National Volunteer Week: Thank You to the Heroes Who Make Our Mission Possible

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Some volunteers choose diverse opportunities, supporting different Red Cross services

As we look ahead to National Volunteer Week — April 19–25 — a quick search at how volunteers are defined reveals a common set of qualities. Volunteers generously give their time to benefit others. They put people first, treating everyone with dignity and respect. And, perhaps most importantly, they strive to leave every situation better than they found it.

More than 300,000 individuals proudly support the American Red Cross’s lifesaving mission, generously sharing their time and talents to help those in need. They are the true definition of volunteers — selflessly stepping up, again and again, to lend a hand and leave every situation better than they found it. Representing more than 90 percent of our workforce, our volunteers are the heart of our organization. As National Volunteer Week approaches, we celebrate and thank them for their dedication and compassion.

Our volunteers’ contributions are critical to allowing the Red Cross to bring relief and hope to people in need. For some, their time as a Red Cross volunteer has evolved into filling multiple roles, partnering with different Red Cross lines of service, supporting people in diverse ways. Here are some of their stories:

FAMILY RED CROSS LEGACY

Jim Williford has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross, North Carolina Region for 10 years, supporting both Biomedical Services and Disaster Cycle Services.

His relationship with the Red Cross spans generations. During World War II, the Red Cross helped Jim’s family stay connected during very uncertain times. Both of his parents served in the U.S. military overseas — his father, Sam, as a C‑47 pilot and his mother, Ruth, as a field hospital nurse.

The couple was often stationed in different locations across Europe, but when they received leave, they would meet at the Red Cross in Paris. It became their safe place to reconnect, find resources, and enjoy snacks.

The Red Cross also stepped in when Jim’s Uncle Check was wounded in battle. Jim’s parents had no way of knowing where he had been sent or how he was doing. During one of her visits, Ruth learned the Red Cross could help locate service members. With that support, the brothers were finally reunited in an emotional visit.

Ruth volunteered with the Red Cross throughout her life, and today her son and his wife, Sally, continue the family’s connection to the Red Cross. Jim helps at blood drives and delivers blood to hospitals, also helping people in disaster shelters and more.

We thank Jim for carrying forward the Red Cross legacy of care that once supported his own family.

HELP AS MANY AS I CAN

Kent Terry became a Red Cross volunteer after floodwaters swallowed more than 200 homes in Marseilles, Illinois, and he wanted to help his community.

Kent went door to door delivering heaters and supplies to families who were stranded in cold, powerless homes. More than ten years later, Kent has gone down several different volunteer paths with the American Red Cross of Illinois.

Kent also serves as a Disaster Spiritual Care volunteer, comforting families after home fires and other emergencies. He has donated blood more than 20 times, organized blood drives, installed smoke alarms, and mentored students in a Red Cross Club at Illinois Valley Community College.

His motto says it all: “I want to help as many as I can, as much as I can, for as long as I can, until I can’t do any more.”

THERE AT ANY HOUR

While most of us are sleeping, volunteer Uchizi Phakati often answers the call to help others.

Uchizi, a registered nurse, is a Disaster Action Team (DAT) specialist with the American Red Cross of Northern New England. That means she’s there for people — at any hour — during their darkest moments after disasters like home fires.

One moment in particular stands out to her. "Stephen stood outside what used to be his house, watching firefighters battle the flames that consumed everything he called home," Uchizi said. "I’ll never forget the image of him clutching a small suitcase — the only thing he managed to save."

Because of Uchizi and the Disaster Action Team, Stephen received shelter, resources and a path forward.

"While it had been a difficult journey, he said something I’ll never forget: 'It’s the kindness of people I didn’t even know that’s helping me get back on my feet,'" Uchizi said.

In addition to giving her time as a DAT team member, Uchizi also serves as a blood donor ambassador, greeting donors at blood drives, as well as helping Disaster Health Services and sheltering efforts during a disaster.

HELPING IN MANY WAYS

Carolyn Morgan spends her time supporting two Red Cross lines of service ─ Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) and Disaster Cycle Services (DCS).

From her home in Trego, Montana, Carylon ensures urgent emergency communications reach service members wherever they are stationed. The team also works with commanding officers to verify family emergencies and streamline the process so families receive help as quickly as possible.

Some emergency communications deliver troubling news, but some deliver joy. “One woman sent out an emergency communication to get her husband home because her delivery date was suddenly several weeks early,” Carylon said. “And when I last talked to her, she was in the hospital, her husband was there, and they just had a baby girl.”

Moments like these are what keep her volunteering. “It’s an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction that you’ve been able to help and assist people in times when they really need it,” she said. “And so that’s why I do what I do. It’s nice to be a part of a happy event.”

On the disaster side, Carylon helps dispatch volunteers to home fires and other local emergencies, also supporting large-scale disaster operations far from home. She recently joined the response efforts in Alaska following Typhoon Halong. Wherever she is needed, she is ready to serve. “I chose Red Cross because they are there in a time of disaster,” she said. “We can do it virtually, we can do it physically if you get deployed. And there are just so many different opportunities and ways to help.”

Learn more here about what our volunteers achieved in FY 2025.

JOIN US Are you passionate about helping others and leaving things better than you find them? Join our team of changemakers who are working together to make a real impact. With a wide range of volunteer opportunities available, there’s a role for everyone. Get involved today and be part of the solution. Visit here for more information.