Commentary by Amy Shankland
If you’ve ever enjoyed a weekend in Forest Park, you’ve probably seen Mark Goforth at least once or twice. Mark’s title is crew leader for Noblesville Parks and Recreation, but many refer to him as the “do it all man” at Forest, Seminary and South Side Parks.
He has been an employee with the City of Noblesville for eight years. He helps with events, handles complaints and repairs, and has even helped calm issues presented by Mother Nature, most recently with the flooding from this summer. Mark also works for Hamilton County Tourism each week keeping the downtown Noblesville visitor’s center clean.
Despite such a busy schedule, Mark is a dedicated volunteer for the Red Cross, serving as a transportation driver since 2008. He drives every Tuesday for the organization, primarily taking elderly patients or young people who have served in the military, to medical and dental appointments. He says he loves helping folks and hearing their stories. One story in particular intrigued him.
“We have a resident from Noblesville that I took to the V.A. hospital who told me he strung barbed wire on Waikiki Beach in World War Two,” Mark said.
Mark discovered the volunteer opportunity when he took CPR training through the Red Cross for his job. He liked that it was a simple, but helpful, position that touches so many. He believes that the Red Cross does a lot of good for many in our community.
Most of his clients are elderly people who don’t have any family members to help them. He told me he enjoys being with them and hopes that someone will help him in a similar way in his later years.
If you need assistance from the Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis or would like to be a volunteer like Mark, you can call Terri Held at 684-1441. They ask for two weeks’ notice for any transportation needs. If you want to be a driver like Mark, the Red Cross van and cars are conveniently parked at Noblesville Fire Station #6 on Hazel Dell Road, making volunteering convenient for many in Noblesville.
For more information about any Red Cross location, you can visit www.redcross.org and look up your local chapter.
Amy Shankland is the community engagement coordinator for the City of Noblesville. She may be reached at 770-2005 or [email protected].
