After visiting friends and family in his native state of Hawaii, Richard and his wife saw flames burning in Lahaina beneath them as they flew back to their home in California. He was inspired to volunteer to be of service to others facing disaster.

“Pets are family members,” says Sandi Poreda, a board member of the Capital Area Chapter. “By keeping pets and their owners together, there is an emotional benefit – and that’s even more important to maintain during a disaster.”

While the weight of the large, heavy beam is considerable, the weight of what it represents is far heavier, noted Florida State Fire Marshall Jimmy Patronis, who sent remarks to be read at a ribbon-cutting and memorial ceremony at the site this morning.

"This situation was very eye-opening because I've never received help so fast from anywhere except for the Red Cross and we're very grateful."

Rodney and LaPorsha rushed to get their family to safety after floodwaters forced them from their home.

Volunteers sharing community preparedness at the 29th Annual Wellborn Blueberry Festival!

We had a busy year, sending dozens of volunteers across the country to help after tornadoes, floods and wildfires.

"You become a different person after going on these calls. You really realize what’s important in life. I would encourage everyone to join the Red Cross.”

This mother-daughter duo is an inspirational team and the work they do is changing lives.

In addition to our response to hurricanes and larger storms, we also help an average of over 1,200 families in north Florida impacted by day-to-day disasters like home fires, tornadoes and flooding.

Volunteers are often called out to help support firefighters with canteen support during wildfires and large structure fires. We are happy to help support!

Whatever your reason, the need for blood is constant and you will feel good knowing your donation can help save lives. And of course, the free cookies!

The need for support doesn’t end with active duty. Veterans and their families rely on the Red Cross to help them identify their needs and connect them to critical community services including emergency needs for food, housing, and mental health support.

Home fires claim seven lives every day, but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death by half. That’s why the American Red Cross is rallying volunteers to install free smoke alarms, as part of our Sound the Alarm events.