by Dan Dowling, regional communications manager

“You try to help people realize you are there for them. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve with the Red Cross.”

Paul Miller joined the American Red Cross in October 2024. He is a chaplain for the American Legion Post in Brewer, Maine, and the VA home in Bangor. Since becoming a Red Crosser, he has been deployed to some of the country’s most challenging disasters, including hurricane relief in North Carolina, wildfires in Los Angeles, and flooding in Eastern Kentucky.

By Dan Dowling – regional communications manager

“Someone’s blood and someone’s platelet donation allowed meto get out of the hospital much quicker. I bet I would have been there longerif it wasn’t for those donations.”

By David Ullman, American Red Cross Writer and VisualStoryteller

Every December for more than two decades, hundreds ofresidents of Rutland, Vermont, and the neighboring counties have congregatedtogether for a very special gift giving tradition. In a winter monthcharacterized by cold temperatures and warm sentiments, by friendly gatheringsand family plans, by whimsical pranks and heartwarming intentions, hundreds ofmen and women come together, partnering with the American Red Cross togenerously donate the gift of life. They give blood.

The metaphoric “Father Christmas” figure who initiated thiscrusade is Steve Costello. Over the years Costello has organized the annualGift of Life Marathon Blood Drive, along with organizing other blood drivesacross Vermont.

In 2013, the Gift of Life Marathon Blood drive established arecord for the most units collected in a single day, over 2,000 units. As withall records, it was eventually bested. However, for a time, this town and countyshare the same moniker proudly brandished the reputation for giving the most.To this day, that area of the nation retains recognition, consistentlysurpassing the national average of blood collections.

by Lafe Low - Red Cross communications volunteer

When disasters like hurricanes, floods and wildfires strike, American Red Crossvolunteers from around the country are among the first to respond. These RedCross teams bring support, compassion, and relief to communities and people thathave suffered damage and loss. There are Red Cross volunteers ready and willingto spend two to three weeks, whether in their home state or across the country,helping people with food, shelter, and logistical support.

When disaster strikes, the Red Cross provides safe shelter, food, relief supplies, financial assistance and comfort. The Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters a year in the United States.

Boots on the Ground

While the Red Cross provides extensive and ongoing training fornew and existing volunteers, there is no rigid training framework required tobe able to deploy to a disaster site. “There’s no set, ‘You have to do thisbefore you get deployed.’ At least that was my experience,” says Mary Morris. “Ijoined October of 2022. [Hurricane] Ian hit Florida in September, and in DecemberI was deployed.”

 Bed shaker smoke alarms can help protect the hearing impaired