Disaster Volunteers Answered More Than 14,000 Calls for Help So Far in 2026; As Disasters Increase, Red Cross Urges Others to Get Involved

Three men in Red Cross vests stand outside a marked Red Cross vehicle.

1 of 5

Red Cross volunteers John “Dasher” Aldasch, Donald “Colonel” Klink, and Dave McPhail deployed to Spokane, Washington to help people affected by the devastating wildfires that destroyed hundreds of homes. Here they stand together outside of a Red Cross emergency response vehicle after unloading dozens of wildfire kits to distribute to local residents. Red Cross photo by Jason Colston

Several people in Red Cross shirts and vests stand for a photo.

2 of 5

Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacted Guam and the Marianas Islands in the Spring, leaving widespread destruction in its wake. Red Cross disaster workers from across the U.S. deployed to the islands to help. Here, the Red Cross opened a shelter on Tinian, providing residents with a safe place to stay, along with food and water. Volunteers at the shelter included Peter King of Roslyn, New York; Brenda Kamish of Moravia, Iowa; Jim McKeown of Aurora, South Dakota; Michelle Mach of Germantown, Maryland; and Joseph Santos of Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands. Red Cross photo by Scott Marder/American Red Cross.

Woman in Red Cross shirt with clipboard and pen visits with a man in a Red Cross shelter

3 of 5

In early Spring, days of heavy rain led to catastrophic flooding in Hawaii after a series of Kona Low storms. More than a foot of rain fell in some communities, tearing homes from their foundations. Here on O’ahu, Red Cross Disaster Disability Integration volunteer Sarah Clifford, left, visits with evacuee Alvin Parks, right, to assess any access or functional needs after he fled his home during the recent flooding. Disability Integration volunteers work with older adults and people with disabilities to identify unmet needs and ensure they can access essential support and resources. During the visit, Clifford learned that Parks did not have time to bring a needed medical device when he evacuated and arranged for Disaster Health Services to help replace the forgotten device. Red Cross photo by Mimi Teller

A man in a Red Cross vest and hat sits and talks with a volunteer in a Red Cross vest

4 of 5

One of the volunteers who deployed after Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacted Guam and the Marianas Islands in the Spring, was 81-year-old Peter King, a volunteer from New York. Here on Tinian, he related that “two Red Cross volunteers are strangers at breakfast and friends by dinner.” For him, the relationships built as a volunteer are part of what keeps him coming back, even as he reflects on what may be his final deployment. “This will probably be my last one… a terrific swan song,” he said. Red Cross photo by Scott Marder

A man and woman in Red Cross vests work at packing wildfire kits to hand out to people in the Spokane area after the wildfires there.

5 of 5

Red Cross volunteers Chris Gallegos (right) and Sandra Schueler (left) pack wildfire kits at the disaster relief operation warehouse in Airway Heights, WA, from which the kits will be distributed to Spokane area residents as they return home after the devastating wildfires there. Chris, a volunteer from Denver, CO who grew up in Altadena, CA, has been volunteering with the Red Cross for a year and a half – after hearing from his friends and family about how the Red Cross helped during the Los Angeles wildfires. “I was born and raised [in Altadena, CA], and it was a mecca for middle class families that were able to buy their first homes. It’s a beautiful place, great place to grow up. And when the fires happened, over two dozen of my family and friends lost their houses. And of all the people that were helping, Red Cross came through with flying colors, and I heard nothing but great things from all my people about the Red Cross. And I said, that’s the organization for me.” Red Cross photo by Jason Colston

September 04, 2026

'Our volunteers are more than our helpers, they are our partners in turning crisis into hope.'

The American Red Cross reports its disaster volunteers have been busier than ever in 2026, answering the call to help more than 14,000 times so far since the beginning of the year.

The Red Cross is immensely grateful for their outstanding generosity, compassion and commitment. Their service has made it possible for the Red Cross to carry out our humanitarian mission and help people impacted by emergencies.

“Our volunteers are more than our helpers, they are our partners in turning crisis into hope. We thank them for their invaluable support,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “They bring their compassion into communities every day, offering their time and skills to those who may be experiencing the darkest day of their lives.”

On average, there is now a major disaster occurring about every two weeks, making the role of volunteers more critical than ever. This year, disaster volunteers have responded to everything from winter storms and extreme heat to home fires, wildfires, tornadoes, severe weather and super typhoons. More than 14,000 times, volunteers have answered the call, providing relief, comfort and hope to people in need. Again, the Red Cross is deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment to helping others.

JOIN US TODAY The year isn’t over, and there are no signs that there will be a decline in the number of major disasters in the months ahead. It is key that we enroll more volunteers today. Right now, it is critical that we find people interested in these roles:

National Disaster Responder: When hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters strike, families are left without the basics - food, shelter and comfort. You can be the one who helps them begin to recover. Deploy across the country to deliver shelter, supplies and support when it’s needed most. Explore redcross.org/deploy to find the role that is right for you.
Local Disaster Responder: The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters a year. Most of these disasters are home fires that don’t make headlines. Be a part of the volunteer team that is there when our neighbors need them the most. From offering comfort and care during disasters to educating communities on disaster preparedness, there are many ways to get involved. Explore redcross.org/local response for current opportunities in your area.
Logistics Fulfillment Service Associate: During a disaster, the Logistics Fulfillment Service Associate helps make sure relief supplies are on hand to support our clients, coordinating what is needed between the Red Cross warehouse and our shelters. They also organize orders at the warehouse and load the materials onto vehicles for delivery to our shelters.
Logistics Transportation Service Associate: The Logistics Transportation Service Associate keeps track of all vehicles being used on a disaster, both those owned by the Red Cross and any rental vehicles needed. If rentals are used, this volunteer secures them and returns them when no longer needed. They also service any Red Cross vehicles and deliver supplies, mail, etc. between the different sites that are part of the disaster response.
Blood Transportation Specialist: As a Blood Volunteer Driver, deliver lifesaving blood products to local hospitals, assist our blood collections teams with supplies, and return blood products from various locations in the region, directly helping patients in need. Whether you prefer more flexible, on-demand opportunities or regularly scheduled shifts, our user-friendly mobile app makes it easy to pick up shifts that fit your schedule. This makes it perfect for those seeking a flexible volunteering experience. Deliver blood to those in need through either scheduled shifts or on-demand driving opportunities. To learn more, visit: redcross.org/drivehope (On-Demand) or redcross.org/deliver (Scheduled)

In addition to these positions, the Red Cross has many volunteer opportunities available that satisfy a wide range of interests and time commitment. Make an impact. Sign up here today

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.