Red Cross orients teen volunteers for program

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  High school students and recent graduates from the local community gathered May 28 for the first orientation briefing of the American Red Cross Summer Youth Program at David Grant USAF Medical Center.
 
The program, which allows for local youth ages 14 to 18 to volunteer in more than 20 different departments of DGMC, is scheduled to run until Aug. 8. The tasks that volunteers will be expected to assist with range from patient interaction to administrative work.

"This volunteer program provides a meaningful service and summer learning opportunity as youth shadow DGMC professionals," said Airman 1st Class Christaline Ivey, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron inventory technician. "Some of the skills that can be gained through this volunteer experience are communication skills, administrative skills and knowledge of different fields of DGMC."

Justin Smith, who will be entering his senior year of high school after this summer, has volunteered in the past as an escort for patients looking for their appointment locations in DGMC.

"A lot of the people you meet have interesting stories," Smith said. "It's a great way to develop your people skills."

According to Ivey, the youth have generated more than 3,000 hours of volunteer time in previous years in support of DGMC in the summer time.

Although this is her first year in support of the program, she is motivated to assist volunteers with the program on a personal level.

"I enjoy that I can help a great program give positive outlets for adolescents that are very motivated, whether in a career choice or in the desire to help others," she said.

From a larger perspective, it's very important for Travis and the local community to have a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship, Ivey said.

For potential volunteers still on the fence about volunteering, Ivey offers her advice.

"The program is open entry and exit and you do not have to volunteer in one department," she said. "Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to explore many options to really gain a better understanding of all that we have to offer."

To those interested in volunteering, orientations are held weekly. Call 423-3648 for schedules and additional information.