CARIBOU, Maine — Mary Green has been helping those in need for nearly two decades, and on Feb. 13 she renewed her personal commitment to service as the new community manager in Aroostook County for the American Red Cross.
Born on Loring Air Force Base, Green has been in the community since 1990 and has spent her entire adult career working with victims of domestic violence as well as adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.
“I worked with victims of domestic violence for about 13 years,” Green said, “and was personally touched by domestic violence, which made me want to get involved. I felt like I could bring some experience and knowledge to the position.”
This work led Green down a path to serving her community, and along the way she made connections with local hospital staff, the fire and police departments, and many others in the area.
“Aroostook County is one of the most amazing, generous, and kind populations you could find, and they truly want to help others,” Green said. “So not only have I been helped by non-profit agencies, but I think that myself and others in the community want to help them in return. It’s a wonderful circle.”
Green’s short-term goals are to recruit and engage volunteers, build and renew community relationships, and partner with local advisory boards.
“We could always use more volunteers,” Green said. “We can find a fit for any person who wants to volunteer. Whether it’s to help sponsor a blood drive, donating blood, or donating money to the cause, there are many ways to get involved.”
The new community manager, who replaces Joyce Knorr, also hopes to spread the word across the county, from the St. John Valley down to Houlton, and will be sponsoring events to help in this effort.
“It’s important for people to know that responding to disasters is just a part of what we do,” Green said. “We also help communities prepare for those disasters through CPR and first aid training.”
Looking ahead, the Red Cross has several upcoming blood drives — on March 1st in Caribou, another in Caribou on April 3rd and two more on April 5th in Caribou and Limestone — along with the annual Real Heroes Breakfast on May 10 at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
“The nominations are in, but it’s not too late to be a sponsor for one of our biggest events,” Green said. “We have a wonderful volunteer advisory board and could not function without them. We put the nominations in their capable hands and trust them to determine who is worthy.”
Editor’s note: A complete listing of American Red Cross blood drives and other events can be found at http://www.redcross.org/local/maine/calendar.
