Volunteer Appreciation Week: Alvin Barnes

As part of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re highlighting some of the volunteers who work behind the scenes every day to help support the mission of the American Red Cross!

Alvin Barnes is a Fort Knox Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) volunteer who moved to the Radcliff, KY area from Chicago. He decided to volunteer because he wanted to do something different after working in truck driving.

 “I found my peace in helping others,” said Alvin. Now when he volunteers as a SAF Emergency Communication Caseworker, every day is a unique experience. As part of his volunteering, Alvin is responsible for following up on requests for assistance and researching aid agencies.

 

One of the most interesting parts of his job as a volunteer is getting to see how interconnected people really are in the world. “We have no clue about how connected we are until we are knee deep in it,” said Alvin.

 

For Alvin, volunteering means paying it forward, and he believes it’s important for others to volunteer as well. “We all must participate in plausible solutions or nothing gets done. True sacrifice is doing benevolence at your level and opportunity.”

 

When he’s not volunteering, Alvin enjoys reading, research and educating himself about topics that interest him.

Our Red Cross volunteers are community heroes who give their time to help others. Join their ranks and be part of our lifesaving work! Visit redcross.org/volunteer to find an opportunity near you.