Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (April 21, 2025) — During the 52nd National Volunteer Week (April 20-26, 2025), the American Red Cross of Utah honors the incredible efforts of volunteers who selflessly serve their communities. These community heroes provide essential support at home and across the country, offering hope in the face of natural disasters and emergencies.
“National Volunteer Week is a time to celebrate the selfless dedication of volunteers who strengthen our communities and bring hope to those in need,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The Red Cross of Utah takes immense pride in supporting these heroes who inspire us all to make a difference.”
Volunteers Are the Backbone of the Red Cross
Across the nation, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers dedicate their time to responding to emergencies, assisting military families, supporting blood collections and preparing communities for disasters. Here in Utah, over 1,500 dedicated volunteers contributed their time and skills over the past year. Efforts included responding to more than 200 home fires, aiding over 800 individuals and delivering critical support to those in need.
The broader impact of volunteering is extraordinary. A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps reveals that over 75.7 million Americans gave their time through organized volunteer efforts, contributing an estimated 4.99 billion hours of service valued at $167.2 billion. Utah’s contributions stand out, with approximately 1.2 million residents volunteering in 2023, generating an estimated economic value of $3.8 billion.
Rising Need for Volunteers Amid Growing Challenges
So far this year, Red Cross volunteers from Utah have deployed to support disaster responses in California, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee and Indiana.
The urgent need for disaster preparedness and response grows as the U.S. faces increasingly intense weather events. Last year, the U.S. experienced 27 weather and climate disasters with damages exceeding $1 billion each, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This followed a record 28 billion-dollar disasters in 2023. Over the past four decades, the nation has averaged eight major disasters annually, but the upward trend underscores the critical importance of volunteer support.
Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines of disaster relief, providing shelter, meals and emergency assistance to communities struck by hurricanes, storms, wildfires and flooding. Their efforts are more vital than ever as communities cope with these escalating challenges.
Join the Red Cross Team
Volunteering with the Red Cross offers meaningful ways to make a difference. Disaster response volunteers are trained to handle local crises, such as home fires, by providing immediate on-site support or helping remotely. With additional experience and training, volunteers have opportunities to deploy to larger-scale emergencies across the country. Learn more about disaster response roles at redcross.org/DAT.
Every day, Red Cross volunteers impact their communities by supporting disaster victims, donating blood and teaching lifesaving skills. Discover volunteering opportunities at redcross.org/volunteer.
A Legacy of Service
National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon to honor the extraordinary contributions of volunteers nationwide. This annual observance recognizes the power of service to build stronger communities, inspire action and create meaningful change.
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.
