By Sid Kaparthi, American Red Cross

Juanita Howland’s journey of service began not from a desire for personal recognition, but from a deep-seated belief that her purpose on earth was to help others. Having recently retired, Juanita focused her energy on serving others, dedicating much of her time to volunteering with organizations including the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross.

Her path to the Red Cross was unique, sparked by a casual meeting with someone from a local business while she was volunteering for the Salvation Army. Though she hadn't expected it, this chance encounter became the seed that would grow into a long-standing devotion to disaster relief and humanitarian work. A deep interest in helping those affected by disasters soon led her to receive formal training. And over the course of a few years, she became well-versed in the methods and efforts needed to provide immediate relief to communities in distress.

For Juanita, serving others is more than just a job, it’s a calling. “We’re put on this earth to help each other, and when I was put on the Red Cross, I thought this was the way to help other people,” she reflected. The personal fulfillment she has found in helping others has guided her actions and decisions throughout her life. One of her proudest contributions has been her 15-year tenure as a Red Cross board member, collaborating with others to raise funds, organize events, and provide help where it was most needed.

After relocating to Missouri, Juanita continued her volunteer efforts, taking on a prominent role in the Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross for nearly a decade. The skills she gained from her experience and training allowed her to help lead the organization through numerous challenges. Though a dedicated member of the board, she also knew the importance of individual contributions. Whether assisting in shelters during disasters or sponsoring a blood drive at her local church, Juanita actively worked to ensure her community received the support it needed in times of hardship.

Juanita is deeply involved in the Red Cross’s disaster response and blood drives, believing these activities are critical not just to the organization but to the communities that benefit from them. Blood donations, for instance, save countless lives every year, and her efforts to rally people to donate have resulted in more lives touched than she could ever imagined. When she’s not directly serving as a volunteer, she finds ways to donate funds or supplies, ensuring the organization has what it needs to continue its life-saving work.

Even in retirement, Juanita remains unwavering in her commitment to helping those in need. “I think it’s very important to have a passion for serving people,” she often says. She encourages others to take as much training as they can, stressing the importance of preparedness and availability. “Be available as often as you can,” Juanita advises.

Juanita Howland’s dedication to the Red Cross and her life of service offers a powerful reminder that when we are driven by a passion for helping others, we not only touch lives but become an integral part of a greater community of care. Her story is a tribute to the transformative power of kindness and the difference one individual can make.

Ready to make a difference like Juanita? Sign up to become a volunteer at redcross.org/volunteer.