Annabelle Moore, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Did you know that each American Red Cross Chapter has specially trained volunteers to help communities recover after a disaster? Anyone can sign up to become a Disaster Action Team volunteer to help neighbors affected by disasters.

Neal Chavez has been a Disaster Action Team member for over 11 years. As a Texas Big Country Chapter volunteer from Abilene, he has responded to seven disaster relief operations. 

For Neal, serving in the American Red Cross “means that I can, hopefully, brighten someone’s day.”

Disaster Action Team training gives volunteers the skills to support people on the road to recovery after a disaster. Neal has experience in providing meals to communities at American Red Cross shelters. 

It is a role which helps him to “hopefully, make a difference in someone’s day and help someone from going hungry.”

Retired from the newspaper business, Neal enjoys serving his local community and others across the Texas region.

“During [disaster relief] deployments you get to meet many people from around the American Red Cross and the communities that you’re serving,” he said. “Everyone is so passionate about leaning a hand and helping others. It gives me hope.”

Interested in learning how to help a neighbor during their time of need or various ways you can help your community. Click here to learn about the volunteer opportunities available in your area.