National Volunteer Week: Bluegrass Area Chapter

Next in our Volunteer Week line up, we're recognizing just a few of the wonderful volunteers from our Bluegrass Area Chapter:

DEBRA “GRANNY” SMITH, Evarts. “Volunteering with the Red Cross is something I can do with my disability. I enjoy giving back.”

“Granny” Smith (far left), keeping it in the family!

Debra “Granny” Smith is an extremely active volunteer with Disaster Services, changing hats often in her roles. Debra is active with our disaster action team (DAT), which provides emotional support, financial assistance, and information to help families begin the process of recovery after disasters. She also volunteers with the Home Fire Campaign, Pillowcase Project and with workforce engagement. Most recently, she won a competition for completing the most online disaster training in the Bluegrass Area Chapter!


PRISCILLA JOHNSON, Lexington. “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

Priscilla’s work with the Red Cross encompasses several lines of service, including resource development and Disaster Services as a disaster action team member. She is involved with the Pillowcase Project, a preparedness education program for grades 3-5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills. She also acts as a Community Volunteer Leader in the Lexington and Frankfort areas.

DAN THIES, Columbia. "My reason for being a Disaster Cycle Services volunteer is that it gives me a sense of purpose to be a team member working with other dedicated Red Cross volunteers, assisting others and meeting the mission of the American Red Cross. It provides to me a great sense of satisfaction to see the positive results of our immediate assistance to our clients."

Dan (rear right) accepting his Clara Barton Award in 2019

Dan is a treasured disaster volunteer for the Bluegrass Area Chapter. He is an extremely active disaster team member, and an active participant with the Home Fire Campaign, Pillowcase Project, and recovery team. Last year he was awarded the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership.

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.