By Kate Walters, American Red Cross

His first memory of the American Red Cross dates to his teenage years, when his parents’ home was destroyed by a tornado. As 17-year-old Charlie Vires pulled into the neighborhood, the first thing he saw was a Red Cross vehicle already parked out front, volunteers moving quickly to help.

Later, when his sister lost her home to a fire, the Red Cross was there again. And when his wife needed blood during her battle with cancer, the Red Cross was once more a source of support.

“I’ve got a reason to give back,” Charlie said quietly. “There are three times in my life when the Red Cross was there for my family. Now, I’m here for others.”

Charlie isn’t just a Red Cross volunteer. He’s a man whose life story is interwoven with the organization’s mission. For the past 11 years, Charlie has dedicated himself to helping communities recover from disasters across Missouri and Arkansas.

From handing out tarps and cleanup kits to coordinating logistics behind the scenes, his quiet, tireless work is fueled by deeply personal reasons.

Charlie works as the volunteer partner to the Regional Disaster Officer for the Missouri and Arkansas Region. His days are spent supporting the distribution of critical recovery supplies such as rakes, gloves, totes, tarps, and even stuffed Build-A-Bears for children affected by storms.

Whether it’s setting up distribution centers, staffing mobile delivery units, or ensuring people in need receive what’s essential to begin rebuilding their lives, Charlie is there.

But what truly sets Charlie apart is the “why” behind his service.

Charlie understands that disasters affect more than just property, they affect people’s peace of mind and family stability. He makes a point to highlight the emotional support that volunteers provide, especially for children who may struggle in unique ways during recovery.

“We don’t always realize the effect we have,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not about handing out supplies. It’s about listening.”

His dedication has not gone unnoticed by his peers. One fellow Red Crosser put it simply: “We would love to clone Charlie. He’s amazing.”

For Charlie, volunteering with the Red Cross is not just service, it’s personal, powerful, and deeply rooted in gratitude. Through his work, he honors the organization that once helped him by helping others in their darkest hours.

And that, he believes, is what the Red Cross is truly about.