by Sharonne Hayes
“My name is Johnny Anderson, and I’m a volunteer.”
A man of few words, Johnny is a man of (compassion in) action.
With those simple, humble words at last month’s Charlotte Metro Area annual team celebration where he was awarded Volunteer of the Year, Johnny Anderson captured the spirit of service that defines the American Red Cross.
“Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, floods, landslides, it doesn’t matter,” said Johnny. “We’re there.”
It’s true – Johnny is there. A lot.
As a Disaster Action Team (DAT) lead volunteer with the Charlotte Metro Area Chapter since 2018, Johnny’s impact is anything but simple. In 2024 alone, he responded to 47 emergencies—more than any other volunteer in the region—and opened over 75 assistance cases, helping nearly 200 people rebuild their lives after disaster.
In a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, Johnny was recently recognized with the 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award—one of the highest honors for volunteers in North Carolina. This award shines a spotlight on individuals like Johnny whose selfless dedication and meaningful contributions have left a lasting impact on their communities.
“What is a DAT volunteer?”: Johnny said, “Sacrifices come together from all us and…we get to ‘yes’.”
What is a DAT Volunteer?
Disaster Action Team volunteers are the frontline responders of the American Red Cross. Available 24/7, they provide immediate support to individuals and families affected by emergencies such as home fires, floods, storms, and other local disasters. Whether it’s offering shelter, emotional support, financial assistance, or simply a comforting presence, DAT volunteers are trained to meet urgent needs with compassion and care. Their work is vital to helping communities recover and rebuild after crisis strikes.
From hurricanes and wildfires to floods and home fires, Johnny was there. He’s deployed to over 25 states, including responses to the Missouri tornadoes, Iowa floods, Washington fires, and Hurricane Helene—a Category 4 storm that devastated the Southeast and hit close to home.
“We stood strong and relentless – together.”
Johnny’s leadership during Hurricane Helene was especially profound. He managed a shelter for over 350 Red Crossers—some of whom were local and experienced Helene’s impacts firsthand—and witnessed the incredible compassion and resilience of affected communities.
In particular, Johnny said he was astounded by the rolling compassion and widespread desire to help from those who came near and far. To honor those who traveled from across the country to assist, Johnny created a banner featuring their names—a lasting tribute to unity and hope.
Johnny was particularly moved by the outpouring of support from volunteers who traveled from across the country to help. To honor their dedication and commitment to helping his home, he created a banner featuring their signed names—a lasting tribute to unity and hope.
“People in this community mean more to me than anything,” said Johnny. “I cannot tell you enough – people from all over this country, people on [that] banner call me often and we have relationships that will last forever. You are my family – the Red Cross is.”
Johnny Anderson is a volunteer who embodies the heart of the Red Cross mission—compassion, commitment, and community. His journey reminds us that behind every response is a volunteer who chooses to show up – no matter the hour, no matter the challenge.
Every day, Red Cross volunteers stand ready to bring hope and help to families facing their darkest moments. Most emergencies don’t make headlines, but they leave lasting impacts—and our Disaster Action Team is there to ensure no one goes through a crisis alone.
Join us and be the reason someone finds strength in the storm. Learn more about our Disaster Action Team here. Additionally, find out more about our special call to our ‘Shelter Heroes’ here.
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