For Mr. Abdul Panjwani, volunteering has always been about helping others. He first became involved with the American Red Cross in 2013 after wanting to be part of an organization that welcomed everyone. “They do not discriminate and they welcome everybody,” Panjwani explained, adding that helping people is simply “in my DNA.” Over the past 13 years, he has become an active Red Cross volunteer while also volunteering with a local food pantry in Freeport, Texas. His experiences with volunteering have reinforced his appreciation for the Red Cross, particularly its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.
One of Panjwani’s favorite parts of volunteering with the Red Cross is finding ways to help the organization save money. He enjoys helping programs and staff members budget effectively and sharing information about local deals and resources that can reduce costs. To him, the Red Cross is important because of its welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. One experience that stands out from his years of service happened through his work as an Uber driver. One of his passengers had experienced a house fire and needed assistance. Mr. Panjwani offered the man rides to wherever he needed to go and gave the man his business card to connect him with Red Cross services. For Panjwani, helping someone through a difficult moment does not always require a major disaster response; sometimes, it simply means being willing to lend a hand when someone needs it.
For those considering volunteering, Panjwani believes the rewards extend beyond the people being helped. “Helping victims gives you happiness,” he said. “If you really need or really want happiness, that will come from helping victims in whatever way that you can.” To Panjwani, helping someone through a difficult time brings happiness to both the person receiving assistance and the person providing it. His years of volunteer work reflect his belief that service is not only about what you give to others, but also about the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from making a difference.
The American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers like Mr. Panjwani, to make a difference in your community click this link to see opportunities in your area: https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast/volunteer.html
