“When we handed out the gifts I saw firsthand the result of giving back to the community."

AmeriCorps volunteer David Tarver works in the People Resources Unit (PRU) here at the American Red Cross in Greater New York, where his roles include updating the My Red Cross Web site and organizing and distributing PRU’s weekly e-mail newsletters. Additionally, David has participated in the “Ready New York” program as an instructor, giving presentations that promote safety and emergency preparedness to audiences around the city.

He also helped out with last year’s Book and Toy Drive, a fundraiser that helps children affected by homelessness and disasters to have a brighter holiday season. During the two-day event, Red Cross volunteers distributed presents to children at Chapter headquarters and at the Ascension Church on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. “At the Church my job was to oversee the event as well as to help the other volunteers wrap the presents and distribute them to the children,” said David. “When we handed out the gifts I saw firsthand the result of giving back to the community—the proud faces of the kids and parents.”

David Tarver from Manhattan, NY