By Maria Marabito

As part of National Volunteer Week, we are celebrating Volunteer Services’ Exceptional Volunteer Maureen C. Zug. Maureen has committed her time, talent and energy toward serving her community and strengthening opportunities for diversity and inclusion.

Volunteering was a big part of her family legacy, Maureen described. “My parents always encouraged all five of us siblings to be involved in volunteer activities from an early age, chiefly through scouting and school.”

Maureen’s first encounter with the American Red Cross was through a first aid course offered in conjunction with an inner city-based enrichment program. She attended a two-week program to learn basic first aid in order to instruct younger children in the program about safety practices and caring for everyday cuts, scrapes and burns.

Honoring her family legacy, Maureen has since served in various roles for the Red Cross, from stamping envelops to serving as a board member. Throughout her life, her dedication to helping others has never wavered.

“Volunteering just feels good!” she remarked. “I enjoy meeting new people locally and across the Red Cross footprint.  Although I am home-based, I encounter inspirational, friendly Red Crossers via video and phone calls. I am so privileged to work with such dedicated, talented folks!”

Despite her passion for service, Maureen’s volunteer work was paused for nearly a decade as she worked to overcome significant health issues. When she was ready to return to active service in 2020, many organizations turned her down due to ongoing mobility limitations. Not the Red Cross, though.

Inclusion in volunteering is essential, and the Red Cross welcomes people of all abilities and backgrounds. After seeing an ad about the Red Cross in an AARP magazine, Maureen immediately contacted the Red Cross and started volunteering with SEPA as a home-based screener, and then as a recruiter. Maureen has now been a part of the Red Cross for two and a half years.

“Without inclusive occupational and professional opportunities, society as a whole loses out,” she said. “I understand the talents and outstanding contributions of those with disabilities.”

In addition to her work with SEPA, Maureen has filled other home-based roles including Volunteer Recruiter/Community Outreach for the Philadelphia Chapter; a SEPA: The Volunteer Voice Newsletter Contributor and DEI Board Committee member; and an NHQ Team Resource Group: The Ability Network Membership co-chair.

“As a disability advocate within the regional SEPA DEI Board Committee, I see myself as a catalyst or connector for information or resources which helps the board move forward,” she described. “The board supports inclusive recruiting practices which have enabled the Philly and DelVal Chapters to reach out most recently to the Neurodiversity Community with volunteer opportunities. Recruiting with other disability communities will surely follow.”

When asked about her service, Maureen highlighted the support she has received from her loved ones, describing her husband George as a “big behind the scenes supporter.” Maureen also recognized Anne Arnold, Bill Thawley, La Valle Warren, Lynn Cohen, Ned Bloom, and Susan Kalkhuis-Beam as colleagues, friends and mentors.

“SEPA has become a second family to me.  I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve!” Maureen remarked.

Maureen remains a dedicated volunteer with the Red Cross. She is currently learning Ukrainian during her free time.

Editor’s Note: We’ll be profiling outstanding Red Cross volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week April 16-22. Be sure to check back daily!