“There was a lot more stress than just the fire,” noted Rita. “I was trying to multi-task and see to everything – that people were out, that the cat made it.”

Throughout it all, American Red Cross volunteers were there to help, providing emergency assistance, food and shelter for those affected.

“I was amazed at how fast Red Cross was here,” stressed Rita. “I was amazed at their gentleness, their kindness, their thoroughness. They went above and beyond the call of duty.”

As she worked late into the night making sure the apartment was properly secured, Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers waited to make sure Rita herself had a place to stay.

“I think why I am so impressed with Red Cross is because when I think of retired people like those volunteers, it should be their time to go fishing; it should be their time to play with the grandchildren,” said Rita. “And there they were at 2 a.m. waiting for me to finish up.”

“It’s just an absolutely impressive organization,” said Rita.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.