Some people might discover their purpose in a single moment, circumstances that change them and point them towards service but for Thomas Schatz, a Red Cross volunteer since 2002, it was something simpler, quieter and perhaps more powerful: the desire to help people, whenever and however they need it.

Thomas joined the Red Cross, drawn by the organizations mission and reputation just before he moved to Texas. “ It was a worthy organization to help people,” he simply said. For him that was enough.

For over two decades, Thomas has primarily volunteered on Shelter Response and Disaster Action Team calls, sometimes hurrying in the darkness of night to help families that have had their lives turned upside down, loosing everything in a fire. When the rest of the world is asleep, these calls could come and Thomas shows up every time because  someone might need him.

Sometimes these moments are bigger than expected.

He remembers an incident when they had taken the Emergency Response Vehicle into Porter, Texas after a tornado had torn through the community. Trees uprooted, twisted into unrecognizable shapes, light poles mangled. Homes splintered and lives turned upside down in seconds. Seeing all that devastation and damage must be overwhelming, and heartbreaking, one would pause for words and yet he felt fulfilled because in all the chaos he was able to bring something no storm could destroy: hope.

Thomas has learned a few things about himself in all his years of volunteering. For him, it is not about fame or recognition, “ I enjoy helping people” he said. “ I get satisfaction from helping people.” It is a powerful but quiet truth that every Red Cross volunteer carry with them.

There are definitely challenges, unexpected calls, and language barriers while helping Spanish-only speaking families. But the moments of gratitude, connection, and humanity greatly outweigh any challenges.

He remembers a lady, tears in her eye, she had lost everything. They handed her tools and tarps. For many, very simple items, but exactly what she needed at that moment. Still in tears, she hugged them and thanked them. It meant a lot to her that the Red Cross was there for her.

Thomas offers straight-forward advice for anyone considering volunteering, “ You need to be flexible and they are a lot of areas you can volunteer in, you should find the area you feel comfortable volunteering in.”

There’s a place for everyone at the Red Cross, whether it is answering emergency calls, helping after a fire, or supporting vulnerable communities after a devastating storm.

The Red Cross finds one of its greatest strengths in volunteers like Thomas.

Humble, steady, and ever willing, heroes that quietly show up when the world is at its worst bringing comfort, compassion and hope.

Story By: Nnamdi Nnoli