A New Generation of Service: How One Gen Z Volunteer is Making a Difference

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“The satisfaction of knowing you helped someone through their toughest time is worth it.”Conner Hunter By Sarah Borcena, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Conner Hunter began volunteering with the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team in November 2025, joining a growing wave of Gen Z volunteers stepping up to help people in crisis. Across the country, … Continue reading A New Generation of Service: How One Gen Z Volunteer is Making a Difference

Connecting Passion to Purpose: Micaela Duarte Helps Volunteers Create Lasting Impact

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer For Micaela Duarte, volunteering is not about filling shifts — it is about helping people discover how their time and talents can create real change. As a Volunteer Recruiter, Micaela connects people to meaningful opportunities that strengthen communities and build long‑term engagement with the American Red Cross. Originally … Continue reading Connecting Passion to Purpose: Micaela Duarte Helps Volunteers Create Lasting Impact

Jeff Martin: A Heart for Service

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From disaster responses to community events, Jeff’s dedication shows how one volunteer can make a profound difference in a short amount of time. By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Volunteer After retiring, Jeff Martin knew he wasn’t ready to slow down. He wanted to do something meaningful — something that would let him give back to … Continue reading Jeff Martin: A Heart for Service

Together in Service: A Mother and Daughter Making a Lifesaving Difference

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In celebration of Red Cross Month and Women’s History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the generations of women who strengthen their communities through service. Among them is a mother–daughter duo whose shared commitment to helping others has become a family tradition of giving back.

Darrin Hughes: Fire Battalion Chief Turned Dedicated Red Cross Volunteer

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“For me, the gratitude that I get out of volunteering is being able to help the victims of disasters, whether it's small or large.” Darrin Hughes By Andrea Manokian, Red Cross Communications Volunteer Battalion Chief Darrin Hughes began his fire service journey in 1991 with the San Joaquin Delta Fire Department near Stockton, CA, before … Continue reading Darrin Hughes: Fire Battalion Chief Turned Dedicated Red Cross Volunteer

Something Bigger Than Yourself: 13 Years of Service Through the Eyes of Leanna Carskaddon

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By Alison Votaw, Red Cross Communications Volunteer When Leanna Carskaddon, Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist at the American Red Cross, looks around a room full of Red Cross volunteers, she can barely get through a speech without getting emotional. Leanna is constantly amazed by the local volunteers who constantly show up for their community every day. … Continue reading Something Bigger Than Yourself: 13 Years of Service Through the Eyes of Leanna Carskaddon

Answering the Call: What It Means to Serve on the Disaster Action Team

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"For me, responding to home fires alongside fellow volunteers is not just a responsibility. It’s an honor."Javier Gonzalez Written by Javier Gonzalez, American Red Cross Volunteer and Board Member As a board member of the American Red Cross Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter, I have the privilege of seeing our mission from a strategic … Continue reading Answering the Call: What It Means to Serve on the Disaster Action Team

Full Circle Giving

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By Anna Kumor, Red Cross Communications Volunteer From blood donor to plasma recipient to Red Cross volunteer, Carol Freeland embodies the full circle of the Red Cross experience. Her journey is not just one of service, but of survival — and gratitude that fuels her every day at the Red Cross office in Camarillo, where … Continue reading Full Circle Giving

Investing in Community Heart Beats

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National Heart Month is a reminder of something simple but powerful: in the moments when a life hangs in the balance, it’s often a nearby neighbor or a Good Samaritan who becomes the first source of hope. Cardiac emergencies can happen anywhere — at a food distribution site, in a community center or during an … Continue reading Investing in Community Heart Beats

Held by Roots, Moved by Purpose

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How one Red Crosser carries forward the strength of generations while building bridges to new possibilities By Tyniquea Edwards, Red Cross Volunteer I’m often the quiet presence at the edge of the room — listening more than speaking, noticing what others overlook. I’m the person who remembers the small detail you mentioned weeks ago, who … Continue reading Held by Roots, Moved by Purpose