The Importance of Giving Back-My Thoughts On Community Service

Thank you to the American Red Cross for sponsoring this post. All opinions remain my own.

It seems like a common reoccurring thing with me that around this time of year I do some reflecting. There's something about summer ending and moving forward into the last two seasons of the year that get my wheels turning. I usually end up in denial that the year will be over before we know it, but I keep reminding myself that life will just keep on moving by whether we embrace it, make the most of it, or let it pass by. 

When I think about all of the things I'm thankful for I also realize there's so much more giving I could be doing. If I'm being honest, this isn't the first time I've thought like this, or had these feelings. There's so much I think about that I would like to be doing, but a lot of it feels so long-term term, and if things move into the direction we hope for. Things like donating food to others if we ever have a really successful garden (we all know how that's been going so that might need a miracle), helping others with housing situations, and giving Christmas trees to those that might not be able to afford them. I know these are all things that won't happen over night, but they're nice to think about and start the groundwork for. 

Then I think about things I could be doing right now. The things I can be doing to play a bigger part in the many needs that surround us. Sadly, even though these thoughts seem to flood my mind around this time of year, there also has been moments where I haven't acted on them. Life can get so crazy some days. Most of the time it feels like my day is over before it even starts. I try to wonder how in the world I can even fit things in, between daily life, blogging, being a mother, sporting commitments, church activities, and keeping our house in order. But you know what, if we all sounded like me, helping hands would never be extended. And the sad part is, I was taught differently. I was taught to be an extension of others and to be the hands and feet for those in need.

That's why my experience and time with the American Red Cross was so important and such an eye opener for me. There were many things I learned about the Red Cross that I was not aware of. Like how majority of their humanitarian work is carried out by volunteers of the organization with 95% of disaster relief workers being volunteers. That is amazing to me. It's those people that are ready to put their lives on hold to go and help others that truly make a difference. While serving on a disaster relief effort might be something I can do in the short-term, it's definitely something I can explore later on down the road when I'm at a different stage of life.

In the meantime, there are so many other ways we can all get involved that work best for our lifestyle. I had no clue prior to my time with the Red Cross that there are virtual positions available. You don't even have to leave your house. How cool is that? You can be a digital volunteer where you can monitor and respond to online conversations for disaster affected people who may need the help of the Red Cross.

What I also love is there are so many options to explore that you can decide where your passions lie and the time you're able to give. Maybe you aren't the first to jump in a seat to donate blood, unfortunately I'm not. I have the weakest stomach, ever. My Doctors probably dread when I come in because I'm always passing out #reallife. But, I did learn that you can host a blood drive which can be as easy as getting your child's school involved or your local church. Remember how I mentioned they have a sound the alarm campaign? Well, those are other ways to help get involved, and many times those are monthly opportunities for a few hours. 

Maybe you are someone who wants to be at the forefront when disaster strikes. There's an opportunity for that, and an app for that. I think what it all comes down to, is the time we're willing to give. I know for me, I want to do a lot more than just saying or thinking about it. I also want to lead more by example for our little ones. I know that there will be situations where my time will be limited, and that's ok. I don't want to beat myself up over that. What I do want to do is, help out when and where I can. Whether it be a small part in something big, it's always rewarding to give to others and make the effort to do more.

What about you...do you enjoy community service or do you think you could be doing more? 

Creating A Fire Evacuation Plan & Things You Might Not Know About The American Red Cross

Thank you to the American Red Cross for sponsoring this post. All opinions remain my own. 

When I think of the America Red Cross there are a few things that come to mind. The most popular for me is knowing that you can donate blood. Now, if you know me personally then you know I am the biggest baby when it comes to all things needles. I am still baffled how I've managed to have three kids.

My husband and I even had a running joke for awhile about the Red Cross. While I might not be the one jumping at the chance to give blood, he has the type of blood that anyone can receive, and he was very diligent about donating it. Sure enough, every few weeks the Red Cross would call to try and get him to come back in. Sometimes, they would  call at odd times during the day, and we'd joke when his phone would ring, and say, is that the Red Cross calling?

Aside from donating blood, I knew the Red Cross would help when it came to disaster relief, specifically hurricanes, but other than that, I really can't say I knew much more. When the opportunity came about for me to be apart of a blogging event with 14 other bloggers to visit the Red Cross at their headquarters in Washington D.C., I was excited to learn more and hear about the ins and outs of the organization.

I can honestly say, after my time with the executives and team members of the American Red Cross, it is apparent that they strive to stay focused on their vision and mission of helping people in times of need and to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.

My time in D.C. with the American Red Cross was eye opening. I left with a greater appreciation for the organization, their time and efforts for all that they do, and their transparency for how they've handle some difficult situations.

Since I had the opportunity to walk away with some gained knowledge about the organization, I wanted to share it with all of you.

Did You Know? 

That while the American Red Cross Headquarters might be located in D.C., they are not a government organization. 

They are the leading supplier of blood donations in the nation.

Majority of the humanitarian work is carried out through volunteers of the organization with 95% of disaster relief workers being volunteers. 

The Red Cross offers training classes such as CPR, Lifeguarding, Swimming and Water Safety, Child Care and Babysitting, just to name a few.  

There's an app for that. One of the things I learned, is that they offer different apps for different situations. Apps for emergencies, instant access to first aid tips, and more. 

They provide services to the armed forces and serve over 2 million military personnel, including active duty, National Guard and Reserve, as well as veterans. 

They also provide international services and are helping to save lives all around the world. 

They respond to an emergency every 8 minutes. 

90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to the cause. 

They respond to an average of 62,000 disasters every year. 

90% of disasters they respond to are home fires. 

They have a campaign referred to as, sound the alarm, where they have installed over 1.8 million fire alarms in homes around the nation.  

As you can see, the American Red Cross is more than just donating blood and being there when disaster strikes. They're present and ready to respond day in and day out. 

One of the services provided that played a big impact for me, was sound the alarm. While many of us would like to think that a fire won't happen to us, you just never know. We unfortunately know people that have been impacted by the disaster of a fire, and so many things can be prevented or precautions taken ahead of time.

When I learned the Red Cross had fire escape plan dry eras boards, I knew this was something I wanted to take back with me to share with my little ones. I will never forget, one night before I was putting A to bed, he mentioned that a fire fighter made a visit to his class and talked about fire safety. Before he went to bed, he wanted us to go around and check all of the smoke alarms to make sure they worked, and asked us some very detailed questions about how he would get out of his room if something happened.

Having these fire escape plan boards on hand allowed the boys to take a closer look at their rooms, where the stairs are located, what windows they can access, and the doors they can use. We now also implemented a meeting place outside, God forbid something should happen, and everyone knows once you are out, you stay out.

These type of conversations aren't always easy to have with little ones, but it's so important to allow them to feel prepared and to be open and honest with you. They asked us a lot of questions about this. Things like, what about our pets, our toys, what if we have to jump, and what if we hear the alarm but don't see fire.

After they were able to draw out a plan with my husband and I, they felt better about knowing what to do if something happens. They will also randomly bring it up from time to time. We might be sitting around at dinner and they say, if a fire were to start now, we'd run out the back door.

What I also loved about this campaign was that it's an easy way for all of us to get involved. You can partner with your local Red Cross to find out when they have days to go out and install fire alarms. It was something I was able to do during a presentation at the Red Cross. And if I can do it, anyone can do it.

There are many different ways we can all get involved to help give back and ways that we can give of our time. It makes me think even more about giving back and being prepared for emergencies with Hurricane Dorian doing some major damage. They even have personal safety emergency packs that are one step ahead of us and designed to support you for a short-term emergency or natural disaster. I know as Hurricane Dorian is unfortunately touching down and causing a disaster, the Red Cross will be there, lending a helping hand and living out their mission.