Introducing the Loudoun Red Cross

An Interview with the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross

Name: Loudoun Red Cross
Birth Date: 3/9/1917
Birthplace: Leesburg, Virginia (Loudoun County)
Age: 92

What is a typical work week like?
A typical work week for me is Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. But, because we help people affected by disaster, and provide training in first aid, and CPR, we are often open well into the evening. A lot of times, nobody turns off my lights until after 7:00 p.m. And, there are times that people come back at 3:00 in the morning!

What motivates you to continue this job?
Well, I like helping people. I love watching teenagers get trained to babysit young children safely, and to use CPR or First Aid! I'm also happy to provide a little bit of a haven when people have had a fire or other disaster. Since I have electricity, I can almost always offer a bottle of cold water or a cup of coffee. People drop in all the time to ask questions about disasters or to volunteer. I'm especially happy when we have a lot of volunteers together in one place.

What hobbies do you have?
I like to teach first aid and CPR. I also like to talk about babysitting, and fire safety. I'm very outgoing, so I love going to events around Loudoun County. Just recently, I was invited to the Leesburg Flower and Garden Show, which was a lot of fun. I also go to a lot of parades, and sometimes, I get to go to Washington, D.C. Oh, and I recently started talking to my friends on Facebook.

Who is your favorite historical figure?
I bet you're expecting me to say Clara Barton, aren't you? I also like Commodore Wilbert Longfellow, who pioneered our water safety courses, and Woodrow Wilson, who was the first honorary President of the American Red Cross. So, I'm not sure that I have a favorite historical figure. My favorite people are all the people who volunteer for, and work with, the American Red Cross!

What is your favorite color?
Red... and white, of course.

What is your favorite snack?
I'm partial to cookies and orange juice. We always have those around during blood drives. I also like Heater Meals, especially the vegetarian ones, and coffee.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I love when people come to visit me.