NEW ORLEANS (Dec. 29, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Louisiana begins the new year with a heartfelt plea: share your time to save lives. In emergencies, it's the strength of individuals coming together that makes a difference. Will you be that helping hand? 

From responding to local and national disasters, to supporting the military and ensuring a steady blood supply, 90% of our work depends on volunteers. We cannot do it without you. 

“Volunteers bring hope when people need it most,” says Kenneth St. Charles, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Louisiana Region*.* “Join us to uplift families, turn heartbreak into healing, and make your time the most meaningful gift of all.” 

The Impact of a Single Volunteer

The power of volunteering is best seen through those on the front lines, like Louisiana volunteer Rosie Collins. Recently deployed to assist with the Washington floods, Rosie has completed over 23 deployments since her first mission during the Napa Valley wildfires. 

"My heart bleeds for people in these situations," Rosie said. "It breaks my heart that they have to leave the comfort of their homes to deal with this. We try our best to make them as comfortable as possible. You ask me why I keep coming back? It’s the gratitude. It’s the feeling of going out of your way to provide exactly what someone needs in their moment of crisis." 

Opportunities for Every Skill Set

The Red Cross has a critical need for volunteers in a variety of roles, ranging from boots-on-the-ground disaster response to remote administrative support. 

• Disaster Services: Join the Disaster Action Team (DAT) to provide financial assistance and emotional support to families after home fires, or serve in emergency shelters. 

• Service to the Armed Forces: Support members of the military, their families and our veterans. Become a casework volunteer and help provide emergency communications and critical services to military families all over the world.   

• Behind-the-Scenes & Remote: Use your professional skills in Education, Photography, Communications, or Volunteer Recruiting. Many of these vital roles can be performed from home. 

• Youth Programs: Engage the next generation through safety and preparedness education. 

How to Get Started

Whether you have a few hours a week or a few days a month, there is a place for you at the Red Cross. 

1. Visit: Go to redcross.org/volunteer to explore local needs. 
2. Apply: Submit your application through our Volunteer Connection system. 
3. Connect: Your local chapter will reach out to discuss your interests and provide all necessary training. 

The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today.  

About the American Red Cross:  

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.