David Mangia has been a vital part of the American Red Cross for almost a decade. As a volunteer with the Southwest Chapter, David serves in several roles and was recently nominated for the American Red Cross Presidential Award for Excellence.
The Presidential Award is given to an employee or volunteer who demonstrates exceptional performance or service in support of the Red Cross delivering on its multi-faceted mission. Nominees must go above and beyond to meet goals and expectations. This year, there were 21 finalists from around the country, including David.
David started volunteering nine years ago, after he retired from working in business for 40 years. However, he soon realized retirement was isolating, since he often didn’t see or speak to people. David needed something to do to bring purpose back to his life. He reached out to the Red Cross about volunteer opportunities.
“I knew the executive director, at the time, Theo Boots,” said David. “I needed something to do to get out of the house, and I called her up and said, ‘Theo, put me to work.’ She really, really kept me busy. I did a lot of work for her, and she called me her lifesaver.”
Now, nearly a decade later, David volunteers with several lines of service and is always willing to help. Some of David’s roles include Disaster Action Team volunteer, caseworker for Service to the Armed Forces and International Services and Blood Donor Ambassador and Blood Program lead. David also helps organize Totes of Hope events in the Southwest Chapter, where volunteers pack totes with donated personal hygiene items so they can be handed out to homeless or at-risk veterans in the community.
“I do volunteer work because I’m blessed. The Lord blessed me, and I just want to give back,” said David.
As a Red Cross volunteer, David says he has found purpose, fulfillment, made friends and calls himself blessed to be able to give back. David’s passion, dedication and willingness to lend a hand play a key role in the Southwest Chapter and we’re proud to recognize him as a Presidential Award nominee.
“David is a dedicated volunteer who is always willing to pitch in and provide support wherever it is needed. We’re grateful for his commitment to the Red Cross mission in the Southwest Chapter,” said Southwest Chapter Executive Director Beth Sweeney.
Our workforce is 90% volunteers, and we rely on volunteers like David to help deliver our lifesaving mission. If you’re interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer and giving back to your community, please visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
Written by Communications Intern Rachel Hellmer.