CHICAGO (CBS) —The mission of the American Red Cross is to help those in need 24/7. On December 3, CBS News Chicago will join the nonprofit for the annual “CBS Cares Day of Giving.”
All day long, Red Cross volunteers help people through the worst days of their lives.
“Right before I went to sleep, I just heard the alarm – the smoke detector beeping, beeping, beeping,” said Jaicia Walden. “I opened the door and it was filled with black smoke.”
It was late at night on November 12th an apartment complex on St. Johns Road in Woodstock. The sky turned a terrible bright red as the flames burst through the roof. One man died and a woman and a baby were injured.
After the fire, the thick black smoke that frightened Walden lingered eerily over the scene.
She and dozens of her neighbors escaped with their lives, but their homes were instantly gone and their future was uncertain.
“I don’t know where to go,” she said. “One foot in front of the other.”
That’s where the American Red Cross stepped in. They helped Walden and her neighbors by walking with them and setting up a makeshift shelter in a nearby church.
“We are currently housing them to give them shelter, some food, mental health care and some disaster health services,” said Red Cross volunteer Michelle Archambeau.
The fire survivors were desperate to find anything. Among them were babies, children and adults in their 70s, each with their own needs.
“Someone to talk to, or they also need aids that were lost in the fire, maybe glasses or medication,” Archambeau said. “The turnaround time is about an hour because we know how important medications are to some of these families.”
The Woodstock fire was just one of countless tragedies that Red Cross volunteers responded to. The key word is ‘volunteer’.
About 90% of Red Cross workers are volunteers: people who rush day and night to respond to disasters, including fires like the one in Woodstock.
“We send these volunteers out in times of need, when the fire breaks out, to provide comfort, care, assistance and any financial assistance if needed,” said Rodrigo Carrillo, regional disaster officer of the Red Cross. “Each volunteer is thoroughly trained to provide the services for which he or she is available.”
That pure compassion can make all the difference for people like Walden, who are experiencing one of their worst days ever.
“I know all this is happening, but it still doesn’t feel real,” Walden said. “You always hear about it, but you don’t think it will happen to you.”
The American Red Cross said there is always a need for volunteers. Interested parties can learn how to help in just a few days.
Join us on December 3 for our annual telethon “CBS Cares: Day of Giving.” We’ll share more stories of hope and inspiration and explore how we can all give back.
Joe Donlon
