Red Cross Honors Volunteers Who Show Up for Their Neighbors During National Volunteer Week  

TYLER, Texas, April 22, 2026 – National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 19 through April 25, and the American Red Cross East Texas Chapter would like to honor those who are the heart of the organization ─ the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.

 

90% of the American Red Cross workforce is made up of volunteers who have helped and supported people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. In 2025, East Texas Red Cross volunteers:

• Responded to more than 2,200 disasters
• Collected nearly 3,00 units of lifesaving blood
• Supported nearly 1,300 military heroes and their families through personal crisis
• Trained more than 6,000 people in first aid, CPR and AED, water safety, babysitting and other lifesaving skills

“For 145 years, the American Red Cross has answered the call when our neighbors need help the most,” said Karen Holt, Executive Director, Red Cross East Texas Chapter. “Please join us in working together to bring comfort and relief to communities in need.”
Right now, there is a critical need for neighbors to step up and help fill these roles. Free training will be provided.

 

• DISASTER ACTION TEAM (DAT) RESPONDER The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. Our Disaster Action Team volunteers are ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.
  • Our DAT The academies provide hands-on training and an overview of how volunteers support families after home fires and other local disasters, including sheltering, relief supplies, and emotional care. No prior experience is required.

• SHELTER SERVICE ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a local disaster. This position is assigned to work in person in a Red Cross shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event in East Texas. Sheltering Service Associates complete tasks necessary for shelter operations and interacts with families impacted to ensure needs are met. Sheltering Service Associates support day-to-day activities within a shelter, including reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information and other areas
• BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. You can help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.

 

JOIN US

As the Red Cross honors and recognizes our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we encourage all East Texans to join our team and work together to make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

 

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.