Help the Red Cross Help You

I am fortunate to say that I’ve never had a fire in my home, though one day I could. My home hasn’t been terribly flooded, but one day it could. I’ve never needed CPR, but one day I might. Even though I’ve never needed Red Cross help after an emergency, the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago has been there for me in more ways than one. It has helped my career.

I began as a Bilingual Public Relations intern, and then I became a volunteer for the Marketing and Communications department. Since I began my involvement with the Red Cross, I knew it was a place where I could learn, network and strengthen and develop new skills.

Helping out is not only fun and looks great on your resume, but it’s easy. Find something you like to do or something you’re good at, and the Red Cross will be able to benefit from your time. I expressed my interest and availability and next thing you know it I’m posting a blog once a week. When I tell people (old professors, colleagues, friends) that I continue to stay involved with the Red Cross, they are very impressed. Anything that you do to help the Red Cross (no matter what your major was in college) can be a learning experience and just as importantly, will going to help many others.

I hope I can motivate you to consider putting your gifts and talents to good use, I know it’s something I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to do, so should you! To learn more, visit www.chicagoredcross.org/volunteer.


Amerit Del Rio is a volunteer at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago.