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 his community. After talking with his neighbors, longtime Red Cross volunteers Russ and Cindy Huge, Jeff realized the American Red Cross offered exactly what he’d been looking for: a way to help people on their hardest days.
Jeff jumped in with enthusiasm. Within a short time, he completed training in Feeding, Sheltering and the Disaster Action Team (DAT) in Kern County. Since then, he has responded to more than a dozen DAT calls, including several in rural communities such as Maricopa and Taft.
One call stayed with him. A family had lost everything in a fire and was standing outside in 42‑degree weather with a young child. Jeff remembers how grateful they were when he offered warm blankets.
“I had never seen anyone so appreciative of something so simple,” he said. “It reminded me why this work matters.”
Fellow DAT responder Jim Hankinson shared, “Jeff is a joy to work with. He’s quick to offer water, blankets, whatever clients need. He’s a caring responder.”
Jeff’s willingness to step up extends beyond disaster calls. He joined a Sound the Alarm installation event in Taft, grateful for the chance to make homes safer and meet residents where they live. He also proudly carried the Red Cross banner in the Veterans Day Parade.
“It was a great honor to lead our volunteers,” Jeff said. “Representing the Red Cross that day meant a lot to me.”
His commitment shows up in quiet moments, too. When his chapter held its holiday party in the clubhouse near his home, Jeff arrived three hours early. He cleaned the room, set up tables and even took home the linens to wash afterward — a small gesture that spoke volumes about his character.
Through every response and every act of service, Jeff embodies the compassion and dedication that define the Red Cross mission. His journey is a reminder that one person’s willingness to help can make a profound difference in the lives of others.
For more than half of America’s history, people have cared for one another through the American Red Cross. As the U.S. marks 250 years, we’re honoring those who provide help and hope every day. This National Volunteer Month, we celebrate the volunteers like Jeff who make our mission possible. Learn how to get started as a volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.
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