News Summary:
 

• New American Red Cross data released today reveals a national snapshot of volunteerism across generations.
• Gen Z is the fastest-growing and largest group of volunteers in Central California; Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers form the backbone of essential mission roles; the Silent Generation is the smallest cohort, bringing deep experience.
• During Red Cross Month in March, people can visit redcross.org to get involved in its mission by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA, MARCH 4, 2026 — As the nation marks Red Cross Month this March, the American Red Cross is honoring the growing number of people across generations who are stepping forward to support their communities when help can’t wait. New American Red Cross data released today shows a snapshot of multigenerational volunteerism here in Central California.

Volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce, spanning every generation — from Gen Z to the Silent Generation — demonstrating that service has no age limit and that every action makes a meaningful difference. According to demographic estimates shared by most Red Cross volunteers in Central California:

• Gen Z is the fastest-growing and largest group of volunteers (50%), driven largely by growth in student-led Red Cross clubs. There are more than 50 Red Cross Clubs in High Schools and Colleges across the region.
• The remaining half of our workforce is made up of Millennials (15%), Baby Boomers (12%) and Gen X (4%) to anchor core mission roles
• The Silent Generation are the oldest volunteers at over 80 years old. While they’re the smallest cohort (1%), they bring decades of experience to roles across the mission — from caring for families affected by disasters to greeting community members at events to conducting outreach in military communities.

“Generation after generation, our community has shown that compassion is one of its greatest strengths,” said Glenn Maddalon, interim regional executive of the Central California Region. “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope. Their commitment reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that connects us across time and continues to make a meaningful difference through our lifesaving mission — one that has supported families for more than half of our country’s 250-year history.”

This month during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross honors how people today deliver support when help can’t wait. Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills. 

GET INVOLVED

Community members are invited to support the work of their local Red Cross by volunteering to Sound the Alarm about home fire safety in Coalinga on March 21 or Lost Hills on March 28. In just a few hours, you can help make a lasting impact for neighbors. No experience necessary. Sign up to volunteer at SoundTheAlarm.org/CCR.

Celebrate the Everyday Extraordinary people that make our community at the Central Valley Heroes Awards on March 19 at The Grand 1401. Tickets are available for purchase to help recognize.
 

A Legacy of Service Since World War II

Red Cross Month began during World War II as a national call to action to address growing humanitarian needs. Over time, it has evolved into an annual community tradition — one that underscores the enduring power of compassion and what people can accomplish together.

This tradition remains strong today. For 145 years, the American Red Cross has been part of communities across the country — a legacy made possible by the generous spirit of volunteers who come together in moments of need. Their actions continue to bring communities together and ensure that hope is never far away.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can people find volunteer opportunities?

A: People can find volunteer opportunities that meet their needs at redcross.org.

Q: What is Red Cross Month?

A: Red Cross Month is a nationwide celebration in March to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. It began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition encouraging people to get involved at redcross.org.

This year’s campaign includes:

• The Red Cross is offering free A1C screening in March to test for prediabetes and diabetes on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations, as part of its efforts to support the health of communities. No fasting is required; it’s always important to eat a nutritious meal before giving blood. In addition, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details.
• Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of this year’s Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.

Q: What is Red Cross Giving Day?

A: Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day, which will be held this year on March 25. It’s an opportunity for people to come together on one day to help families recover from a home fire or other disaster across the country. Donations can be made at redcross.org/GivingDay.
 

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.