The Red Cross is a volunteer-lead organization so without the volunteers, there would not be a Red Cross. Every week for the month of March, we will be featuring the “Faces Behind the Red Cross.”
For more information about the Red Cross or to get involved, call 234-3459 or visit the Web site at www.nmi.redcross.org.
Claudine Atalig joined the Red Cross in 1995. She says she used to sit in classes just so they can meet the minimum requirement so that classes would not be canceled. She eventually decided that she would become more involved and consequently joined the Disaster Action Team or DAT team as it is called. Claudine is currently the DAT Leader and also a member of the Disaster Committee. She says the main reason for her involvement in the Red Cross is the “rewarding feeling you get from helping people…and this is something you’ll only be able to experience when you get involved.”
Dave Bucher When the tsunami moved through the Indian Ocean in December of 2004, I realized that I would be limited in how I could respond. I immediately thought of the Red Cross and how they would be sending people and relief supplies to those areas most affected by this tragedy. Then I began the process of evaluating how effective I would be in a local emergency and realized I wasn’t in much of a position to even help here. I contacted the local chapter of Red Cross and signed up. It didn’t take long for me to get the basic orientation and feel a sense of where I could best be involved. I have received training in numerous areas and have had the privilege to participate in the training of dozens of other volunteers. I would encourage everyone to visit the local Red Cross chapter and see how they can be better prepared when disaster strikes.
Eleciano “Dean” Ocsillos Has been a member of the Red Cross since 1997 following Typhoon Keith. Although he was a victim of the typhoon, he still felt the need to go out and help the community. He says that “helping people motivates you in a lot of ways.” Dean further adds that “being part of the American Red Cross is a wonderful experience, especially when your helping people during their time of need.”
Vivian Hofschneider joined the Red Cross in 1998 after Typhoon Keith hit the CNMI. She is currently the lead Disaster volunteer in Tinian and is a member of the NMI Chapter Disaster Committee. She says her main reason for staying active with the Red Cross is because she enjoys helping other people.
