Written by Anabel Monge, Communications Manager for the Illinois Red Cross
What began as a dream vacation in Hawaii quickly turned into a frightening ordeal for Rebecka Wittenstorm, her husband, and their teenage sons, Lukas and Xander. In August of 2023, Hurricane Dora was passing to the south of the Hawaiian Islands when wildfires started, triggering power outages, road closures and evacuations.
With no electricity, cell phone service, or food and flames moving closer; the family made the tough two-hour drive along a narrow mountain road to escape the fire. Rebecka says that once they got to the other side of the island, they found out that the airport was closed and that all the hotels were full. They were extremely tired and they were not sure where to go next. That’s when they got word about the opening of a Red Cross shelter at a local high school in Maui.
“When we got to the shelter, we were welcomed by the warmest and most inviting locals who were volunteering for the Red Cross,” recalls Rebecka. “I was overwhelmed by the human touch and kindness because many of the displaced were tourists like us, but there were also a lot of locals who had lost everything due to the fire,” she said.
Inside the Red Cross shelter, the family found food, showers, blankets, and a safe place to rest; this was a great relief for them. But for Rebecka and her loved ones, what stayed with them the most was the power of the human connection that was felt within those walls. “These efforts by the volunteers went beyond a cot and a hot meal, it was all about creating a safe space when we needed it the most.” Rebecka added, “the Red Cross volunteers didn’t just hand out supplies, they checked on people, engaged with children, stocked tables, helped with phone charging, every action made us feel seen and cared for.”
When the family came home to Illinois, the gratitude they felt turned into purpose. Rebecka, a teacher at Glenbrook South High School, and her sons started a Red Cross Club on campus. “I volunteer because I want to be part of the safety net for the next person,” Rebecka shared. “I learned that what keeps a family from spiraling during a crisis isn’t just supplies, it’s knowing someone cares. When we walked into that shelter with nothing, the volunteers made us feel safe and that feeling of kindness stays with you. Giving back is our way of keeping the cycle going.”
Red Cross Clubs at schools and universities are an important part of our organization, serving as an extension into the community and giving youth and young adults the opportunity to serve.
Since January of 2025, the club has coordinated blood drives, organized food drives and supplies for veterans and senior citizens, Valentine’s Day cards for hospitals, and fundraising events for people that have been impacted by wildfires.
“We wanted to show local students that they don’t have to wait for a disaster to be helpful,” explains Rebecka. What began with four members has grown to more than 80 students.
For Xander, now 18, the lesson is simple, “You don’t have to wait for a disaster to make a difference,” he added, “volunteering gives you purpose and shows that even students can lead and support others through tough times.”
Lukas, 16, agrees with his brother, “Being in the Red Cross Club gives me a voice. It shows you’re never too young to bring hope to someone who needs it.”
According to new Red Cross data, their experience reflects a national trend, volunteerism is a multigenerational portrait, people of all ages come together to offer care, comfort and hope and that research shows that Gen Z is the fastest-growing group of Red Cross Volunteers, driven largely by student-led clubs.
And as Gen Z Lukas shared, “You don’t need special skills to help others. You just need to care enough to show up.” The Red Cross currently has over 30 active clubs in the Illinois Region. If you want to become more involved in your community and gain leadership skills, please consider starting a Red Cross Club at your high school, community college, or university.
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