By: Rick Williams, American Red Cross Volunteer

My name is Rick Williams, and I’m a proud Red Cross of Colorado volunteer specializing in mass care, with a focus on sheltering. I’m currently in the midst of my third night shift at the Red Cross shelter in Craig, CO, supporting individuals and families who have been evacuated due to the Lee and Elk fires. I’d like to take a moment to share a bit about my experience here.

If I had to sum up life in this shelter in one word, it would be “camaraderie.” On my first morning here as our night shift wrapped up, I found three evacuees, the incoming day-shift volunteers and our two-person night team sitting together over coffee, sharing stories and getting to know one another. I hadn’t met anyone yet, but immediately felt the sense of connection.

Our clients came from different parts of Meeker, each with stories about how the fire was affecting their lives. Volunteers had traveled from nearby Craig and as far as Loveland, Grand Junction, Whitewater, Silt and Silverthorne, navigating closed roads to be here. Each journey carried its own challenges, but everyone arrived ready to help.

One client, a young man from the south end of Meeker, evacuated when the mandatory order was issued. His parents had chosen to stay behind, and he returned that morning to check on them. Thanks to one of our volunteers, we were able to verify that he got back safely, even with the roads closed in many areas. Before leaving, he shared how touched he was by the warm welcome and support at the shelter, and said he plans to volunteer here himself once he and his family get through this crisis.

Stories like these were everywhere. One couple left home at 3:30 a.m. to ensure they arrived on time for their day shift at the shelter, navigating detours caused by closed roads. One night-shift volunteer drove through areas with spot fires flanking the road. Yet, despite the challenges, everyone pitched in, helped set up the shelter, assisted clients and shared laughs along the way. The sense of community formed here was immediate and strong. We even enjoyed a lighthearted moment assembling for the obligatory group photo.

In moments like these, it’s clear: crises bring out the best in people. Strangers become neighbors, and together, we rise to meet the challenges ahead.

If you’d like to train as a Red Cross volunteer and be ready to help the next time your community needs support, now is the perfect time to get involved. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about supporting the Red Cross mission.