HONOLULU (March 9, 2026) — New American Red Cross information released highlights a multigenerational culture of volunteerism across the Pacific Islands Region, which serves Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.  

From wise elders to youth leaders, volunteerism spans all ages across these island communities. More than 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce in the Pacific Islands Region is made up of volunteers, reflecting a deep tradition of service rooted in island culture and community resilience.

MEET THE ALARCON FAMILY: This family of four volunteer side by side, installing smoke alarms, teaching lifesaving skills and bringing disaster preparedness lessons to elementary school students. Mom, Dad and two standout Gen Z volunteers are helping reshape how young people engage with the Red Cross across the Pacific Islands. The entire Alarcon family is available for interviews.

According to available regional data and program participation trends:

• Youth engagement continues to grow, especially through high school and college Red Cross Clubs active across Hawaiʻi and the Northern Mariana Islands.
• Working-age adults play critical roles in disaster response, volunteer recruitment, logistics and military family support, including positions across Hawaiʻi, Guam and Saipan.
• Long-serving volunteers, including many kupuna, remain deeply involved in preparedness education, community events, Service to the Armed Forces and cultural bridging roles, continuing a tradition of intergenerational service valued across the Pacific Islands Region.

From Gen Z to the Silent Generation, people of all ages help make up the nearly 1,900 volunteers who support the American Red Cross in the Pacific Islands Region, according to demographic estimates.

Nationally, Gen Z makes up the fastest growing and largest group of Red Cross volunteers (42%), followed by Millennials (24%). Baby Boomers (18%) and Gen X (9%) anchor core mission roles, while the Silent Generation represents7%. 

“Generation after generation, our island communities have shown that compassion is one of our greatest strengths,” said Molly Schmidt, CEO for the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region. “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope. Their dedication reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that has carried our Pacific Islands through decades of change and continues to make a meaningful difference today through our lifesaving mission.”

This month during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross honors how people today deliver support when help can’t wait. Every contribution matters. Visit redcross.org/pacificislands to get involved by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can people find volunteer opportunities?

A: People can find volunteer opportunities that meet their needs at redcross.org/pacificislands

Q: What is Red Cross Month?

A: Red Cross Month is a nationwide celebration in March to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. It began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition encouraging people to get involved at redcross.org/pacificislands. This year’s campaign includes:

Q: What is Red Cross Giving Day?

A: Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day, which will be held this year on March 25. It’s an opportunity for people to come together on one day to help families recover from a home fire or other disaster across the country. Donations can be made at redcross.org/GivingDay. Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of this year’s Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.