“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, Gen Z now represents the largest and fastest‑growing segment of the Red Cross volunteer workforce, bringing empathy, flexibility and a strong sense of purpose to communities when help is needed most.
For Conner, volunteering had always been important, but joining the Disaster Action Team offered a meaningful way to put service into action. He was motivated by a desire to support people during some of their most difficult moments and to make a tangible difference when emergencies disrupt everyday life.
Within his first few months, Conner responded to several local emergencies, including his very first call in Tulare, California. A broken waterline at an apartment complex had forced a family from their home, leaving them suddenly displaced and uncertain about what would come next.
As a new volunteer, Conner initially observed the disaster response process, learning how Red Cross volunteers assess urgent needs and offer immediate support following an emergency. He helped gather the family’s information so the team could provide financial assistance and arrange safe accommodations. This moment became his first glimpse into the impact the Red Cross makes in times of crisis. Watching the family regain a sense of stability helped Conner see firsthand how timely support can ease overwhelming situations.
Another experience soon reinforced Conner’s commitment to service. During Christmas, he put his own holiday plans on hold to respond to a fire in Plainview, California. While the call required personal sacrifice, the experience left a lasting impression.
“The satisfaction of knowing you helped someone through their toughest time is worth it,” Conner shared. The moment deepened his understanding of what service can look like, especially during times when families are already facing loss and uncertainty.
For many Gen Z volunteers like Conner, flexibility and willingness to step in when needed are part of what makes their contributions so impactful. Whether responding to local disasters, supporting events or assisting families after emergencies, young volunteers are helping ensure communities don’t face crises alone.
Conner’s journey reflects a broader movement of young people choosing purpose‑driven service. When asked what he would say to someone thinking about joining the Disaster Action Team or another Red Cross role, his advice is simple:
“Make sure your heart is in the right place. If it is, the experience will be incredibly rewarding. It’s not about getting recognition. It’s about being there when people need you the most.”
As Gen Z volunteers continue to answer the call, stories like Conner’s show how compassion, commitment and a willingness to serve can make a real difference — one response at a time.
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