Red Cross volunteers deploy to help with relief efforts, they come back with memories that last a lifetime.
South Central Illinois Chapter volunteer Tara Lund became involved with the Red Cross ten years ago, with previous deployments including Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Sandy.
Tara Lund with fellow volunteers
We caught up with Tara after her most recent deployment to Louisiana where she had traveled in early September.
Tara says she spent her time between Baton Rouge and New Orleans helping to provide a safe place to stay and meals to those displaced by Hurricane Laura.
She also helped distribute cleaning supplies so people could attempt to save what they have left.
“The people you meet and the experiences that’s what keep me going through some of those deployments,” Tara adds.
During her time in Louisiana, she did drive to Lake Charles and saw all the damage the hurricane brought to the area, which she described as devastating.
Tara tells us that talking with people who lived in those areas, filled with emotion based on what happened and knowing Hurricane Sally was coming next, is something that left an imprint on her.
But providing help to people in need while they are going through their toughest moments is important, she says.
If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Written by Justin Wang, Communications Intern.
American Red Cross of Illinois 