Countywide : Volunteer Honored for 65 Years of Work

Vivian Engelbrecht began helping her mother in her volunteer work for the American Red Cross 65 years ago and was inspired to pledge her own time and effort after the 1933 earthquake that struck Long Beach.

“My mother and I canvassed the neighborhoods and took coffee and sandwiches,” said Engelbrecht, an Anaheim resident since 1937.

Many a disaster later, Engelbrecht, now in her 90s, will be among Orange County Red Cross volunteers honored today at a luncheon and awards ceremony at the Tustin Ranch Country Club.

“I think it’s just fabulous,” Engelbrecht said. “But it’s rather embarrassing that I’m considered like a bottle of vintage wine.”

About 300 volunteers will be recognized for their service, including seven people who will receive the Golden Circle Award, said Penny Hughes, Orange County Red Cross director of volunteers-youth services.

“This is the one time of year we bring all our volunteers together and thank them for a year’s work,” Hughes said. “And, it’s hard work, even without earthquakes and large fires. There’s still so much work the Red Cross provides for the community.”

Hughes said Engelbrecht is a shining example of Red Cross volunteerism.

“She’s like another Clara Barton, our founder,” she said. “She loves the Red Cross. She exemplifies what the Red Cross is all about: helping other people in need, being very selfless and putting other people first.”

As a teen-ager, Engelbrecht organized a Red Cross Junior Assistance League and during World War II volunteered as a Red Cross arts and crafts chairwoman at the Veterans Hospital in Los Angeles and as a “canteen” director for military personnel guarding the Douglas Aircraft Co. plant.

Joining the Orange County Chapter in 1945, Engelbrecht has served on committees and on the board of directors. She remains active with the Anaheim Red Cross House, a museum and gathering place for Anaheim volunteers. Engelbrecht, who had a career in commercial and industrial real estate, still gives tours of the Victorian house to schoolchildren.

Engelbrecht is also involved in a number of community organizations, including the Salvation Army, Anaheim Arts Council and is in her 17th year as a commissioner on the city’s Community Service Board.

Engelbrecht said she has continued her volunteer work because of the example set by her mother: “It has always been my family’s philosophy to leave this Earth with more than you bring to it--by giving to others.”