Media Contact: Betsy Robertson

206-799-3194 | Betsy.robertson@redcross.org

News Summary:

·        Christine’s lifelong commitment to the Red Cross began when she volunteered alongside her mother, Kathleen, showing the powerful impact of service passed from one generation to the next.

·        Kathleen and Christine will be available for joint interviews in Spokane or via zoom next week.

·        During Red Cross Month in March, people can visit redcross.org to get involved in its mission by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills.

SEATTLE, MARCH 4, 2026 — New American Red Cross data released today shows a snapshot of multigenerational volunteerism here in Seattle.

From Gen Z to the Silent Generation, people of all ages comprise nearly 3300 volunteers for the Northwest Region. According to demographic estimates shared by most Red Cross volunteers in Washington and parts of Idaho:

·        Gen Z is the fastest-growing and largest group of volunteers (33%), driven largely by growth in student-led Red Cross clubs.

·        Millennials account for roughly a quarter of volunteers (26%), followed by Baby Boomers (23%) and Gen X (8%) to anchor core mission roles.

·        The Silent Generation is the smallest cohort (2%) but contributes to a legacy of service that often spans multiple decades.

“Generation after generation, our community has shown that compassion is one of its greatest strengths,” said Megan Dulgar, Executive Director of the Northwest Region. “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope. Their commitment reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that connects us across time and continues to make a meaningful difference through our lifesaving mission — one that has supported families for more than half of our country’s 250-year history.”

This month during Red Cross Month, the Red Cross honors how people today deliver support when help can’t wait. Every contribution matters — visit redcross.org to get involved by volunteering, making a financial donation, giving blood or taking a class in lifesaving skills.

Volunteering is a family tradition for Kathleen and her daughter Christine, whose journey with the Red Cross began when she was just six years old, tagging along to her mom’s preparedness training. Over the years, Christine grew from helping hand out materials to becoming a youth volunteer, club president, Sound the Alarm canvasser, and a compassionate supporter of military families. Now a nursing student and recipient of the Jane Delano Nursing Student Scholarship, she continues to embody the values she learned at home. The mother/daughter volunteering duo shows how service, when passed from one generation to the next, can shape lives, strengthen communities, and inspire a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can people find volunteer opportunities?

A: People can find volunteer opportunities that meet their needs at redcross.org.

Q: What is Red Cross Month?

A: Red Cross Month is a nationwide celebration in March to honor the people who deliver support when help can’t wait. It began as a national call to action during WWII for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition encouraging people to get involved at redcross.org. This year’s campaign includes:

·        The Red Cross is offering free A1C screening in March to test for prediabetes and diabetes on all successful blood, platelet and plasma donations, as part of its efforts to support the health of communities. No fasting is required; it’s always important to eat a nutritious meal before giving blood. In addition, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31 will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/March for details.

·        Financial donations made on March 25 for Disaster Relief will be part of this year’s Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.

Q: What is Red Cross Giving Day?

A: Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day, which will be held this year on March 25. It’s an opportunity for people to come together on one day to help families recover from a home fire or other disaster across the country. Donations can be made at redcross.org/GivingDay.

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.

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