Red Cross volunteers go above, beyond call of duty to help those in need
CHICAGO (CBS) —The American Red Cross's mission is to help people in need 24/7. On Dec. 3, CBS News Chicago will join the nonprofit organization for the annual "CBS Cares Day of Giving."
All day long, Red Cross volunteers help people through some of the worst days of their lives.
"Right before I went to sleep, I just heard the alarm – the smoke detector just beeping beeping beeping," said Jaicia Walden. "I opened the door, and it was just filled with black smoke."
It was late at night on Nov.12 at an apartment building on St. Johns Road in Woodstock. The sky turned a horrific bright red as flames ate through the roof. One man died, and a woman and a baby were hurt.
After the fire, the thick black smoke that terrified Walden lingered eerily over the scene.
She and dozens of her neighbors escaped with their lives, but their homes were gone instantly, and their futures were uncertain.
"I don't know where to go from here," she said. "One foot in front of the other."
That's where the American Red Cross came in. They helped Walden and her neighbors, by walking with them and setting up a makeshift shelter at a nearby church.
"Currently we are housing them to give them shelter, some food, disaster mental health, some disaster health services," Red Cross volunteer Michelle Archambeau said.
The survivors of the fire were desperate for everything. They included infants, children, and adults in their 70s, each with their own needs.
"Someone to talk to, or they also need assistive devices that were lost in the fire, maybe some glasses or medicine," Archambeau said. "The turnaround time is about an hour, because we know how important medications are to some of these families."
The Woodstock fire was only one of countless tragedies that Red Cross volunteers took on. The key word is "volunteer."
About 90% of Red Cross workers are volunteers—people who rush to disasters any time of the day or night, including fires like the one in Woodstock.
"We send those volunteers out in that time of need, when the fire's happening, to provide comfort, care, assistance, and any financial assistance if needed," Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Rodrigo Carrillo said. "Every volunteer is trained thoroughly to provide the services they're there to provide."
That sheer compassion can make all the difference for people like Walden, who are going through one of their worst days ever.
"I know all this is happening, but it still doesn't feel real," Walden said. "You always hear about it, but you don't think it will happen to you."
The American Red Cross said there's always a need for volunteers. Those interested can learn how to help in just a few days.
Join us on Dec. 3 for our "CBS Cares: Day of Giving" annual telethon. We will share more stories of hope and inspiration, and examine how we can all give back.
