By Jackie Faiman

Rahel Pachter, a Red Cross volunteer since early 2020, radiates preparedness and generosity of spirit. She currently serves as a Donor Ambassador for blood drives and as a Disaster Action Team member in Montgomery County.

Originally from New Jersey, Rahel lives in Merion Station where she owns a property management company with her husband. She says that from an early age she wanted to help people in need, so she sought out courses in disaster training through Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and most recently, the Red Cross.

At our blood drives, Rahel works with phlebotomists to ensure a smooth experience for donors. This may entail anything from providing a cool compress to someone who just gave blood to showing a new volunteer how to use a thermometer.

Rahel has shown a keen sense of how to help before she is even asked. She sees when people waiting to donate blood are getting restless and takes time to chat with them. Even so, there are always surprises. On one occasion, Rahel—who is 5’1”—looked across the room just in time to see a 6’-tall gentleman faint. She bolted over and managed to catch him before he hit the floor.

As a Disaster Action Team member, Rahel has witnessed people in the worst moments of their lives. She is often first on the scene of a devastating home fire.

“Being able to do something for someone who has gone through a fire and has lost everything is so important,” she says.

Her drive to help also encompasses pets. She once rescued a cat from under the gas pedal of a car, where it had hidden from a blaze, and reunited it with its owner.

“Now I bring special wipes to clean a pet if it has been trapped in a fire, so it doesn’t lick the poisons from its fur.”

When asked why she volunteers, Rahel answered, “I was put here to do for others. Knowing that I helped another human being in their time of need is one of the best things I can feel.” In addition to her current volunteer activities, she looks forward to the opportunity to serve in a shelter in the future.

This month, the Red Cross is recognizing Rahel as the 2021 Exceptional Biomedical Volunteer for Montgomery County for her efforts.

Editor’s Note: We’ll be profiling outstanding Red Cross volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week April 17-23. Be sure to check back daily!