Media Contact: Matthew Wells
808-681-2833 | Matthew.Wells@redcross.org

HONOLULU, DEMBER 1, 2025 — In 2025, local volunteers became a lifeline for hundreds of neighbors reeling from disasters across Hawaii.

In a powerful display of community, over 2,000 local volunteers responded alongside partners to provide safe refuge, hot meals and basic health services in response to disasters of all sizes in the Pacific Islands Region. This included over 100 local home fires, extreme weather impact and more.

Crises like these show no signs of slowing down. During the holidays, home fire responses spike nearly 20% nationwide, due to seasonal risks such as cooking and heating. In the Pacific Islands alone, more than 50 people on average rely on the Red Cross after home fires in a typical November and December.

“Disasters don’t take holidays — and neither do our volunteers,” said Molly Schmidt, CEO of the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region. “Thanks to generous donations, they have the resources to respond around the clock, delivering care and hope to families in need. By coming together, we help ensure that no one faces a crisis alone — even during the holidays.”

This GivingTuesday – December 2^nd into the 3^rd – and throughout the holiday season, visit www.redcross.org/donate to make a financial donation or to give back through volunteering.

Also in 2025: How Local Responders Helped Disaster Survivors and Military Families

• Throughout the year, 160 local Red Cross volunteers from Hawaii, Guam and Saipan deployed to deliver aid for major disasters both here at home and across the country. This includes preparing for the potential impact of Hurricane Kiko in Hawaii, traveling to the native villages in western Alaska destroyed by the impact of Typhoon Halong, aiding with the Northwestern Wildfires response and more. Responding to disasters is a team effort, and as they become more frequent and intense, families are relying on volunteers for support.
• Over 300 homes were made safer by residents inviting Red Cross volunteers into their homes to discuss fire safety emergency plans and to have over 1,000 free smoke alarms installed.
• Positively impacted over 14,000 members of the local military community through programs such as Animal Visitation, veteran activities, snack/needs stations, and resiliency workshops supporting 230+ participants.
   

Visit www.RedCross.org/PacificIslands for stories about how people from across the Pacific Islands Region helped in 2025.

About GivingTuesday:
GivingTuesday is an annual event dedicated to boosting radical generosity, held on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Created in 2012 at New York’s 92nd Street Y, the idea behind GivingTuesday was to set aside a single day to give back. Over 13 years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer and spread awareness. For many nonprofits, funds raised on GivingTuesday serve as an important kickoff for year-end charitable campaigns.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; 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 www.RedCross.org/PacificIslands or follow us on social media.