Eleven Wisconsin Red Cross volunteers, including Kari Paterson, deployed to Southern California to help wildfire-impacted families with shelter, meals, and comfort—witnessing incredible strength, kindness, and resilience amid the devastation. 

Six years ago, DeAnn McAllan welcomed Lyra, a gentle Golden Retriever, and found her calling. Together they volunteer with the Red Cross Animal Visitation Program, bringing comfort and joy to military families and communities in Southwest Wisconsin.

Red Cross staff and volunteers came together in Madison to celebrate Red Cross Month, host a blood drive, and share their impact with legislators—a joyful day of teamwork, gratitude, and lifesaving connections across Wisconsin. 

142 volunteers joined our Sound the Alarm event in Milwaukee, installing 462 smoke alarms, reaching 551 people, and making 167 homes safer—a huge win for local families and neighborhoods. 

Mother’s Day turned harrowing for Highland Court Apartments residents in Milwaukee when a five-alarm fire erupted on the third floor, displacing over 100 people. The Red Cross opened a shelter, offering meals, water, hygiene items, cots, and blankets. 

The Red Cross of Wisconsin joined Fort McCoy soldiers and Tomah VA to give Veterans a special day of fishing. Volunteers escorted Veterans, sharing stories, laughter, and connections—a heartwarming way to honor those who served. 

When a fire hit a senior apartment, residents and their pets were safely evacuated. The Red Cross offered shelter, meals, and comfort, and thanks to first responders, volunteers, and the caring community, all were safely cared for and supported. 

When Jasmine Harris’s basement flooded, she didn’t let it stop her. She volunteered with the Red Cross, helping neighbors find shelter and offering comfort—showing the heart of what it means to support a community in need. 

At just two, James Griffin was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Today, he bravely shares his story—about pain, hospital visits, and childhood challenges—to raise awareness and help others understand life with sickle cell. 

For over a decade, the Red Cross of Wisconsin has teamed up with the Green Bay Packers for lifesaving blood drives each May, August, and November—bringing the community together and celebrating donors who help save lives. 

Joseph and Maggie Henderson, with family friend Grant Hodgins, were honored by the Red Cross after Joseph used CPR—taught years earlier by Grant—to save their father’s life, a powerful story of courage and hope.

Mike and Cathy Stevens celebrate eight years with the Red Cross, comforting neighbors after fires, sheltering evacuees, and deploying nationwide continuing to make a meaningful difference wherever they go.