# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C0MXL6tO_W0
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/10119481-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/71a18f4bfa.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-11-28T14:31:27.000+00:00

## Caption

“Before becoming a volunteer 18 years ago, I was in the restaurant business. I spent a lot of time behind the grill cooking food for people. I've always learned that food will bring people together. When you're struggling because you've lost everything from a disaster, food is a real priority, and I'm honored to be able to supply meals for folks who are in dire situations.

Following my footsteps in the restaurant business, I decided to become a disaster volunteer with the American Red Cross, where I drive an emergency response vehicle into the hardest-hit areas after a disaster.

I started back in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina made her presence in Louisiana. I saw the horrors of that disaster on TV and decided to go to my local Red Cross office and get involved. Before I knew it, I was trained and sent to the Houston Astrodome where I had the opportunity to help 23,000 evacuees from the Lower Ninth Ward. 

I remember helping this 1-year-old girl and her brother who were with their aunt and all they wanted to do was reunite with their mom Julie. They were rescued by helicopter and got separated from their mother when they were being transported to a local hospital.

I remember it took me an hour of non-stop calling until someone said, "We have a Julie registered here." It was my fourth day on the job, and I got to watch Julie reunite with her sister and her two kids. 

That moment changed my life, and it propelled me to be the volunteer that I am today.”

Through his years of volunteering, Red Cross volunteer Joe Apicelli has deployed to 55 national disasters across the country. He's driven his emergency response vehicle from Connecticut to disaster-impacted areas miles away to spend weeks delivering hot meals and a warm smile to people affected by hurricanes, tornadoes and other crises.

Without volunteers like Joe and generous donors, our mission to provide hope and relief in the face of increasing climate disasters would not be possible. Give the gift of shelter, food and comfort this #GivingTuesday by making a donation. #GiveWithMeaning

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 197
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- **Comments:** 9

## Tags

givingtuesday, givewithmeaning

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