By Josh Egbert, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
Gigi Youngblood was living in Miami when Hurricane Katrina hit the Florida and Gulf coasts. She remembers the impact and damage to her home. That’s when she and her father became volunteers with the American Red Cross.
“The most rewarding part of volunteering is providing care and hope to people during disasters,” said Gigi. “Whether a single-family fire or massive hurricane, having a chance to connect with people individually means the world to me.”
Gigi is part of the Disaster Action Team (DAT), responding to home fires and other disasters. She’s also training for Service to the Armed Forces and Mass Care, where volunteers help provide shelter, food and distribution of supplies after a major event. It was during one of those mass care calls that Gigi says left a lasting impact on her.
“A small child was crying and shaking, in the arms of their aunt as their home was a total loss,” said Gigi. “I noticed the aunt was stressed and asking to get back into the unit. While she was speaking to the firefighters I asked if she would like me to watch the child. She handed her to me and I was able to soothe and calm the little one. To see the child breath and feel some peace in the chaos really moved me and I could see residence in that moment on that little face.”
Gigi says many people have helped her along the way in her Red Cross journey. Freddy Zelaya, the former Disaster Management Coordinator for the American Red Cross of Greater Miami, helped guide many volunteers in their DAT work. Most recently, Eric Oubre and April Obholz Bergeler have been brilliant talents to work alongside.
As for volunteering, Gigi says if you’re thinking about it, sign up!
“It is a magnificent, huge, educational, humanitarian, wonderful opportunity to do something that really matters,” said Gigi, “There are a ton of different ways to become involved, so step in and become a helper, be a part of the good in this world!”
If you want to take Gigi’s advice and would like to volunteer, click here to learn more about the opportunities in your community.