Written by Anastasia Roberts, American Red Cross Intern
Volunteers make up 90% of the American Red Cross workforce, and there is no question that they are an essential part of the workforce. Without them, the Red Cross would not be able to accomplish its mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.
One volunteer in particular made a lasting impact on the Red Cross and its community. Sarah Palmer, a San Diego County Red Cross volunteer, logged more than 8,000 hours of service and was recognized for her outstanding service and nine years of service to the Red Cross with the Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest award in the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. was awarded. Upon hearing of the death, Mr. Palmer said, “I couldn't be more honored.''
As a Red Cross volunteer, Palmer has served in many roles including administrative assistant, scheduling and engagement leader, stewardship volunteer, blood donation ambassador, and transportation specialist.
Prior to volunteering with the Red Cross, Palmer had more than 40 years of administrative experience, so it's no wonder that these skills are utilized in many of her roles. As an office assistant and scheduling and engagement leader, Palmer organizes spreadsheets that are critical to the donor recruitment department's account representatives who schedule blood drives.
In addition, Palmer liaises with volunteer services as she performs logistics duties on Volunteer Connection, an internal platform that notifies volunteers when there is a critical need and assists with volunteer management. “Also, the front desk phone is available to my laptop 24/7, allowing us to route calls to each department in a timely manner, especially during times of disaster,” Palmer said. he said. Even when she's not actively volunteering, Palmer works to ensure the Red Cross is prepared for current disasters and informed about the latest disasters.
When she's not organizing spreadsheets or updating volunteer information, Palmer helps with fund development as a stewardship volunteer. In this role, she writes, organizes, and mails thank-you letters to funders.
In the past, Palmer served in biomedical services roles as a blood donation ambassador and transportation specialist. In her role as a blood donation ambassador, she helped blood donors feel at ease before taking the next steps, such as medical exams and blood draws. As a transportation specialist, Palmer played a critical role in getting life-saving blood products from blood donation centers to local hospitals.
Palmer remembers when she was recognized for her efforts to deliver lifesaving blood. “When I was in an elevator at a hospital to give birth, a person in the elevator cried and thanked me, saying that the blood I had brought was needed by a patient who was going to undergo surgery soon.'' I said it was to send to my family. This blood came out right away,” she shared. Palmer said this moment confirmed to her that she was volunteering with the right organization.
Palmer said one of the best parts of volunteering with the Red Cross is knowing how welcomed and appreciated she is. She encourages potential volunteers to try the Red Cross. “If you're open, welcome communication, willing to learn, willing to listen, you'll find your place,” Palmer says.
Learn more about Red Cross volunteer opportunities below. redcross.org/volunteer.
