Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Nov. 28, 2025) — This GivingTuesday, Dec. 2, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging the community to join the global movement of generosity and make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters. With the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, the need for financial contributions, blood donors and volunteers has never been more critical.
From devastating wildfires to powerful hurricanes, Red Cross volunteers from Utah have deployed across the nation delivering aid and compassion to communities in crisis. Locally, the Red Cross has responded to over 160 home fires this year, providing assistance to more than 725 people.
“Your support directly provides emergency aid to those who need it most,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “When you donate to the Red Cross, you’re doing more than giving money, you’re offering comfort to a family who has lost everything in a fire, delivering lifesaving blood to someone in critical condition and bringing hope to people facing their darkest moments.”
Disasters Highlight the Need for Action
The first half of this year saw some of the costliest weather disasters ever recorded, with damages exceeding $101 billion across the U.S. In 2024, there were 27 climate and weather disasters, each resulting in losses of more than $1 billion. These events underscore the growing need for disaster relief and preparedness.
Red Cross volunteers have been on the front lines providing shelter, food and critical aid to tens of thousands of people impacted by hurricanes, storms, floods and wildfires. At the same time, they continue to support families still recovering from the extreme disasters of recent years.
“Our volunteers have demonstrated remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication in the face of this year’s challenges,” Ruster said. “Their tireless efforts to bring relief and hope to those in crisis are truly inspiring, but we cannot do this alone. This GivingTuesday, we urge Utahns to join us in our mission, because together, we can make an even greater difference for those who need it most.”
Volunteers: The Backbone of the Red Cross
Across the country, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers selflessly offer their time to respond to emergencies, support blood collection, assist military families and help communities prepare for disasters. In Utah, over 2,000 volunteers supported Red Cross services last year making a profound impact in their communities.
How You Can Help this GivingTuesday
About GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday, established in 2012, is a global movement that inspires generosity following the consumer-driven events of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. Held on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, it marks the start of the year-end charitable season. In 2024, GivingTuesday raised a record-breaking $3.6 billion in the United States for charitable organizations, in addition to countless acts of generosity around the world. For more information about the American Red Cross of Utah and how you can help this GivingTuesday, visit redcross.org/UtahGives.
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.
