When Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in September 2024, it left behind a trail of devastation — sweeping away entire neighborhoods and forcing thousands of families from their homes. Among some of the hardest hit, were Latino communities across North Carolina, where the need for aid was critical and infrastructure severely damaged.

Amid the chaos, four brothers: Omar, Iván, Victor and Jonas Rodriguez, local Mexican American businessmen from Monroe, North Carolina, rose to the occasion to help meet the needs of their community.

“We sent vans equipped with supplies to get through closed roads and difficult terrain,” said Omar Rodriguez, president of the Rodriguez businesses.

Giving Back to the Community in the Wake of Disaster
The brother’s partnership with the American Red Cross helped ensure that families received culturally familiar staples — items like rice, pinto beans, flour, cooking oil and bouillon — identified by Red Cross Latino staff members Erica Frausto Aguado and Mariana Vimbela. Their motivation was deeply personal. “We’ve known poverty. We started our business from scratch, with nothing but a broken-down truck,” Omar shared. “Helping others is our way of saying thank you for the blessings we’ve received and the support from our community.”

Serving a diverse Latino community — from Mexicans in Monroe to Hondurans and Salvadorans in South Boulevard — the Rodriguez brothers were deeply aware of the unique needs of their neighbors. This shared understanding and sense of community built a strong collaboration between the Red Cross and the Rodriguez brothers. “It’s not about nationality,” Omar emphasized. “It’s about humanity. Today it’s them, tomorrow it could be us.”

Dare to Save a Life through Blood Donation
One year after Hurricane Helene, the brothers came together with the Red Cross again to help in a different capacity. They aimed to raise awareness within the community about the importance of Latino blood donation.

Helene and its aftermath led to the cancellation of more than 100 blood drives. This resulted in thousands of blood and platelet donations going uncollected and strained the Red Cross national blood supply necessary to help patients with urgent medical needs, for whom blood transfusions are essential. Latino blood donors can make a significant impact —nearly 60% of Latinos have type O blood, a crucial type during emergencies and often in short supply, as was the case during Helene.

By donating blood, the Rodriguez brothers hope their example inspires others to step forward. “We hope that when people who know and trust us see us getting involved, it gives them confidence,” Omar added. “We were moved by the stories about accident victims, mothers with childbirth complications, and the ongoing need for blood,” said Omar. “When you hear that donating blood can save a life, it hits you.”

Despite initial nerves, Omar — who had only donated once before in Mexico — and his brothers Iván, Victor and Jonas, all first-time blood donors, found the experience deeply rewarding. “It doesn’t cost anything, and it can save a life. That’s powerful,” Omar reflected.

The brothers have now pledged to organize future blood drives and are actively encouraging others in the Latino community to join them. Their message is simple and sincere: when we show up for each other, we all grow stronger.

"Dare to save a life. Dare to save two. Dare to save a hundred. It’s a blessing to be able to help."

Schedule a blood donation appointment today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Through our Latino Engagement efforts, the Red Cross is focusing on opportunities to engage and grow awareness in Latino communities about the critical role they play in helping patients. Together, we have the power to help save lives and strengthen communities. When our communities give together, we heal together.
For more information on donating blood or making a financial donation, 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.