage, humility, patience, fortitude and love. The other American Red Cross professionals and volunteers were amazing.
Although Katrina was not my reason for joining the American Red Cross, it certainly was my “baptism by fire.” I continue to volunteer with the Red Cross about 40 hours a month on the Disaster Action Team – most days seem pretty calm there compared to the “Katrina Days”.
Dan Stokes
Thank you, Dan and Dena Stokes, for your countless contributions to the Red Cross. We couldn't do it without you!
Lindsey
Lindsey Weber is the Marketing and Communication Associate for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.