In this day and age of perpetual busy-ness, taking the time to help others seems even more inconceivable. Yet two La Jolla women manage to do just that and were recently acknowledged for their efforts when the American Red Cross named Eglantine Proto and Donna Heald recipients of 2006 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards.
“My grandmother has been a volunteer for the Red Cross in France for over 30 years and so it seemed natural to me to get involved with this great organization,” Proto said.
Proto, 27, was a student at New York University and lived in New York City during the 9/11 crisis. She cites this as a top reason for her initiation into the American Red Cross.
“I lived in the [Greenwich] Village so it was definitely odd coming out of class and everyone was moved out. It felt kind of surreal with everyone looking up and watching the news and trying to find each other and trying to come together,” she said. “It made me want to find out how I could help the organization that did so much to help others during this time of chaos.”
Now a public accountant, Proto began volunteering at the American Red Cross in September 2004. She served six months with the Data Management and Finance departments and assisted in processing many of the more than 750,000 donations the organization received during the Southeast Asia tsunami relief efforts.
“Volunteering for the American Red Cross is very important; everybody is always saying that they want to be deployed out in field during a disaster, but there is so much more that needs to be done,” Proto said. “We can support our local chapter even if there is no major disaster going on ” they are also doing preparedness and there are so many different ways that you can help.”
After retiring from a nursing career, Heald began her journey at the American Red Cross in 1997. She has served more than 750 volunteer hours assisting during the disaster relief efforts for Sept. 11, 2001; the October 2003 wildfires; hurricanes Katrina and Rita and much more. She continues active involvement with the organization and remains a member of the Wildfire Long Term Recovery Team, which helps those still affected by the October 2003 wildfires deal with health issues.
“When I started out, I was just looking for a challenge so I picked the American Red Cross and decided to stay both for the work and the people,” Heald said. “It was really nice to be recognized as a volunteer for the hours that I have put in there and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for rewarding work.”
The Spirit of Volunteerism Awards are presented each year to volunteers who demonstrate real dedication to the principles of the American Red Cross. Proto and Heald joined six others who were also honored for their efforts.
For more information, visit www.sdarc.org.