Celebrating the Heart of the Red Cross During National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week (April 19-25) gives us the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the people who truly power the American Red Cross—our volunteers.

Simply put, the Red Cross couldn’t do what it does without them. Volunteers donate their time, talent, compassion and commitment to help neighbors in need every single day. They are the lifeblood of our mission.

Since the American Red Cross was founded in 1881, volunteers have been stepping up in moments of crisis and calm alike. Today, they make up about 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce. From supporting blood drives and assisting veterans and military families, to teaching CPR and first aid or responding to devastating disasters, volunteers are often the first and most consistent source of help.

Here in the Nebraska-Iowa Region, more than 2,500 volunteers support our communities in countless ways. They help collect lifesaving blood, answer critical calls through the Hero Care Network, and respond to emergencies like home fires—even in the middle of the night. Across the country, more than 325,000 people volunteer with the American Red Cross, joining over 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers serving communities in 191 countries around the world.

Over the past year alone, Red Cross volunteers in the Nebraska-Iowa Region responded to more than 900 disasters—most of them home fires. They installed more than 4,700 free smoke alarms in homes that needed them most, helped collect more than 150,000 units of blood, and trained over 75,000 people in lifesaving skills like CPR and first aid. They also provided nearly 2,000 services to military members, veterans, and their families—support that can make a world of difference during uncertain times.

Join Us

As we recognize our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we’re also inviting others to join the team.

“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” said Kristin Brockshus, Nebraska-Iowa Regional Volunteer Services Officer. “This is an opportunity to join a community of people who are making a real difference for their neighbors.”

Right now, there’s a critical need for volunteers in several key roles. Free training is provided, and there are opportunities to fit a variety of schedules and interests.

• Disaster Action Team (DAT) Most Red Cross disaster responses involve personal emergencies like home fires. These moments can turn lives upside down in an instant. Disaster Action Team volunteers are on call 24/7, providing immediate assistance, emotional support, and recovery resources so families never have to face disaster alone.

  
  

• Shelter Resident Transition Associate After larger disasters, Shelter Resident Transition Associates work one-on-one with shelter residents to help them create a plan for moving forward—finding stable housing and taking the first steps toward recovery.

  
  

• Blood Donor Ambassador Love working with people? Blood Donor Ambassadors make sure blood donors feel welcomed and supported from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave. From greeting donors to offering refreshments, this role helps ensure a positive donation experience.

  
  

• Blood Transportation Specialist These volunteers help deliver lifesaving blood and blood products to hospitals when they’re needed most. With scheduled or on-demand opportunities, volunteers can choose shifts that fit their lives—and know their time behind the wheel can help save a life.

Whether you have a few hours a month or are looking for a more regular commitment, there’s a place for you at the Red Cross. Your time and talents can help strengthen your community and support people during some of their most challenging moments.

To learn more and find the right volunteer opportunity for you, visit redcross.org/volunteer.