The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
City marks American Red Cross Day
City recognizes contribution of organization and its volunteers
Volunteerism is a tried and true staple of the Oneida community, and that includes those who help others in times of disaster.
“We have a great volunteer force in our city,” said Mayor Leo Matzke on Thursday morning as he dedicated April 19 as Ameri- can Red Cross Day.
First chartered on April 6, 1917, the Madison County Red Cross has assisted the surrounding community with everything from house fires to natural disasters, and almost all of that work has been done by volunteers.
“Our office in Madison County is run exclusively by volunteers,” said Red Cross Regional Chief Executive Officer Rosie Taravella. “We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers.”
Carl Carlstead joined the Madison County Red Cross in 1998 following an ice storm in Watertown. Since then, he’s traveled around the country, attending more than 30 major disasters, as well as assisting Kosovo refugees at Fort Dix in New Jersey -- the hardest assignment he ever took, he said.
“Normally at a disaster you see the client for about 10 to 15 minutes, but down there you saw the same people every day for six weeks. It didn’t take long for their kids to become your kids,” he said.
About 800 refugees were at Fort Dix, he said. Years later while in Utica, one of those refugees recognized Carlstead from the camp, taking time to catch up with someone who hadmade an impact on his life.
Despite the difficulties, Carlstead said he continues to volunteer.
“It’s the feeling you get from helping other people overcome their problems,” he said. “It’s the feeling of satisfaction you get. It’s hard work and long hours, but when you get back you’re ready to go again.”
“Our job is to be the part of the process that makes sure the people are comfortable and safe,” Taravella said. While first responders see to infrastructure and safety, the Red Cross “organizes relief on amassive scale,” finding shelter and food for victims, as well as offering financial support until those affected by disaster can get back on their feet.
“Folks can rely on the Red Cross for a disaster,” Taravella said. “We’re in every community, and some- times people don’t know that. We don’t make a lot of noise about what we do.”
“It’s such a good thing to know they’re there and that we can turn to the Red Cross,” Matzke said.
Madison County has around 70 Red Cross volunteers, but the organization is always looking for more helping hands. Those interested in volunteering can visit the Oneida office at 134 Vanderbilt Ave., or fill out an application online at www.redcross.org.
“It’s the feeling you get from helping other people overcome their problems. It’s the feeling of satisfaction you get. It’s hardwork and long hours, butwhen you get back you’re ready to go again.”
— Madison County Red Cross volunteer leader Carl Carlstead