Gump says that Crumrine is proof that all types of people can volunteer. Crumrine is mentally disabled, but that doesn’t stop him from helping.
The New Madison man began volunteering at the American Red Cross 14 years ago, and he has helped regularly since then.
Gump says that she met Crumrine years ago when she was working as a manager of a fast food restaurant in Greenville and Crumrine was doing maintenance work there. When she became the executive director of the American Red Cross chapter, she encouraged him to volunteer.
Crumrine cleans the restroom, maintains the parking lots and helps with other maintenance duties.
“I have nice friends here,” he says. “I like to help people too.”
Gump says that he helps with other events throughout the year. During the Darke County Fair, he offers water and literature to fairgoers stopping at the Red Cross’s comfort station. At Halloween, he passes out candy and literature to the children. He also hands out literature at a Red Cross event at Eldora Speedway.
“He gives eight hours a week, every week for 14 years,” she says, explaining that his sister brings him to the Red Cross office so that he can volunteer. “He doesn’t take vacation.”
The Darke County Chapter has recognized Crumrine for his efforts. In the past, he has won the Volunteer of the Year Award. Last year, he received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold Level, for giving more than 500 hours of volunteer service in a year’s time.
Gump says that one of her challenges is recruiting volunteers for the American Red Cross.
“We are constantly recruiting,” she says.
The local chapter needs a large number of disaster services volunteers in case of a local disaster. For instance, during an ice storm several years ago, the chapter used about 70 volunteers to run a temporary shelter for those who didn’t have electricity.
The Red Cross also uses volunteers for casework, teaching classes such as babysitting, first aid and disaster preparedness, fundraising, going door-to-door to hand out disaster preparedness literature, military support, and other work.
Gump says that many people are reluctant to volunteer.
“We have so many people tell us they don’t have time or aren’t qualified,” she said. “A lot of people think they can’t do it.”
However, there are a variety of volunteer jobs that people can do where they can help others and make a difference.
Crumrine is proof of that.
Do you know of someone who should be featured in Hereabouts? Send an e-mail to Beth Sears at sears@erinet.com or call her at (937) 448-0101.
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