Eve Gray in front of an American Red Cross Mobile Emergency Response Vehicle.
By: Michelle Tanner
Eve Gray carries many titles: mother, wife, grandmother, retired crime analyst, family caretaker and American Red Cross volunteer. There’s an old saying: “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” Gray embodies that idea.
Gray started volunteering for the Red Cross in 1989 after hearing a nationwide call for help following the Loma Prieta earthquake in California. At the time, she lived near Fort Worth, Texas, and could not travel to the disaster zone.
Instead, Gray did the next best thing. She signed up to support local disaster responses in Fort Worth so other volunteers could deploy to California. When the response ended, she continued volunteering.
Over the years, Gray expanded her service into Mass Care, supporting disaster relief operations through the Red Cross partnership with FEMA. She later took on additional responsibilities within the Red Cross Mass Care team and continued building her Red Cross resume experience.
Gray has supported several Red Cross teams, including the Disaster Assistance Team, emergency supplies, logistics, transportation and more. This experience gave her insight into the broad range of services the Red Cross provides.
Gray took a break from volunteering in 2007 and returned in 2021. She now supports Mass Care and Shelter Feeding teams and oversees logistics for Red Cross emergency response vehicles.
Since retiring from crime analysis and with her child now grown, Gray deploys nationally to support disaster relief operations. Most recently, she deployed in response to the tornadoes in St. Louis, Missouri, in May 2025 and the Central Texas floods in July 2025.
Why does Gray continue to serve with the Red Cross?
“The people we help,” she answered simply. “They all bring something to me; I learn something from each of them.” Gray believes the best approach is to speak honestly with the people she meets during disasters.
“I don’t sugarcoat it,” she said. “I tell them it’s okay to feel really bad today, but tomorrow will be a little better.”
Eve Gray, right, with fellow Red Cross volunteer Alan Ramos distributing emergency supplies to residents in Crowley, Texas, during a flooding event in April 2024.
When emergencies happen, local Red Cross Disaster Action Teams, made up of trained volunteers, are ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether it’s providing emotional support, meeting emergency needs for shelter and supplies, or connecting families with recovery services, Red Cross volunteers ensure no one faces a crisis alone.
During Red Cross Month this March, you can join them in making a difference. Become a volunteer, give blood or make a financial donation when help can’t wait. Visit redcross.org to find your way to help today.
About American Red Cross Month
The American Red Cross recognizes March as Red Cross Month, a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first proclamation — and each U.S. president has followed ever since.
During this month, the Red Cross celebrates the people and community partners who step up when needed to help their neighbors. Join more than 30,000 supporters for our 12th annual Red Cross Giving Day to help provide shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional support to disaster survivors.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
