American Red Cross Honors Local Volunteers

On Tuesday, May 12th the American Red Cross of Upstate SC in Pickens County hosted its annual volunteer recognition dinner. The theme for the dinner was an Oscar Party – Pickens County style. The paparazzi even showed up to take photos of the Red Cross celebrities.

Every May, American Red Cross volunteers, partners and friends gather to celebrate and reflect on the past year. Usually we share a few statistics and highlights, perhaps reveal a few of the quirks of our staff and volunteers and recognize everyone for their commitment to our mission.

During these difficult and often stressful times, each of us is continually asked to do more with less at home, at work and with our families. Sarah Dow, Director of The American Red Cross of Upstate SC in Pickens County states that she “finds focus by remembering why she is here.” You see for Sarah, her passion for the mission of the Red Cross predates her service to the organization. Despite the fact that it has been over 15 years, the story she shares is still as clear and emotional today.

It is one of the very many stories that bind her so closely to the mission of the American Red Cross.

Katie, one of Sarah’s high school classmates, lost her home to a fire. The fire department arrived on scene that Friday night but could not save the home – it was completely destroyed. Her family did not have homeowner’s insurance. For two days her family of five lived out of their car in the driveway of their destroyed home - alone. She went to school the next Monday wearing the same clothes she had been wearing all weekend. The clothes were wrinkled, dirty with soot and sweat and reeked with the unique smell of a burned home. You see at that time there was not a Red Cross in the community where Sarah lived. She remembers her mother, with tears in her eyes, handing Katie $200 after school that Monday to buy clothes wishing she could do more to help. Sarah also saw the struggle in Katie's eyes before she looked down at her feet as she decided to accept the gift with embarrassment.

10 years later Sarah had the opportunity to work with the American Red Cross in her new community ensuring families, unlike Katie’s, would have a shoulder to lean, new clothing, shoes, shelter and food after a disaster.

Sarah is proud to be a part of the American Red Cross of Upstate SC, which serves Greenville, Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Pickens counties, was founded in 1917, nearly 100 years ago.

Every year we face a new set of challenges. Each time the Red Cross rises to meet the challenge head on – never wavering from our commitment to help people prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies.

In a time when change and uncertainty reign, Sarah believes the following statement speaks to the spirit and very nature of the American Red Cross,

“Although its growth may seem to have been slow, it is to be remembered that it is not a shrub, or plant, to shoot up in the summer and wither in the frosts. The Red Cross is a part of us – it has come to stay – and like a sturdy oak; its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.”

Clara Barton shared these thoughts on May 14, 1904 at the ceremony for her retirement as the President of the American Red Cross. Those words still ring true today and the Red Cross symbol continues to provide comfort and shelter to those in need - especially during these challenging times.

Many volunteers were recognized Tuesday evening for their service. Four special volunteers were recognized for their years of service to the American Red Cross. Each of them has 15 years of service with the American Red Cross for a combined total of 60 years! Those volunteers are: Bill Penn, Joan Penn, Mike Little and Gloria Little.

The Female Volunteer of the Year was Crossie Cox and the Male Volunteer of the Year was Mike Little.

We could not help or train our neighbors if it was not for our volunteers – they are the lifeblood of the American Red Cross. Next time you see a Red Cross volunteer; please tell them “thank you” for a job well done.


To find out more information about the American Red Cross and volunteer opportunities, please call 864-878-0131 or email Sarah Dow at dows@usa.redcross.org.

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