By Josh Egbert, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
Ashley Stout was packing care kits for children of families who had been displaced by the Cameron Peak Fire, which was burning just miles from her home, when she learned the American Red Cross needed volunteers. She had just left a 16-year career in marketing and was looking for ways to give back to her community.
“As a young girl, I knew that my passion was to serve,” said Ashley. “That passion led me to serve in Haiti, Africa, Thailand and Cambodia. While I’d spend a great deal of time serving globally, I yearned to serve in my own backyard, my community.”
The Red Cross has been part of Ashley’s family since World War II. Her grandma’s father was drafted into the Army and the Red Cross was the only proper communication between her grandmother’s family and her father.
“Throughout her childhood into her marriage and up until she passed, she was a faithful advocate and supporter of the Red Cross,” explains Ashley.
As part of the Northern Colorado Chapter, Ashley began as a Disaster Action Team member, where she responds to disasters like home fires. She trains shelter workers and has joined the Service to Armed Forces and International Services team. She is trained to do casework while serving as a VAVS (Department of Veteran Affairs Volunteer Serive) National Representative for the Rocky Mountain region.
“When I leave my home wearing the oversized Red Cross vest, the tone of my kids’ disposition turns somber because they know that there is a need and they respect that I am going to help the people,” said Ashley. “As I continue on this journey of fulfilling my heart’s calling, it’s been rewarding to see disaster relief work through the eyes of my own children.”
In her short time with the Red Cross, Ashley says every moment she gets to help others have been memorable. One is not more important or memorable than the other.
“From going into completely devastated areas during the Marshall Fire to sitting with families who not only lost possessions in a fire but also loved ones,” said Ashley. “Each moment serving others has formed itself as a core memory for me.”
Most recently, Ashley helped those stay warm at a shelter during the Arctic Blast in December. As she continues to learn, another volunteer, Keith Dillenbeck, taught her a lot during their shifts together.
“As my manager, Keith instilled immense value into the teaching of shelter work and practices of the Red Cross,” said Ashley. “I could tell of his great character by the way he treated me upon my introduction.”
Ashley’s journey with the Red Cross is just getting started, so she encourages others to get involved just like she did.
“If it’s in your heart to serve others, the American Red Cross is a best in class example of giving to those in their time of need,” said Ashley.
If Ashley’s story has inspired you to become a volunteer, click here to learn more.