By Michael Bowman, American Red Cross

On Thanksgiving evening in 2025, In Yol Moore was washing dishes in her kitchen while her husband James worked in their computer room when the smoke alarm suddenly sounded. James rushed throughout the house and found the utility room and garage engulfed in flames. James and In Yol, with only the clothes on their backs, ran outside to safety in the cold and rain, watching the fire department extinguish the flames to what was left of their home. Their neighbors were quick to come to their aid with warm clothing. “We just got what we had on that evening at the house,” said In Yol. “So, we didn't have a coat. We didn't have a scarf. So my next-door neighbors, a young couple, brought us some jackets to wear. We were shivering.”

Once the blaze was under control, firefighters escorted In Yol into parts of the home untouched by the fire to retrieve some of their personal items. The neighbor’s kindness by providing warm clothing and the fire department’s help in recovering items untouched by the fire were the first of several kind gestures In Yol and James would experience following their tragedy.

The overwhelming emotions associated with escaping a home fire left the Moores grateful that everyone was safe, but uncertain about what comes next after such a tragedy. Their immediate concern turned to finding a place to stay for the next few days. In Yol and James went to a local motel following the fire, where they shared their story with the check-in clerk named Dee. Sympathetic to their circumstance, Dee asked, “Have you called the Red Cross?” Initially, the Moores were unsure about the Red Cross’s ability to help with their situation and did not call. But over the next few days, each time the Moores came in and out of the hotel, Dee asked again, “Did you call the Red Cross?” even providing In Yol with a Red Cross phone number. “Call because they will help you,” said Dee.

Four days after the fire, In Yol took Dee’s advice and called the Red Cross to arrange a meeting with Jackie and Don Campbell, a husband-and-wife volunteer team that responds to families who have experienced home fires. After a visit to the Moore’s damaged home, the Campbells met with In Yol and James at their hotel. There, Jackie and Don offered financial assistance to help with clothing and hotel expenses, prayers, and reassurance that better days lie ahead. The Campbells spent several hours with the Moores, mostly listening to their story. As the night came to a close, In Yol noted one more piece of encouragement offered by Jackie and Don: “We really hope you are taking care of yourself. If you need any more help, let us know.”

This type of support provided by Red Cross volunteers Jackie and Don Campbell was important to In Yol and James. While she has a sister in Texas, most of In Yol’s family still lives in Korea.  Having someone there to share kindness and hope can have a significant impact on someone who has experienced a tragedy such as a home fire.

“They hug us, hold our hands, and really try to comfort us because we're really down. We've never been in that kind of situation, said In Yol. “Red Cross people were better than my family at the time. So, so sweet. I’ve never been with people like that, compassionate and really concerned and caring. You know, kind people.”

Today, the Moores have moved into a new home and are rebuilding their lives after the Thanksgiving 2025 fire that destroyed their home. The Red Cross provided considerable help to the Moore family in the days following the fire, calling them daily, praying with them, and being there when they needed help. In Yol and James were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown by Red Cross volunteers Jackie and Don Campbell. One night on their way back to her hotel room, In Yol stopped by the front desk and shared stories with Dee about how much help she and her husband received from the Campbells. “I told them what the Red Cross did for us,” said In Yol. “How did you know they do that kind of stuff?” she asked Dee. “Yeah, I know because I was a volunteer for the Red Cross a few years back. So I know what they do.”

In many cases, generosity and human kindness from others arise out of someone’s personal tragedy. Many people came to offer aid and comfort to In Yol and James following the home fire on Thanksgiving 2025.

1. The firefighters who helped them recover some of their personal belongings after extinguishing the flames that destroyed their home.
2. The neighbors who offered their coats to the Moores on a cold, rainy night.
3. Jackie and Don Campbell, the Red Cross volunteers who offered kindness, compassion, prayers, and resources during one of the most difficult times in the Moores life.
4. And Dee, the hotel clerk and former Red Cross volunteer, who started In Yol and James on their road to recovery with one simple question: “Have you called the Red Cross?”

Sometimes hope comes from a simple act of kindness.