Over the last several weeks, massive back-to-back hurricanes have devastated the Southeast. First, Hurricane Helene left a path of heartbreak and tragedy across five states. Then, Hurricane Milton cut a large swath across Florida, spanning coast to coast. Residents are struggling to recover, and lives have been changed forever. Thankfully, those affected aren’t alone during this challenging time.
Thousands of selfless American Red Cross disaster volunteers have been on the ground in multiple states working tirelessly alongside partners to provide shelter, meals, comfort and support. From across the country, they left their homes and loved ones to lend a hand to help people living with unimaginable destruction.
Recently, Red Cross President and CEO Cliff Holtz visited our Hurricane Helene response efforts in western North Carolina and described the Red Cross volunteers as symbols of care and hope. “I was in awe of what I saw,” he said. “The devastation this massive storm caused was heartbreaking. But, during my visit I also saw American Red Crossers delivering so much hope, compassion and comfort. Everywhere we went, people came up to me thanking us for what we are doing to help.” He went on to add that volunteers “shine as a symbol of care and hope when people are facing the toughest of days right now.”
Here are a few stories of these selfless volunteers:
Bradin Howell hails from Indiana and started with the Red Cross less than a week ago after wanting to give back to those impacted by the recent storms in Florida. “This is my first of hopefully many Red Cross deployments,” he said. “I feel like every day is hard work but when I get off, it’s a different feeling than I have ever felt before. I feel like I was put on this earth to help people, and the Red Cross is a way to do that.” Bradin is 19 years old and encourages other people of his generation to get involved and volunteer. “This is the world we are going to inhabit our entire lives, and it is important to take care of one another,” said Bradin. “Our generation has faced some difficulties, and we are still trying to find our voice. I think one thing everyone could agree on is that we need to do more to be a community. I think the Red Cross provides a really great community and we are doing great things.”
Candis Hoptowit is a Red Cross Hospital Services staff member and former phlebotomist who took time off from her Red Cross career to volunteer as a shelter worker during this disaster. She has many reasons to want to give back to the organization. “People were in need. That’s why we work for the Red Cross. We are humanitarians,” she said. “When I heard that everyone was in such need down here — I’ve never been through a hurricane — I wanted to come down to help out. I looked around, and there were people with all that they owned in bags in their arms, and I just knew I was in the right place to help.”
Ruben Rivera is a Red Cross volunteer from Oklahoma deployed to Florida. This is his first time volunteering for the Red Cross and he said it was the opportunity to help fellow Latinos that drove him to sign up. “I was watching the news, and they said they really needed volunteers for the Red Cross, and I said why not me, and I signed up,” he said. “I knew nothing about the Red Cross, and I really wanted to volunteer my time. I knew some of the places that had been affected had a large Latino population and I speak Spanish, and I had the time.”
Pamela Pittman started volunteering for the Red Cross earlier this summer after retiring from NASA as a computer scientist. “I loved my job but one of the reasons I wanted to retire as soon as I could is because I wanted to give back. I want to be young enough to give back,” she said. “Maybe that’s why it is so exciting for me. I loved working for NASA but it’s nice to do something not so technical. It’s refreshing to do something about the people.” This is Pamela’s first deployment, and she is working as a sheltering service associate.
Essie Hopkins is a long-time Red Cross disaster volunteer who is known for her patience, care and big heart. A veteran, Essie calls Washington, D.C., home. Right now, she’s helping at the Ross Norton Recreation Shelter in Clearwater, Florida, where she has developed a special relationship with fellow veterans taking refuge in the shelter. Their nickname for her is “Sunshine” because of her warm personality and ability to light up a room.
These disaster responders are dedicating their time to provide safe refuge, comfort and support as people across the Southeast grapple with the aftermath of the storms. As recovery begins, they will be crucial in helping people who have been impacted. Their commitment reminds us that even in the most challenging times, there are always those willing to make a difference.
Hurricane season isn’t over. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, consider putting on a red vest and joining us. Find more information at 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.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
