DeAnne Todd has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region for nearly two years, serving in health services and communications as a writer. Her experiences include deploying to support communities affected by disasters to providing virtual healthcare support for people who have been affected by crisis.

In the fall of 2024, DeAnne deployed to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, working in a shelter in Rutherford, NC.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” DeAnne shared. “I was watching some of the other volunteers who are angels on earth. These people were amazing; the way they spoke to and took care of people was incredible. They were inspiring.”

DeAnne learned a lot watching her volunteer colleagues— including how to talk with people who had lost everything. “You’re not supposed to say, ‘I know how you’re feeling,’ but there are so many ways to say you understand. It was a privilege to take care of people when they really needed it. I never felt so useful.”

DeAnne’s role with the Red Cross took on a more personal meaning when the Southern California Eaton Fire reduced her home to ashes, along with everything in it.

“We evacuated at 7:30 p.m. and at 10:30, our security company called to tell us our fire alarm was going off and asked if we wanted them to send the fire department. My husband told them, ‘You could, but….’. The winds were so bad and the fire was moving so fast they couldn’t have done anything. That alarm was the last moment of my house crying out for help.”

The next morning, DeAnne and her family visited their property. When they turned the corner to their street, DeAnne let out an enormous wail of shock—their home was gone, along with most of their neighbors’ homes.

For DeAnne, her home felt like a person; a living, breathing thing where she spent a lifetime putting her special things. But in the end, she also realized it was “just stuff.”

It wasn’t long before help arrived. “The Red Cross support started the next day; I didn’t even have to open my own case—they called and opened it for me,” DeAnne said. “I’ve received six calls from different areas of the Red Cross, from my work supervisors to people checking on displaced volunteers. We received some financial aid, but more importantly, I feel like I’m part of an organization that really cares. As much as I loved being on the giving side of the table, it’s wonderful to see it from the other side. They were really, really helpful. Health services called, spiritual care prayed with me on the phone and someone called yesterday just to check in. Who does that? The Red Cross really walks the walk. They do what they say they’re going to do. They showed up for me.”

DeAnne also shared her sadness over losing her Red Cross volunteer vest in the fire, a loss that was especially poignant since she had worn it with such pride.

But two days later, her Red Cross family returned with a brand-new vest. When DeAnne received it, she was moved to tears, overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and care of the organization that had already shown up for her in such a meaningful way.

“As soon as I’m able, I’ll get back to show up for someone else,” DeAnne said. “I still can’t say, ‘I know what you’re feeling,’ but I can say, ‘I know what you’re going through.’”

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.