By Stephanie Dunn Ashley
As CEO of the American Red Cross Metro New York North chapter, I am proud to say that our organization has been a leader in promoting volunteerism and community service for over a century. Our volunteers work tirelessly to provide vital services and support to those in need, and their efforts have made a significant impact on communities throughout the region. I started volunteering at a very young age. My grammar school, Convent of the Sacred Heart, encouraged volunteering and giving back to the community as early as Kindergarten! As we celebrate National Volunteer Month in April, I wanted to encourage you to share of your time and energy to help our community, too, and to tell you a bit about global “Pay It Forward Day” which is an annual event celebrated on April 28th, dedicated to promoting acts of kindness and generosity around the world. The concept of “paying it forward” is simple but powerful: by doing good deeds for others, we create a ripple effect of positivity and inspire others to do the same.
The idea of Pay It Forward has gained momentum in recent years, with individuals and organizations from all corners of the world coming together to make a difference in their communities. From volunteering at local charities to donating to causes that matter, there are countless ways to get involved and make a difference. One community that has long embraced the spirit of volunteerism and giving back is our own, Greenwich, Connecticut. This picturesque town, located just a short distance from New York City, has a long-standing tradition of civic engagement and community service, for those of any age. For many years, Greenwich has been home to a number of outstanding organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of its residents. These include school PTA’s, Greenwich Volunteer Fire Companies, Greenwich EMS, the Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary, the Greenwich Council on Aging, the Arts Council, the Bruce Museum, the Symphony, and the Botanical Center, among many others.
There are many benefits to volunteering. First, it’s a great way to learn a new skill. I am a volunteer with the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol and Greenwich Emergency Medical Services (GEMS) which means I am a trained EMT and have also taken many courses in fire salvage, emergency command, disaster control, CPR, First Aid, and more…all these skills are used as a first responder to help others during emergent situations. While my volunteering in this role if that of a first responder, there are many other volunteer opportunities that may help you learn a new computer program, how to organize events, or how to prepare food, how to be a good listener, how to build a house for someone in need, how to support our military Veterans, and very simply, how to make a difference in a person’s life. There are as many opportunities and needs as there are interests. Just ask a local charity how you can help.
Next, volunteering with an organization helps you meet new people and make new friends. When my daughters were in the Greenwich school system, volunteering with the PTA was a great way to meet other parents and their children. It is also a way for busy parents to be a part of their children’s lives at school, if they are stay-at-home parents or those who work outside the home, there was always an opportunity for ways to give back to the students, teachers, and administrators. Lots of organizations allow a person to give of themselves as much as time allows, and most organizations have many different shifts and opportunities to do just that.
Finally, volunteering feels good, makes that feeling contagious, and extends way beyond the actual hours of physically being there. Knowing that you are making a difference, improving something, or providing a friendly face during a time of need fills your heart and soul; I know it fills mine. I love that Greenwich residents are known for their individual acts of kindness and generosity. Whether it’s offering a helping hand to a neighbor in need, donating to a local food bank, donating blood, or volunteering at a community event, the people of Greenwich are always willing to lend a hand and make a difference.
As we approach Global Pay It Forward Day, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the power of kindness and generosity. Whether it’s through a small act of kindness or a larger, more involved project, every act of giving has the potential to create a positive impact and inspire others to do the same. I am lucky that in my job, I am able to work with volunteers daily. Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. whether you volunteer a few hours a day, a week, or a month, please know that you are appreciated. Most organizations in small towns, rural counties and the largest cities would not function without volunteers. You are an integral part of the community. So, let’s take a page from the book of Greenwich and commit to making a difference in our own communities. Whether we live in a bustling city or a small town, we all have the power to make a positive impact on the world around us. Let’s use Global Pay It Forward Day as a catalyst for change and start creating a brighter future for ourselves and those around us.
April 28 is Global Pay It Forward Day, a day dedicated to promoting acts of kindness and generosity. This day is a perfect opportunity to highlight the outstanding tradition of volunteerism in Greenwich, CT, and to encourage residents to pay it forward by supporting organizations like the Red Cross. One of the most important ways that people can support the Red Cross is by donating blood, or being a blood “ambassador” (for those who can’t donate blood). Blood donations are essential to ensuring that hospitals and healthcare facilities have a steady supply of this life-saving resource. The need for blood is constant, and every two seconds, someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion. By donating blood, you can help save lives and make a positive impact on your community. I encourage all Greenwich residents to consider donating blood or volunteering with the Red Cross in honor of Global Pay It Forward Day and beyond. By working together, we can make a positive impact on our community and help create a brighter future for all.
Greenwich has a long history of philanthropy and volunteerism, and the Red Cross has been fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers from the town over the years. Whether it’s organizing blood drives, responding to disasters, being trained in lifesaving skills, or providing support to military families, Greenwich residents have always been willing to step up and make a difference.
Paying it forward in Greenwich is an obvious choice because the town has a strong sense of community and a culture of giving back. By supporting organizations like the Red Cross, residents can help make a difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate and create a more vibrant and inclusive community. I encourage all Greenwich residents to consider donating blood or volunteering with the Red Cross in honor of Global Pay It Forward Day and beyond. By working together, we can make a positive impact on our community and help create a brighter future for all.
This Volunteer Appreciation Month, I want to send a big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who share of their time so freely to fill the world with hope. You make a difference.
Stephanie Dunn Ashley, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross, Metro New York North Chapter.
Stephanie has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector in Greenwich for over twenty years. Her current role as CEO for the MNYN chapter of the American Red Cross began in March of 2020. Stephanie overseas Westchester and Rockland Counties in New York, the U. S. Military Academy at West Point and Greenwich, Connecticut for all lines of service of the Red Cross. From 2007-2020 Stephanie was Director of Fundraising Special Events for Greenwich Hospital where she was the leader of the fundraising team that planned and executed over fifty galas, major fundraisers, cultivation events, and community events resulting in needed funds for the hospital. Previously, Stephanie worked at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, where she headed up alumnae advancement within the development office.
