Empathy in Action: The Red Cross Experience

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael speaks with Deborah Fleming, the new executive director of the Greater Shenandoah Valley chapter of the American Red Cross. Deborah shares her compelling personal history with the Red Cross, stemming from her experience as a child during the Johnstown flood of 1977. This pivotal event inspired her lifelong commitment to humanitarian work. They discuss the significant coverage area of their local chapter and stress the importance of having diverse volunteer representation from all counties they serve. Deborah highlights various ways people can volunteer, whether locally or from home, and emphasizes that the Red Cross provides all necessary training. They also touch on the organization's mission, its global reach, and its foundational principles of neutrality and independence, which make it a welcoming place for volunteers from all walks of life. The conversation encourages listeners to consider volunteering and provides information on how to get started through the Red Cross website: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html