Red Cross dollars down, volunteers up

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - As the economy worsened and cash contributions dropped, the Mid-Rio Grande Chapter of the American Red Cross found more people willing and eager to donate their time.

“People may not have money to give right now, but they do have time to give,” Red Cross volunteer Nathan Troyer. “We have a lot of needs here in the office.

"We need more people.”

Troyer currently is unemployed and is helping to manage disaster relief for the Mid-Rio Grande Chapter while he job hunts.

“It just gives me a reason to get up in the morning and work and actually use my skills in a good way,” Troyer said.

That sense of purpose is what helps keep Troyer’s head up when he goes into job interviews.

“With going into interviews now, and being positive and not being depressed is key,” Troyer said.

Roci Galyn is another volunteer donating her time while she searches for a new job. She was laid off from Eclipse Aviation in February.

She uses her computer skills to benefit the Red Cross and to keep herself busy.

“It also gives me a place to go to connect with people and stay busy,” Galyn said. “I don't do well if I can't stay busy, and I like to be productive.”

Cynthia Hopson is also volunteering while she searches for work. She’s been unemployed since she moved to New Mexico two months ago.

“The Red Cross is very flexible so it allows me to do what I need to do and be here when I can be here,” Hopson said.

The Mid-Rio Grande chapter needs volunteers for disaster relief and to train others in first aid and CPR.