Stephanie Vollum is quite familiar with many of the facets of The Red Cross after volunteering with the organization for 19 years. She works with AFES, which is a service to military families and veterans of the military. She is also a disaster-trained nurse for Freeborn County.

Vollum has also participated as a board member for Red Cross for 10 years.

One of her favorite things to do for Red Cross is the bloodmobile at high schools. She enjoys working with youth and enjoys seeing their enthusiasm to help people in need of blood.

Vollum started her interest in volunteering at the age of nine in Australia with St. John’s Ambulance Service, which provided first aid for people at sporting events.

She said she has always felt volunteering is rewarding. “People always say thank you and you are really appreciated when you help as a volunteer, opposed to when you are in your working environment,” she said.

Vollum arrived in Minnesota in 1979 from New Castle, Australia. She has been actively involved in her community since her arrival.

If you are interested in volunteering for The Red Cross, call 373-4544.