By Lori Baker, Communications Volunteer
As a registered nurse and military spouse, Red Cross Volunteer Kelly Waynick deeply values the power of volunteerism and the way it strengthens communities.
“I believe that my lifestyle, combined with my nursing experience, naturally led me to the Red Cross. I truly feel that this is where I belong, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve,” Kelly said.
Because of Kelly’s outstanding volunteer work, she received the Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter Rookie of the Year Award.
She first volunteered with the Red Cross in Colorado Springs in 2018. At the time, she was working full-time and couldn’t contribute as much as she would have liked.
After being laid off as an Employee Wellness Nurse in 2025, Kelly decided to focus her time and energy on volunteering with the Red Cross.
“Tucson is my hometown, and after being away for 23 years, we moved back. Now I had more time to focus my energy on volunteering with the Red Cross and giving back to my home community,” she said.
Kelly serves multiple roles at the Red Cross.
As a Community Volunteer Leader, she works closely with the Southern Arizona Chapter Executive Director on community outreach efforts with a focus on building relationships, strengthening resilience and supporting workforce wellness. She has planned chapter-wide engagements, heart health events and volunteer outings to support community partners.
She has deployed four times as a disaster health services nurse and recovery caseworker.
In 2025, Kelly deployed to Alaska as a nurse, supporting approximately 2,000 Alaska Native residents whose villages were impacted by Typhoon Halong.
“It was an incredible experience that truly demonstrated the strength of community resilience. Local organizations and community members came together to support those who had lost their homes and land, providing donated goods, traditional foods, music, healthcare, and transition services. As outside volunteers, it was important that we were educated to learn about the local culture and approached our work with sensitivity and respect for the community’s needs,” Kelly said.
Kelly provides exceptional one-on-one care regardless of what hat she is wearing.
She is a member of the Disaster Action Team responding to local house fire calls and is an Emergency Response Vehicle driver. She also supports Services to Armed Forces and feeding operations. In addition, she works with community partners to teach disaster preparedness courses.
Kelly said she enjoys volunteering for the Red Cross because of the combination of connection, purpose and making a meaningful difference.
“ I truly enjoy connecting with fellow volunteers and staff. I value being around kind, compassionate and caring individuals, and I’ve found that environment at the Red Cross. From the beginning, people are welcoming— taking you under their wing, offering guidance and education, and then encouraging you to bring your own creativity and experience to the work. I believe this balance — of a strong, established foundation combined with fresh perspectives and new ideas — is what allows the Red Cross to continue to grow and thrive,” she added.
In addition to the Red Cross, Kelly serves on the leadership team of a nonprofit called Luke5Adventures.
“We take individuals hiking who physically are unable to hike and we hike with them all over Southern Arizona using a specialized chair called the Rosie,” she explained.
If you’re interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, go to redcross.org for more information.
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