By Alana Mauger

Delaware County resident Mary Ann Santangelo was drawn to the American Red Cross for two reasons: its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering and the fact that volunteers are essential to the organization’s work. In fact, 90% of that work is carried out by volunteers.

Mary Ann retired from a 45-year career in advertising to care for her late husband. Soon after he died, COVID-19 “reared its ugly head,” and she began her volunteer work with the Red Cross as a Blood Donor Ambassador – someone who helps the blood drive run smoothly and manages the blood donor’s experience.

“Seeing donors come out in full force despite the pandemic made me realize I was in the right place,” she said. “Having human interaction in a relatively safe situation feels good, for the donors and for us.”

After six or seven months of volunteering, Mary Ann began training new blood donor ambassadors – a role that she helped to create along with Red Cross Volunteer Services.

“Being a volunteer at blood drives gave me the hands-on experience that I could share with new volunteers. It’s a volunteer-to-volunteer experience.”

Since that time, Mary Ann conducts one or two training sessions per week. And that’s only a small piece of her Red Cross experience.

In addition to her volunteer work with Blood Services, Mary Ann is a member of the Community Outreach team. These are volunteers who share the Red Cross story in the community and recruit others to get involved. This work takes place in person, like at expos, health fairs and community events, as well as virtually. Mary Ann has done presentations for Lincoln University, the Delaware County Senior Center and even a Winnebago club! She credits her advertising career, as well as teaching at Temple University, for preparing her for this role.

Mary Ann was recently selected to be a Community Volunteer Leader for the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter. Here, she strives to connect with Delaware County organizations, like Rotary Clubs, township managers and veterans groups, that can help the Red Cross deliver its mission.

She also recently completed Youth Preparedness training, which enables her to teach children about disaster preparation. The Red Cross offers two programs: Prepare with Pedro (kindergarten through second grade) and The Pillowcase Project (grades third through fifth). Mary Ann has already taught both – and is LOVING it.

 “Volunteering for the Red Cross has been as exciting as the wonderful career from which I retired,” she said. “I’ve met great people, developed several close friendships and am having fun – all while helping the Red Cross deliver its mission. I look forward to each day when I will be doing volunteer work.”

Editor’s Note: In commemoration of Women’s History Month, we are publishing a #LeadLikeClara series of profiles featuring women volunteer leaders who emulate the leadership characteristics of Red Cross founder Clara Barton.