# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DDiHuQzyE4U
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72589262-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/0e2b82409a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-12-13T21:10:00.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

“You make a living by what you make in your pocket, but you can make a life by what you give to others.

I was in the restaurant business before I became a volunteer. I spent a lot of time behind the grill cooking food for people. I've always learned that food will bring people together.

When Hurricane Katrina made her presence in Louisiana, I saw the horrors of the disaster on TV and decided to go to my local Red Cross office and get involved. Before I knew it, I was in the Houston Astrodome helping 23,000 evacuees from the Lower Ninth Ward, and I just couldn’t believe how great I felt by doing that. 

I remember helping this 1-year-old girl and her brother reunite with their mom, Julie. They were rescued by helicopter and separated when after being transported to a local hospital. 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 her reunite with her sister and her two kids.
 
Learning what the Red Cross is all about gave me the opportunity to fine-tune my personable skills and become a mass care feeding volunteer. It has led me to some wonderful things and great places throughout our country.

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.

I’ve seen the difference it makes when people see us roll into their neighborhoods. It means hope — it’s a sign of hope."

Throughout his 19 years with RedCrossCT, Joe Apicelli has responded to 60 national disasters across the U.S. He's logged over 6,300 hours as a volunteer, including the nine weeks he spent this year driving an emergency response vehicle through disaster-impacted areas in Iowa, Texas and Georgia.

Joe's story of turning a personal passion into a way to serve others is a testament to the power of giving. We hope it inspires you to make a difference this holiday season and bring hope to those affected by disasters, big and small. Give today to provide shelter, food, and comfort when it’s needed most.

#GiveWithMeaning #StoriesThatInspire #DisasterRelief #DisasterResponse

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 346
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 9

## Tags

storiesthatinspire, disasterresponse, disasterrelief, givewithmeaning

---
Copyright (c) Gondola