In 2002, Merle Blundon of St. Charles County became an active member of her church’s shelter team. The Living Lord Lutheran congregation of Lake St. Louis provides Red Cross training for its members on how to function properly as a disaster shelter.  Merle attended shelter training at the St. Charles County Red Cross Service Center and was inspired by the many ways she could give back to her community.  “Before I knew it, I was involved,” she said.  In the ensuing four short years, Merle has become a skilled and diversified volunteer with the St. Charles County Service Center.

Eager to respond to fellow community members in need, Merle rolled up her sleeves this year during two widespread power outages, volunteering to serve.  In July, Merle worked at the Jewish Community Center shelter with her daughter, Kathy, who also serves as a Red Cross volunteer.  They traded off twelve-hour shifts to offer meals and shelter to those who had been displaced from their homes. Just recently she served for three days at the Red Cross winter storm relief shelter in Florissant. “It’s hard work,” she said, “but you do what you can to help people.”

Merle has also served St. Charles County by renewing or initiating over 60 agreements with local churches, schools, and other facilities to serve as disaster shelters.  Although St. Charles County hasn’t experienced a major disaster since the floods of 1993, Merle wants to make sure the community will be supported.  “This area is growing,” she said.  “We need to make sure we have shelter agreements in all the areas within this county.”

Merle has enjoyed making a big impact in the four years since she joined the Red Cross.  She has worked Health and Safety Fairs and Blood Drives, and even routinely fills in as office assistant when the full-time staff members are called away.  What has been the best part about her volunteer work?  “The people,” Merle said decidedly.  For anyone who has considered volunteering but hasn’t yet taken that step, Merle offers some advice. “Join!” she says. “You’ll be so glad you did, and you’ll make some wonderful friends.”

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