“Marcia, your legacy is woven, quite literally, into the fabric of the American Red Cross,” Braddy said. “You have stitched together decades of compassion and changed countless lives along the way. You have demonstrated what it means to lead with heart, to serve with humility and to show up for those who stood up for all of us.”
Braddy presented Bauer with a plaque recognizing her 30 years of service and dedication to the Red Cross mission.
During the event, Bauer honored her team of volunteers, noting that dedication extended well beyond the walls of the production room. One volunteer continued knitting baby caps from home, sending them in batches of 50 during the COVID pandemic. Others contributed from as far as Atlanta, Illinois, Houston and North Carolina.
When asked why this volunteer program matters, Bauer said, “During World War II, every Red Cross in the United States had a production room and wanted things the soldiers needed, like bandages, for instance.”
“Albina Young went out into the community and asked, ‘What can we hand-make for you to comfort your patients?’ And that’s where it all started,” she said.
After Bauer joined the Production Room, the program expanded. “Many people who were retired from other jobs usually volunteered, mostly women, but also men like Albina Young’s husband, and a couple of men were looking for some way to give, had a connection, and were sewers, knitters and crocheters willing to serve,” she said.
As she steps away, she carries with her memories of services performed, relationships built and people helped.
“Mostly, what I am leaving with is the memory that every sewer just loves sitting at the sewing machine and imagining the joy it’s going to bring to someone else’s life.”
“Always remember that there are things that you can do. Whatever talents you have, those can be used to bring comfort to someone,” Bauer said.
During Red Cross Month this March, you can join our mission in making a difference. Become a volunteer, give blood or make a financial donation when help can’t wait. Visit redcross.org to find your way to help today.
About American Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross recognizes March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.
During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people and community partners who step up when needed to help their neighbors. Join more than 30,000 supporters for our 12th annual Red Cross Giving Day to help provide shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional support to disaster survivors.