By Jasmine Segal, Red Cross Communications Volunteer
Noah Tyler U. Tabbay began his American Red Cross journey in 2015 at Pacifica High School in Oxnard. He started by assisting the Red Cross Club as Vice President, then went became an active youth volunteer, aiding the organization with on-campus blood drives. But it doesn’t end there.
In 2017, many states across the South were impacted by a trio of devastating hurricanes: Harvey, Irma and Maria. Noah, being the humanitarian he is, raised $2,000+ for disaster relief. Later that year, the Thomas Fire impacted his own community in Ventura County, and he went straight to volunteering in a shelter. Working alongside the school, he helped distribute food, water and other much-needed items to wildfire evacuees.
Once he began college at CSU Channel Islands, his involvement as a volunteer only grew as he continued volunteering at blood drives as a Blood Donor Ambassador (BDA). Noah became the dedicated ambassador on campus and the Blood Program Leader to assist with the blood drive planning and recruitment. Noah held an interest in disaster relief, he inquired more about volunteering and since then he has trained to become a Mass Care Service Associate and a Disaster Action Team member to help respond to disasters, big and small.
At the end of 2021, an opportunity arose for him to join the Pacific Coast Chapter Board of Directors as the Young Professional Board Member, becoming a representative for youth in his local community.
A Day in the Life
While no two days are ever the same as a Red Cross volunteer, the thing that remains the same is the mission to help others. As a Disaster Action Team responder, Noah’s days start with a scheduled on-call shift and a call from the volunteer Duty Officer, which prompts the team into action. He responds to the scene with his vest, paperwork, blankets, toys and comfort kits to support families displaced by home fires. Greeting clients with empathetic energy, information is gathered and imputed into the client in-take system. Financial aid can be given to clients to help with their immediate needs and get connected to the appropriate resources.
Noah also signs up for Blood Donor Ambassador volunteer shifts that fit into his busy schedule. These mornings start with him helping the blood collection staff get set up for the day’s blood drive. After getting the supplies and snacks ready, he welcomes blood donors and helps with their check-in process.
After a donation is completed, donors head to the hospitality area to relax for a recommended for 10-15 minutes or until there are no symptoms. While there, Noah speaks to donors about their inspiration for their donation. These stories reignite the spark for dedication to the vital mission of Biomedical Services, and also inspire him to be a regular blood donor too!
Why Volunteering Matters
Noah recalls his favorite mission moment during the Thomas Fire back in 2017 in an evacuation shelter at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. He approached a young child who was distressed and had gotten separated from his parents. After giving him a stuffed animal and wiping away his tears, he held his little buddy’s hand and scoured the shelter to find his parents. After about two minutes of searching, the child saw his parents and ran into their open arms. As soon as they were reunited, tears were found in everyone’s eyes.
“I was reminded of why I do what I do with the Red Cross, and to this day, I do not regret joining.”
Noah Tyler U. Tabbay
Reflecting on AAPI Heritage Month
“Being an Asian American myself, AAPI Month is a month of reflection and an opportunity to explore our heritage, culture, and traditions. AAPI Month serves as a timely reminder of AAPIs’ positive influence on and contributions to America’s history and culture. Being in the American Red Cross, being so diverse, I feel welcome to serve my nation, community, neighbors, friends, and family. I am honored to serve on a diverse board and make a difference every day.”
Red Cross Central California Blog 