Meloni Hallock and her granddaughter Midori Shelton have installed smoke alarms and supported communities affected by the California wildfires in 2025. Midori is also a blood donor and has joined the Tiffany Circle alongside her grandmother.
Women have always been at the heart of the Red Cross — their dedication ensures the organization can offer help and hope in times of crisis. To learn more visit redcross.org/WomenImpact
March is Red Cross Month, a time to honor the people who make the American Red Cross mission possible — from delivering comfort and care after disasters, to providing lifesaving blood for patients, to supporting military families and so much more.
It’s also Women’s History Month, and women have long fueled the organization’s humanitarian work. From founder Clara Barton to the thousands of volunteers who power the mission today, women have led with heart and humanity throughout the 145-year Red Cross history.
Today we celebrate that legacy of service through Meloni Hallock and her granddaughter Midori Shelton, whose Red Cross story begins with Meloni’s move to California in 1996. She started volunteering with the organization, drawn to the mission of helping people in need.
“I’ve always believed in building others up through hard times,” Meloni said. “That’s what the Red Cross does — and it’s what I’ve tried to pass down.”
As a member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle — a community of philanthropic women committed to advancing the organization’s mission — Meloni invited Midori to attend the 2018 Tiffany Circle International Forum in Geneva. That experience sparked Midori’s desire to get involved.
Together, they have installed smoke alarms and supported communities affected by the California wildfires in 2025. Midori is also a blood donor and has joined the Tiffany Circle alongside her grandmother.
“I envision myself finding new ways to reach younger generations and innovating in ways that they can continue to grow the Red Cross mission,” Midori said. “For me, it’s about never taking the philanthropy hat off in my day-to-day life. It’s about always maintaining an open dialogue.”
Together, Meloni and Midori embody the spirit of the Red Cross — a legacy of compassion, resilience and action passed down through generations. Their story is a testament to the power of family, philanthropy and the promise to be there when help can’t wait.
Women Leading with Heart and Humanity
For 145 years, the American Red Cross has been powered by compassion and service. From the bold vision of founder Clara Barton to the extraordinary humanitarians shaping the mission today, women have always been at the heart of the Red Cross — as volunteers, donors, staff and leaders. Their dedication ensures the organization can offer help and hope in times of crisis. To learn more and join this legacy of impact, visit redcross.org/WomenImpact.
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.
