A Volunteer's Inspiring Story

South county man finds inspiration as Red Cross volunteer (Nevada Appeal, 16 Aug '06)

"When Douglas County resident John McDougal first learned of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina, he took a train to San Antonio to help manage a shelter for displaced families.

"It was the start of a new chapter in his life as a volunteer with the Red Cross, and he said he wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

"I'll never give up this work. It's invigorating," he said. "Everyone needs to volunteer. Instead of sitting back and saying what should be done, volunteers are doing it."

"A small business owner and truck driver by trade, McDougal, 51, said he was one of the older volunteers and as such, was put in charge. This is a job that primarily appeals to the younger set, as most were between 21 and 30 and they were inspirational.

"They have hearts of gold and they're so full of life and energy," he said. "They will work nonstop to do what needs to be done."

"There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Red Cross to support all of the organization's services. People who wish to volunteer should contact their local American Red Cross chapter because many volunteer opportunities are typically found locally."