Volunteering
While Dalia Fernandez was driving in Queens two months after the tragedy of September 11, 2001, she heard sirens, followed by terrible news on the radio about the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 to Santo Domingo. She immediately felt the desire to help, and followed the emergency vehicles to a nearby Ramada Inn, where the families of those who had died in the crash later gathered.
Once at the hotel, the first group she noticed included the Red Cross volunteers. She remembers that they were the "pictures of composure," but their faces reflected the compassion that only faces that “have been there before” can reflect. Because Dalia spoken fluent Spanish and understood the idiomatic expressions and culture of the families who’d lost loved ones in the crash, she was immediately assigned to interpret for mental health workers, pastoral workers, nurses and others. Amidst all the grief, she could tell that the families were very grateful for the assistance of the Red Cross on that day.
In 2002, Dalia felt the time had come for her to volunteer on a regular basis. She is now one of our most valued volunteers.
Every day, Red Cross volunteers like Dalia help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in so many ways…from assisting a family who lost their home in a fire to teaching residents important lifesaving skills. Our vital work would not be possible without these dedicated New Yorkers, who learn how good it can feel to lend a helping hand. Our volunteers get back as much as they give, and often much more. They come to us from all walks of life, and for a variety of reasons. And what do our volunteers say they get in return? Satisfaction. Fulfillment. Enrichment. Gratification.
Find out how to become an American Red Cross in Greater New York volunteer.
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