Steven Hensley began his journey with the American Red Cross in 2020 during the height of the corona virus pandemic. Hensley decided to donate his time and energy to the mission of the Red Cross after being invited to join by the executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Chapter.

Working from the newsroom at WYMT, he had seen firsthand how the Red Cross would step in and lend support in areas that needed help, such as finding shelter for those displaced by home fires and hosting local blood drives in the community. When he was asked to volunteer, and seeing the impact of the Red Cross mission, Steven said he was, “Happy to be a small part of that.”

Hensley combines his work at WYMT with the Red Cross to give back to his community. Through the WYMT station, he helps spread the word about Red Cross events in the Eastern Kentucky Chapter, like the locations of shelters during disasters and community blood drives. In his work at WYMT, in addition to delivering news about the local community, he also is involved with sharing public service announcements about the Red Cross, which is essential in inspiring future volunteers and making the mission of the Red Cross known.

Hensley’s dedication and commitment also resulted in him becoming the Red Cross recipient of the Exceptional Volunteer Award in the Eastern Kentucky Chapter in 2025. When asked, he said the award humbled him. Hensley tries to do what he can for the Red Cross mission.

As to why every-day people should consider volunteering with the Red Cross, Hensley says: “I’m not sure there is anything more rewarding.”

The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers, and according to Steven, it is a blessing to be able to help those in need. In a world where wildfires and natural disasters are ever-increasing, and in an area where home fires are especially prevalent, Hensley encourages anyone interested in giving back to learn more about the Kentucky Region or the Eastern Kentucky Chapter by visiting redcross.org/kentucky.