By Joe Gutierrez, American Red Cross volunteer

American Red Cross youth volunteer Kailey Shin, who has been praised for being a great role model for youth in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, has been named the June 2025 Volunteer of the Month.

Kailey, who has been with the Red Cross since 2023, recently joined the Red Cross Riverside County Chapter as an administrative volunteer. Fellow team members praised her as someone who always steps up to meet a challenge and never hesitates to help others.

“She has inspired everyone around her to help others and has shown up for her team without fail,” team members wrote in nominating her.

Kailey, like many other Red Cross youth volunteers, was first introduced to the non-profit organization in high school.

“A friend of mine had actually started the Red Cross club with her sister and I remember my brother had also been a part of it before, so it always felt like something I naturally gravitated toward when I came to school,” Kailey said. “I stopped by their table during Club Rush, and seeing how excited everyone was made me want to join too. I didn’t know much at the time, but I ended up loving it and sticking with it ever since.”

Her enthusiasm and drive to help others led to her becoming president of the Red Cross Club at Temecula Valley High School, where she leads meetings, organizes service projects and helps coordinate events.

Last year, Kailey also served on the Riverside and San Bernardino County Youth Advisory Council as their special events lead. In that role, she creates monthly themed events focused on different Red Cross causes, such as international humanitarian law and home fire preparedness.

This year she will be step into the role of chair for the Riverside Youth Advisory Council and will work with the San Bernardino chair to support youth clubs in both counties, mentoring leaders and helping to connect local efforts with the broader mission of the Red Cross.

Kailey said what really attracted her to the Red Cross was seeing how much heart volunteers put into what they do. It was a place where she could grow and actually make a difference.

“From the start, attending events and seeing people take time out of their day as they genuinely care about helping others was a blessing I was able to witness, and I believe that energy is what pulled me in, Kailey said. “I enjoyed that there were so many different ways to get involved whether through disaster preparedness, blood drives, or youth leadership.”

She believes what makes her a good fit for the Red Cross is that she really cares about creating impact in a way that’s thoughtful and community driven.

“Whether it’s leading events, organizing drives, or working behind the scenes, I’ve always tried to bring energy and kindness into whatever I do,” Kailey said. “I’m also really big on collaboration when bringing people together, making sure everyone feels heard, and building something meaningful as a team. The Red Cross gives me a space to do exactly that, which is why I connect with it so much.” 

She said what keeps her involved is seeing the impact, not just the big results, but also the little moments.

“Whether it’s watching students come together at a blood drive or seeing younger members find confidence through leadership, it reminds me why the work matters,” she said. “Seeing how dedicated other volunteers are, how much time and effort they give without expecting anything in return, reminds me of why I started in the first place.

“Every time I help run an event or support a new member I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger than myself,” Kailey said. ‘It’s that feeling of purpose and the people around me that keeps me going.”

As an example, she said that volunteering at Sound the Alarm events shows the heart of what the Red Cross stands for. She helped install free smoke alarms in mobile home parks and guided families through personalized fire escape plans.

“Each visit felt personal,” Kailey said. “We weren’t just walking in and out of houses. We were having conversations, answering questions, and giving people peace of mind.”

She called the events eye-opening.

“To realize that something as simple as a working alarm could mean the difference between life and death and being present to help relay that was inspiring,” she said. “I got to meet people from all walks of life, and the appreciation they showed reminded me how real our impact is. It wasn’t just volunteering, it felt like we were doing something that could actually save lives. That’s when I knew I was in the right place.”

What she loves most about being a Red Cross volunteer is how every day feels meaningful and gets to meet people from all different kinds of backgrounds.

“No matter what role I’m in, I know I’m contributing to something bigger than myself whether it’s helping in disaster relief, organizing events, or educating others,” Kailey said. “Being around so many passionate volunteers make it a positive and motivating experience. It’s a place where I’ve grown a lot and found a real sense of purpose.”

Her message to fellow Red Cross volunteers is simple. Stay curious and open to learning. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new roles.

“Every experience, even the small tasks, teaches you something valuable whether it’s about leadership, teamwork, or the community you’re serving,” she said. “The more you put in, the more you’ll get out, and you’ll be amazed at how much you grow along the way. Most importantly remember why you started and keep that passion alive!”

To potential Red Cross volunteers, she would tell them, “Go for it!”

“It’s one of the best decisions you can make. You don’t need special skills to start volunteering, just a willingness to help and learn,” Kailey said. “Volunteering here means being part of a supportive community, gaining valuable experience, and actually making an impact where it counts. It’s a great way to meet people and build skills you can use for the rest of your life. If you want to make a difference, the Red Cross will always be the place to be.”