Volunteer of the Month – Sally Reamer

Congratulations, to Sally Reamer for being selected as the October 2015 Volunteer of the Month by the American Red Cross.

As a Red Cross volunteer, Sally serves in many roles within the Disaster Services Department. She is a Disaster Action Team (DAT) Leader, a Dispatcher and a Preparedness Project- Pillowcase Presenter. “The more I saw the Red Cross and all the good service the organization was providing, the more involved I wanted to get! I really like the fact that volunteering gives me so many new opportunities and allows me to meet so many interesting people.” For Sally, being a Red Cross volunteer, is near and dear to her heart, it gives her great purpose and an unceasing desire in serve her community.

Sally joined the Red Cross in September of 2012, Sally stated, “For years and years, I would see the Red Cross on the news at disasters helping and I knew I wanted to be a part of that someday.  So, the first thing I did when I retired was to sign up to volunteer.”  She demonstrates a great commitment to the Red Cross mission through assisting people during some of the most difficult events in their lives. Sally feels strongly about recognizing her fellow Red Cross members, stating that, “we would not be able to help so many people if, we didn’t work with such a great volunteer group.” Sally’s devotion is evident by the more than thirty hours she volunteers each week. As a Disaster Dispatcher on a 24 hour hotline she is an integral part of the Red Cross disaster response effort, taking calls from 911 and dispatching Red Cross volunteers to respond to disasters. Fellow Red Cross DAT member and dispatcher, Melody says, “Sally is caring, understanding and always there when needed, often taking dispatch shifts that are not covered.” Others who work with her explain that Sally does her job and much more, with great accuracy and attention. According to Sally, who started dispatching over two years ago, “It is a great way to stay involved, and I have learned so much more about what the Red Cross does by being a dispatcher.  Plus, I can do that right from my house!”

October is National Fire Prevention Month and as a Pillowcase Project Presenter, Sally helps children prepare for home fires and other possible disasters. “This is a wonderful project, because it allows children to learn how to prepare for a possible disaster in a way that doesn’t scare them,” Sally says. The Pillowcase Project is a free interactive preparedness program designed for youth ages 8 to 11 and offered by Red Cross to youth in schools, after-school programs, and at other sites and events. The program aims to increase awareness and understanding of natural hazards, teach safety and emotional coping skills, as well as the importance of personal preparedness. Through instructor-led presentations, students learn the best ways to stay safe, how to handle stressful situations, and what tools they can use at home to prepare for emergencies. For more information about The Pillowcase Project, visit the Pillowcase Project webpage at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/school/preparedness-education/the-pillowcase-project .

Sally encourages everyone to join the Red Cross. According to Sally, “The Red Cross, unlike many other volunteer organizations, has so many DIFFERENT ways to give back to the community.  It’s like one stop shopping for volunteering.”

We, thank you, Sally for proudly representing the Red Cross in your community!

To learn more, visit www.redcross.org/volunteer or contact the office of Volunteer Resources at volunteerwisconsin@redcross.org.