Leigh Warren’s future in the Red Cross was in the works from a very young age, but she just didn’t know it. Warren became involved with the Red Cross as young child. She became very active in their level swimming. She was a part of the junior and senior life saving program. She was always very active in the programs. Some fifteen years later, she and her husband were living in a small town. Warren actively swam at a local junior college. She began talking with some of the locals and told them of her background in the level swimming program. She became a member of the adjunct committee. Soon after, they offered a course in life guarding. She learned how to be trained to teach other people to be both lifeguards and lifeguard instructors.

Warren and her husband moved to Auburn around ten years ago. She found a job ad in a local newspaper for the Lee County Chapter of the Red Cross. She applied and thus her career in the Red Cross started. Upon her arrival she was the Service Delivery Manager. She was in charge of all the Red Cross’ lines of service which include disaster, services to armed forces, health and safety youth and community, biomedical and international services. Warren was constantly busy manning all lines of service. Since that time the chapter has grown and Warren’s job was split. Today she works as the Health and Community Services Manager. She explained that her previous job kept her so busy in so many areas and today she can concentrate on her specific line.

The Red Cross is always in need of volunteers. Donating your time to cause bigger than yourself can be very rewarding. In regards to the most rewarding aspect of working for the Red Cross Warren said, “She feels really fortunate to have a job helping people and it’s really fulfilling.” Warren also explained that the work they do couldn’t be done without the help of volunteers. The Red Cross trains their volunteers and when they go on relief operations they are able to get hands on experience. The Red Cross helps tailor your volunteer work to your interests. They are grateful even if you are only able to give an hour at your time. The Red Cross will also cross train you in different areas.

To volunteer with the Red Cross you can contact the volunteer coordinator and make yourself known to them. You can also visit their website, http://www.leeredcross.org/, to sign up. They do require a background check and through the site you can go through an orientation to learn about the Red Cross. If you’re thinking about getting involved but not sure where to start try donating blood. The chapter house has a blood drive the first Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Lee County Chapter of the Red Cross is located at 206 26th St. in Opelika, AL. Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more can visit their website at http://www.leeredcross.org or contact them at (334) 749-9981.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies (http://www.redcross.org).



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