[NEW ORLEANS/BATON ROUGE/SHREVEPORT, LA] January 26, 2026 — With Winter Storm Fern moving through the state and the increased risk of power outages, the American Red Cross is calling on residents across Louisiana to step up and volunteer. As temperatures drop, the Red Cross is preparing to support an influx of neighbors seeking warmth and safety, and additional volunteers are needed to sustain these efforts.
While the current winter weather has created an immediate need, Red Cross officials emphasize that the organization responds to emergencies every day of the year.
The Red Cross is led by volunteers, relying on the generous efforts of individuals who dedicate their time and energy to helping others. Whether it’s responding to a large-scale winter storm or assisting a family who has lost their home to a fire in the local community, we depend on the people of Louisiana to come together and support their neighbors during challenging times,” said Kenneth St. Charles Ph.D., Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Louisiana Region.
As of this morning, more than 53 trained Red Cross responders are supporting response efforts with operations up and running across the state. The Red Cross is collaborating with local partners to support 20 warming centers and shelters across Louisiana. This includes direct management of facilities such as the MLK Recreation Center in Natchitoches and First Baptist in Haughton, alongside technical and resource support for the partner-led sites.
“If you’ve ever thought about stepping up to help but weren’t sure what to do or where to begin, this is the right moment to take action. We provide all the training and resources necessary to get you started, so you don’t need to worry about being prepared or knowing everything in advance. What we truly need is your compassion, your commitment to helping others, and your willingness to give some of your time to those who need it most. Together, we can bring hope and relief to people who are going through incredibly tough situations,” St. Charles added.
To mobilize the community quickly, the Red Cross is hosting a series of Virtual Just-In-Time Trainings. These two-hour sessions require no prior experience and are designed to get volunteers "mission-ready" immediately.
Virtual | Led by Red Cross staff
Rapid Volunteer Intake: For those unable to attend training but interested in becoming a volunteer during this winter storm, please visit this rapid volunteer application form and a Red Cross team member will reach out immediately.
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.
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.
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