A Great Example of Preparedness

A Red Cross Volunteer Profile of Josh Carin

Written by: Kelly Norton, Volunteer 

Josh Carin, a native Washingtonian, embodies the American Red Cross pillar of preparedness. Josh is the proprietor of Geppetto Catering, a full service catering company in the DC area, and lives in Maryland with his wife and two children. Something that he has committed to in both his personal and professional life is making sure that he and others, especially his family and staff, are prepared in the case of a disaster. By safety learning tips and making emergency plans Josh has become a great advocate for his community. 

Josh engages in informal discussions about preparedness in a way that socializes it and encourages others to make it an ongoing priority. “I've always felt that we have to be ready in case something serious was to happen,” he explained to me. 

Years ago, Josh bought preparedness kits for his family, including ones for their personal vehicles. These kits already have been put to use. Once he found himself stuck on the road during a snowstorm and used the blanket in his kit to stay warm. 

Recently, Josh purchased kits for all the vehicles in his catering business (about 50 kits in total). He also held a staff meeting to discuss disaster preparation. “Now I feel as though our team is educated to ensure their safety,” Josh said about the meeting. In addition, Josh makes sure to remind his staff, because they are delivering food all over the region, that if they “see something, say something”. He provided his staff with a list of emergency numbers in English and Spanish for their wallets. Josh also confirmed that his team is appreciative of all the steps he has taken, and he considers it a wonderful investment and a way to show them how much he cares. 

Josh’s long standing relationship with the Red Cross began by donating. He has been a donor of platelets and blood for years. Josh was inspired to get even more involved when he met Linda Mathes, CEO of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, at a community event. Josh is also an active member of the DC Police Foundation. 

Follow Josh’s example and learn more about how to be prepared. If you want to make your own preparedness kit, the Red Cross website has a number of tips to get you started. You can also purchase a kit through the Red Cross store.

Donor Profile - John Small

Written by: Tonia Callender, volunteer

For John Small, making yearly donations to the Red Cross is second nature.  It is a habit that started in 1934, when John was in the second grade at Hayattsville, Elementary School in Maryland.  His school had a “Red Cross Day” where the students learned about the Organization’s history and activities.   Everyone was asked to bring in two cents to support the Organization.   John left school that day with a very positive image of the Red Cross, and he wanted to help.  For John’s family, finding the extra money to give to the Red Cross was a challenge, yet his mom managed to save the money.  That year, Johan proudly made his first donation.  The next year, John contributed three cents to his school’s effort and earned his first Red Cross pin.  John remembers how special he and his classmates felt when they earned that pin.   “We felt so honored to be recognized.”

As he grew up, contributing some money to the Red Cross became a tradition for John.  His service overseas during World War II gave him first hand knowledge of some of the Organization’s activities.   A member of the U.S. Navy, John traveled to different port where Red Cross volunteers welcomed him and his fellow sailors.  When he got back home, those memories stayed with him, and he continued to donate annually.

John’s motivation for his yearly donations has been the chance to help an organization that he admires:  “The Red Cross is a good group, so whenever I have a chance to chip in, I do.”  He intends to continue his 80-year tradition as long as he can. 
 

Volunteer Profile - Tucker Allard

Youth Team Adviser Volunteer

Written by: Tucker Allard, volunteer

About a year and a half ago I realized that I wanted to make a difference in my community. I explored different organizations but always found myself drawn to the American Red Cross. In college, I saw numerous blood drives held every year and met friendly and informative Red Cross volunteers. These are just two reasons why I am interested in this organization and its mission.

I joined the Red Cross as a Montgomery County Youth Team Adviser, and so far my experience in this position has been everything I could have hoped for and more! For those unfamiliar with what Youth Team Advisers do, let me explain. Together with the other advisers, I lead a small Red Cross team in Montgomery County that consists of teenagers ranging anywhere from middle to high school. We meet a few times each month to discuss how we can spread awareness about Red Cross related issues. We also help those affected by recent disasters and reflect on past events. One of our most recent group activities involved making holiday cards for heroes who are fighting overseas and may not get to see their families during the holidays. The advisers and I assist the youth members with almost anything they may need. If the youth need supplies or have questions, then we serve as the intermediary to retrieve what it is they need. If they have any problems, they come to us for a solution. Advisers serve the team to guide meetings and supply ideas for activities based on the theme for the month.

My time with the Red Cross has been very rewarding thanks to all the amazing and generous people I have met through this organization. I enjoy working with the members in my group and the other advisers. I know we are making a real difference, not only in the lives of those who are a part of the group, but also with the other people in our community.