Email
Print
Former Red Cross volunteer leaves sizeable donation to organization
Bruce Matlock photo
Ray Wyrick (left) holds the Red Cross identification badge that was worn by his brother, Lonnie, at Ground Zero in New York City after the terror attacks Sept. 11, 2001. When Lonnie died, he left a substantial amount of money to the Red Cross, the nonprofit he worked for tirelessly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: February 24, 2009
Harvey "Lonnie" Wyrick loved the American Red Cross so much that he wanted to ensure it would continue to help people — even after his passing.
A former American Red Cross of the Greater Carolinas Chapter volunteer of more than 20 years, Lonnie passed away in 2006. In his will, he made provisions that money from his estate be given to the organization.
"Even though Lonnie is no longer here he is still doing something for Red Cross," said Deb McClure, the nonprofit's director of branch development.
Three years after Lonnie's death, his brother, Ray, and his wife, Shawnte, are donating $16,600 to American Red Cross during the Heroes campaign. The couple will present McClure with a check Thursday.
"I'm happy to see everything he wanted done finally taken care of," Ray said.
The goal of the Heroes campaign is to raise $37,000, and with the generosity of the Wyrick family and others, the campaign is soaring. If financial commitments are kept, the campaign will bring in nearly $50,000, according to McClure.
Lonnie dedicated much of his adult life to helping those in emergency situations through the Red Cross. He served on the disaster relief team, transportation team, and even volunteered in Texas after flooding and in New York after the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
According to McClure, the money must be used for services in the Mooresville-Lake Norman area.
Even while dealing with medical conditions that ranged from diabetes to heart problems, Lonnie continued to find ways to help others.
After his medical condition worsened, he answered phones and did other office work.
"He was absolutely wonderful and had the biggest heart in the whole world," McClure said.
His work will continue to live on in the hearts of those he helped and came across throughout his years.
His brother and sister-in-law have saved a bag filled with Lonnie's plaques, 9/11 access badge to Ground Zero and certificates.
Shawnte said Lonnie enjoyed the challenge of the classes required to volunteer with the organization, but most of all he relished helping those who had lost everything.
"It gave him something creative to do and pass the time in a way to give him some self pride," she said.
"He like being able to go help people and do something for somebody," Ray added.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
