Hispanic Heritage: Generations of Service and Change

At the American Red Cross, service runs deep, and in many Latino families, it runs from one generation to the next.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the generations of Latino volunteers whose dedication to helping others has become a family tradition. Whether inspired by a parent, sibling, grandparent or simply the values passed down in their culture, these individuals remind us that service is more than a role. It’s a calling rooted in love, leadership and legacy.

In communities nationwide, Latino leaders are stepping up, often guided by the example of those who came before them. From disaster relief and blood donation to community outreach and international operations, their stories reflect a powerful truth: “Service is in our roots, our hearts, and our homes.”

One such story comes from the Bernal family, whose commitment to the Red Cross spans three generations. Jessica Bernal first encountered the mission through her husband, a volunteer with the Disaster Action Team. “When we were dating, sometimes our plans would change because he had to go help someone after a fire,” she recalls. “Eventually, I started going with him. Seeing him in action made me fall in love with the Red Cross mission.”

Jessica later joined the board of directors, continuing the legacy her husband began. Their daughter, Jasmín, inspired by her parents’ example, founded a Red Cross Club at her high school. “She wanted to do something for the community,” Jessica says proudly. “Now she’s motivating other students to get involved.”

The family’s dedication spans multiple programs, from Sound the Alarm to the “Los Donantes” blood drive. Their involvement in the latter was deeply personal. After a tragic mass shooting at a local Walmart, Jessica and her family saw firsthand the urgent need for blood donations. “The need for blood was overwhelming; there simply wasn’t enough available to meet the demand,” she says. “That moment changed everything for us.”

Jessica’s father later underwent a double bypass surgery, further reinforcing the importance of donation. “Someone donated blood that helped save my dad’s life. Now, we donate every year as a family.”

The Bernal family's commitment to donating blood and raising awareness of the importance of blood donation in their community is especially impactful given the critical role Latino and Hispanic communities play in meeting the nation’s blood supply needs. Nearly 60% of Latinos have type O blood, which is the type most needed by hospitals during emergencies when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Jessica encourages other people from the community to donate blood: "I know people fear the needle, but the life you’re saving is worth far more than that tiny poke you’ll feel for just a moment."

Their story is a testament to how Latino values, family, resilience and community shape service. “When you volunteer as a family, it brings you closer,” Jessica shares. “You grow love not just for each other, but for the community you’re helping.”

For Jessica, being bilingual is second nature in El Paso, but she recognizes the power of cultural connection. “Sometimes people don’t know these programs exist. When we show up and speak their language, they feel seen.” And when you help them, they say, “What can I do?” That moment of recognition turns into action, creating a ripple effect of community support.

Her message to other Latino families considering volunteering? “Don’t let fear stop you. That little pinch from a needle is nothing compared to the life you might save.”

Be Part of the Legacy. Join Us.This Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the generations of Latino volunteers who have turned compassion into action and service into tradition. Their stories remind us that when we give back, we build stronger communities ─ and inspire the next generation to do the same.

Join the American Red Cross and help us create a more inclusive, compassionate and empowered future ─ one where every voice matters and every story is celebrated.

Get involved today at redcross.org and make a lasting impact in your community.