Sitting in her home in Greenwood, Indiana, just days after her 101st birthday, Helen Abbott remembers her time with the Red Cross fondly.
“It was very rewarding,” said Helen. “I enjoyed it. They were good people to work with, so it was very enjoyable.”
Helen and her husband Leo spent decades as Red Cross volunteers, but Helen’s connection to the organization goes back to the 1950s.
Helen started studying nursing during World War II and graduated from Methodist School of Nursing in Indianapolis in 1946. After graduation, she worked as a nurse in North Salem, Indiana. One day, she says a group reached out to her inquiring about home nursing courses, so Helen took a class with the Red Cross to get certified. Then, she taught lessons to a group of about 40 women during training classes.
“I learned all the techniques of giving a bath and taking care of a patients,” said Helen. “Cleanliness is of course the main thing.”
Throughout the years, Helen often worked at doctor’s offices helping patients. In the 1970s, she joined the Red Cross staff, and eventually, became the director of nursing.
“It was very interesting because you met all kinds of people. It felt like you could help somebody,” said Helen.
When Helen and Leo retired in the 1980s, it was a natural transition for the couple to become Red Cross volunteers.
“I’ve done volunteer work all my life,” said Helen.
As volunteers, the Abbotts responded to home fires, floods, severe weather, and more. They helped open shelters as needed and made sure impacted community members had a safe place to stay, with food and water.
“We had a good time, we worked hard, but we had a good time,” said Helen.
Helen and Leo were well known volunteers in the Indianapolis Chapter and received recognition for their work. Helen was given the Rose Sussman award in 1996, which was one of the highest honors for a volunteer. As she flips through the pages of scrapbooks filled with photos, awards, and memories from her time with the Red Cross, Helen is proud of her work. She encourages potential volunteers to get involved with the Red Cross.
“It’s a great organization and I think they would be pleased, and it would make them happy to become a part of the Red Cross,” said Helen.
With more than 100 years of wisdom, Helen shared her advice for a long, happy life.
“The main thing is to take good care of your body, eat well properly and get proper rest and be happy is my other thing. The last thing is to be thankful,” said Helen.
Are you interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer? Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Written by Janie Bohlmann, regional communications manager.