By Beth Ritter-Guth

Three years ago, Rosalie Gonzalez of New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, was "looking for something to do" after her children moved to North Carolina. She decided to channel her energy into helping others and became a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross.

"The Red Cross has been a symbol in my life since I was six years old," Gonzalez said.

Despite not knowing much about the organization at first, her passion for helping people led her to become a disaster duty officer, a volunteer role she can perform from home. In this position, she gathers essential information about a disaster and dispatches Disaster Action Team responders to help those affected. Gonzalez also volunteers with the Home Fire Campaign, which installs free smoke alarms in homes and educates families on fire safety.

It was there she discovered a way to make an even greater impact. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Gonzalez serves as a translator for Spanish-speaking families, bridging language barriers to ensure everyone has access to critical Red Cross services.

Gonzalez’s first Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation event holds a special place in her heart. The first home she visited was a Spanish-speaking family. Not only was she moved by helping to make their home safer, but the experience also highlighted the need for more bilingual volunteers.

"I would like to help the Spanish-speaking community get more involved with the Red Cross," Gonzalez said.

She said she loves volunteering at local Red Cross events, particularly in neighborhoods like Allison Hill in Harrisburg, which has a large Hispanic population. She fondly remembers helping an elderly Spanish-speaking woman get smoke alarms installed.

“She told all of her neighbors and they called in to get alarms for themselves,” Gonzalez said. “And they all asked for me to come do them.”

In addition to her Red Cross volunteering, Gonzalez loves inspiring her family to help others. After flooding from Hurricane Helene struck Asheville, North Carolina, her mother and sons volunteered to help with recovery efforts. She hopes to get her children more involved with the Red Cross in the future, instilling in them the same passion for service that drives her.

Looking ahead, Gonzalez dreams of one day working for the Red Cross full-time. “I want to be that person everyone goes to because I know how to help,” she said.

She also encourages others to take the leap into volunteering. “Take this opportunity because it leads to more opportunities,” she said. “I love meeting all kinds of people from all over.”

The Red Cross offers many ways to serve to fit various schedules, abilities and interests. More bilingual individuals are especially needed to help deliver our mission. To explore our volunteer roles, visit redcross.org/volunteer.