American Red Cross South Central Kentucky Chapter volunteer Thomas Carroll has spent the past year serving his community in a variety of ways, guided by a deep sense of civic responsibility and a desire to help others when they need it most. Here is a short look into his story, the many roles he fills as a Red Cross volunteer, and why service continues to matter so much to him.

Thomas began volunteering with the American Red Cross in November 2024. Since then, he has stepped into multiple roles based on both the needs of his community and his own interests and qualifications. He serves in Community Engagement and Partnerships within Disaster Cycle Services; on the Disaster Action Team (volunteers who help respond to individuals and families displaced by a home fire); in Volunteer Services Recruitment and Tabling; and as a Hands-Only CPR presenter. He is also certified in first aid, CPR, and AED instruction; trained in sheltering services, where he helps build community support for shelter operations; and serves as a blood donor ambassador at blood drives.

For Thomas, volunteering is not just about filling a role. It is about making a real difference close to home.

He has experienced health challenges of his own, yet he continues to volunteer because the work drives him and gives him purpose. His commitment is also shaped by personal experience. In Grayson County, his family farm has suffered tornado damage, giving him firsthand understanding of how deeply a disaster can affect a family, property, and a community. He knows what it means to begin picking up the pieces and to work toward some sense of normalcy again. That experience has made the mission of the Red Cross especially meaningful to him.

Before becoming a Red Cross volunteer, Thomas taught college history for 25 years at the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS). He also volunteers with the Grayson County Alliance, reflecting a long-standing commitment to education, service, and community involvement. Those experiences continue to serve him well as he connects with people, shares information, teaches life-saving skills, and helps build partnerships that strengthen local readiness.

Thomas appreciates the wide range of opportunities available through the Red Cross and believes many people may be surprised by how many ways there are to get involved. “It’s amazing how people can explore volunteer roles with the American Red Cross based on both their interests and qualifications; service isn’t all about deployment and blood services, because there are so many more opportunities in areas where people live,” he said.

Through his community engagement work, Thomas helped bring in a church to serve as a temporary shelter site for a disaster preparedness training event, helping support local planning and response efforts. For him, that kind of connection is one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering. “It feels rewarding to make a positive impact,” he said.

Thomas Carroll’s story is a reminder that Red Cross volunteers serve in many ways, all with one common purpose: helping others. Through his time, experience, and compassion, he continues to make a meaningful difference in South Central Kentucky every day. 

You can join volunteers like Thomas and help give back to your community by visiting redcross.org/volunteer