When Andronik Kashatok and his family were evacuated from their home in the village of Kipnuk on the west coast of Alaska, he lost everything. He lost his home, personal belongings, photos and other mementos his family had collected over three generations.

After Typhoon Halong devastated the villages of western Alaska the night of October 11, thousands of families were removed from their homes. Many had to leave behind a great deal, including their valuables, family heirlooms, clothes, food, and more.

Nearly a month after the remnants of Typhoon Halong destroyed Kipnuk, Kwigillingok and Nightmute and significantly impacted other western Alaskan villages, the Red Cross continues to support those impacted by devastating floods.

In the weeks following the remnants of Typhoon Halong, the American Red Cross of Alaska has been humbled by the extraordinary generosity and compassion shown by neighbors, donors, and community partners.

Each year, the American Red Cross of Alaska honors heroes in ten categories that go above and beyond to save a life or have made a significant impact in their communities. In 2025, 25 individuals were honored for their incredible life-saving efforts.

Rachel Bovey had only been a Red Cross volunteer for a few months when a significant wildfire impacted communities close to home. She stepped up and answered the call to leave her job and volunteer for two weeks in Nenana to help those displaced.

During the 4th annual David Lawer Memorial Swing for Relief Golf Tournament, Red Cross donors supported disaster relief efforts while enjoying a day on the green.

When Mt. Spurr showed increased activity threatening ashfall across the state, preparedness volunteers wrote a catchy tune to help the community be prepared.

After 40 years of being unable to donate due to living overseas, Alaska Volunteer Philip was finally able to make a significant life-saving blood donation. He decided to mark this special occasion by donating at the Red Cross Headquarters in D.C.

After the devastating wildfires in Interior Alaska destroyed more than 30 homes, one resident describes the hope he felt after receiving assistance from the Red Cross.

It was a part of Red Cross of Alaska history that only a few recalled. David Williams shared his account to the Red Cross's response to 9/11 in Alaska and being one of the first volunteers out of Alaska to help those impacted on the East Coast.

Backpack4Kids started with a group of pilots having a dream that no child should be left without physical belongings after a disaster. This year, the Red Cross partnered with BP4K to deliver backpacks filled with humanitarian items to children in need.