Shelia Allen Celebrates 20 Years with the American Red Cross

Shelia Allen is celebrating 20 years with the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter on February 16, 2020. Shelia’s passion for the Red Cross and its mission goes back to her childhood living along the Gulf Coast. In an area often impacted by tornadoes, flooding and hurricanes, the Red Cross has always been present in delivering hope and comfort to the communities she’s called home.

Shelia has served as a staple with the American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter through many changes and transitions over the years. She has met many volunteers, seen disasters that impacted one to thousands, and communities that always come together to help.

Her dedication has remained constant and the Red Cross Kentucky Region and South Central Kentucky Chapter are proud to celebrate her 20 years of service.

Here’s your opportunity to get to know Shelia a little better.

Current Job Title: Administrative Assistant

Hometown: Columbia, Mississippi

Family: Married to Chris for 37 years, two daughters (Rachel and Jessica), two sons-in-law, two grandchildren and two cats.

The one thing no one knows about me is… me and my husband went over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

My first job was… at Fotomat Booth (yes, I am that old).

What led me to working at the American Red Cross was… I have always had a passion for serving others. Seeing the Red Cross at work at a young age led me to the Red Cross as an adult.

My most memorable moment/moments with the Red Cross is/are… during 9/11 seeing the community come together wanting to donate blood to help.

The best advice I ever received was… always look for the positive in everything, doing so helps you solve the problems you face with a better attitude. (My dad)

If I could do it all over again, I… wouldn’t change a thing!

My favorite part of working for the American Red Cross is… seeing people give of themselves to help others in need.

The best meal I ever had was… my grandmother’s homemade biscuits and fresh garden vegetables.

At the top of my bucket list is… travel to every state (seven more to go).

My favorite pastime is… traveling, needle knitting, loom knitting and crochet.