Throughout the year, our Eastern New York Content Creation Team takes great pride in introducing you to Red Cross volunteers in our region. We recently introduced you to Sue Page, a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member from Central and Northern New York.

We would also like you to meet James Slupski of Grand Island, Albany County. He became a volunteer Shelter Supervisor in September of 2020  providing shelter, food, comfort and hope to families displaced by house fires and other disasters.

Since then, he has been on several deployments.  In the fall of 2022 James deployed to Hurricane Ian twice for a total of eight weeks. During that time, he served those with the greatest needs over the Thanksgiving Holiday. He deployed to the California Atmospheric River winter storms on March 11 and returned on May 6. Ten days later, he deployed in response to southern tornadoes. Most recently, James was deployed to Florida to provide sheltering support for residents displaced by Hurricane Idalia.

On September 14, James and other Eastern NY Volunteers were recognized by NYS Assemblymember Phil Steck for their work this summer in Hawaii,  Florida, Vermont and other locations.

Left to right, Volunteer Peter McKee, AmeriCorps Member Jenna Brazie, Northeast Division Disaster State Relations Director Jerry DeLuca, Volunteer Jamie Bonner,  Assemblymember Phil Steck, James Slupski, Volunteer JoAnne Schrader, Eastern New York Region Chief Executive Officer Kevin Coffey

In between his multiple deployments, James recently shared some his most memorable moments from his work in the shelters as well as his motivation for volunteering with Eastern New York Content Creation Volunteer Stephen Bogdan. He also offers some encouraging words for those interested in volunteering with Red Cross as well as for our current volunteers.

What led you to volunteer for the Red Cross?

“I have been blessed with great family and great friends.  Plenty of times I have needed help and received it.  I feel I could help people who may not have had what I had.”

What positions have you been involved with in your role as a Disaster Services volunteer?

“I have been involved in mass care and sheltering.  I am now training to assist with feeding on disaster relief operations.”

What are some of your most memorable moments from working on the scene?

“I worked in a shelter in Dallas with 2,300 migrant boys and young men. Well, not many could speak English., and I don’t speak Spanish, so my first night with them was difficult.  But because of my full white beard at the time and my white hair (and my ample belly) I told them I was Santa Claus.  So, every time I walked into the shelter all my kids would yell out, ‘ Santa Claus, HO, HO, HO!’  With the help of Google translate we had great conversations.”

What advice do you have for people interested in volunteering for the Red Cross?

“Whether you work in your local chapter or deploy nationally it is very rewarding!”

Volunteer in the Eastern New York Region

No matter your interests, skills, or schedule, you can make a significant contribution to your community and beyond and help people in their moments of greatest need. Find out how rewarding giving your time and efforts can be, by exploring local volunteer opportunities.