By Emil Joensson, American Red Cross Public Affairs
Meet Darlene Moore, a volunteer for the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming since 2005, who has deployed over 60 times.
“Whenever there’s a need for volunteers, you’ll find her there, ready and willing to help out,” says Rebecca Corvin, who nominated Darlene for the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Rocky Mountain Heroes Soireè Community Hero award.
During her deployments, Darlene experienced both hardship and joy. She has done everything from building shelters, doing damage assessments, working in call centers, distributing emergency supplies and driving emergency response vehicles. In addition to her work with the Red Cross, she volunteers for several clubs and organizations in Larimer County.
Volunteering for the Red Cross has kept Darlene busy, but she said, “I love deploying; it gives me a chance to help people from all sorts of backgrounds during the worst times of their life. I always have liked helping people and traveling, so I get to do both of the things I like the most,” she says.
Of all Darlene’s experiences deploying, the best one came while working at a Red Cross call center. She picked up the phone, and the lady on the other end sounded just like her grandmother, who had passed away a few years earlier. “My grandmother was from the south, and the person who called had the same accent my grandmother had,” she says.
When Darlene is not volunteering, she helps the Red Cross find and recruit volunteers in the community. So, what does she do besides volunteering? “I have a flea market business, and to get inventory for that business, I go to estate sales, garage sales and storage auctions.” She also “enjoys spending time with grandchildren, great nieces and nephews. I also have a passion for camping.”
In the last 18 years, Darlene has deployed over 60 times and recruited volunteers for many more. Embodying the mission of the Red Cross, we are happy to honor her at the Rocky Mountain Heroes Soireè and give her the appreciation she deserves.
Darlene is a valued member of the Red Cross. She will be recognized as one of the Community Heroes awardees for her outstanding efforts and hours contributing to our community.
