During Red Cross Month, the American Red Cross recognizes those who make our lifesaving mission possible — including our remarkable volunteers, who represent 90% of our workforce. When help can’t wait, they step up to help people get the relief and care they need.
Red Cross Month began almost 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt first proclaimed March as Red Cross Month to raise awareness of the organization’s critical humanitarian mission. Our work today is powered by volunteers, financial and blood donors, community partners and people trained in vital health and safety skills. Their actions provide hope.
ONE VOLUNTEER’S STORY Volunteers like Robin Pedersen, San Diego, California, says “the satisfaction that comes with being a Red Cross worker is so worth the time you put in.”
Pedersen was first involved with the Red Cross as a four-year-old child when doctors said she needed gamma globulins to fight off infections and the Red Cross made sure her local hospital had what she needed. After a successful treatment, she was featured on Red Cross posters, an honor she still treasures.
Decades later after she retired, Pedersen reconnected with the Red Cross to volunteer in a variety of positions over the last six years.
“Like many Red Cross volunteers, I am willing to serve and willing to show up, night or day,” she said. “I believe that the people I’m volunteering with all have the same compassion I have, and I am proud to serve with them.”
From a young girl whose life was positively changed by the Red Cross, to a volunteer who enthusiastically supports its mission, Pedersen epitomizes the slogan on the poster she was featured in as a little girl: “Join Red Cross…on the job when you need it most.”
JOIN US We need you. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn how you can make a difference in one of our most-needed positions. We are looking for volunteers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to serve on in-person assignments (unless contrary to current or state regulations). Below are a few of our most critical positions:
DISASTER ACTION TEAM These volunteers help families with their immediate needs after a home fire and offer support during a very difficult time. As a team member, you will provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover — responding either on the scene or remotely to provide immediate compassion and care. Visit here for more information.
BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADORS Volunteers in this role engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. Learn more here.
TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS There is a high need for volunteer transportation specialists who support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals. If you have a little free time, love driving and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer spot waiting for you. More information is available here.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP Here are some other ways that you can get join our Red Cross Month celebration:
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
