Disaster – American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region

Caring for Our Neighbors After the Skyline Tower Fire

When a fire and power outage forced more than a thousand residents from Skyline Tower in St. Paul on October 25–26, the American Red Cross moved quickly to help. Within hours, volunteers were working alongside the City of St. Paul, CommonBond Communities, The Salvation Army, and other partners to make sure everyone had a safe place to stay, warm meals to eat, and someone to turn to for comfort and care.

Local Red Cross volunteers Todd Johnson and Marilyn Birk serve meals to families impacted by the fire and power outage at Skyline Tower in St. Paul, Minn.
Photo: Nate Russell/American Red Cross.

Every day since, responders have been connecting with residents as they recover across the Twin Cities, offering meals, listening to concerns, and finding ways to meet each person’s needs with dignity. Behind the scenes, volunteers have coordinated food deliveries, managed logistics, and worked hand in hand with community partners to keep things running smoothly.

More than 70 trained Red Cross responders, most of them volunteers from across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have come together to support this response, each bringing compassion, skill, and heart to the work.

“We know the people need the help, and the Red Cross has the partnerships and the means to be able to provide that,” said Todd Johnson, a volunteer helping provide meals. So far, Red Cross teams have provided more than 4,100 (as of 11/3) warm meals and thousands of snacks with help from The Salvation Army and local partners. “This is the heart of what we do.”

Jeff Thelen and Matt Bellin, two of more than 70 Red Cross responders, help unload food to be served to residents affected by the Skyline Tower fire and power outage.
Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross.

Health and mental health volunteers are helping replace lost prescriptions, check on medical concerns, and offer a listening ear. “A lot of our services revolve around helping them with that first small step. It might be just someone to help them get their medications replaced and that’s one less thing for them to have to worry about,” said Rick Larkin, who is leading Disaster Health Services. “But we also have disaster mental health volunteers, because this is super stressful for people. It’s a friendly ear; it’s a reassurance that recovery will begin soon.”

The Red Cross continues to work closely with cultural and community organizations to ensure services honor the diverse languages, traditions, and nourishment needs of Skyline Tower residents. Every act of kindness, whether it’s a shared meal, a gentle conversation, or a moment of rest, reflects the spirit of partnership that has defined this response.

“This is one of the largest responses our region has supported,” said Brice Johnson, CEO for the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region. “But more than that, it’s a reminder of what can happen when neighbors come together to care for one another.”

As parts of Skyline Tower reopen, residents are beginning to return home. “We’ll be here,” said Johnson. “In the days and weeks ahead, we’ll stand alongside residents, helping meet immediate needs, supporting them as they rebuild a sense of stability, and offering resources and reassurance that things will get better.”

How You Can Help

Support Disaster Relief. Every day, disasters like this remind us how quickly life can change and how powerful compassion can be. The Red Cross helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies large and small.

You can make a difference. Visit RedCross.org ,call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a financial donation.

An average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend goes toward providing care and comfort for those in need.

Put on a red vest and join us. Visit RedCross.org/GiveTime to learn how you can support your community. For disasters big and small, Red Cross volunteers provide comfort on what can be the hardest days of people’s lives.

Peg Schaefer: A National Treasure – Celebrating 60 Years of Red Cross Service

We are deeply saddened to share that Peg passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Her unwavering dedication and years of service to the Red Cross left an indelible mark on our organization and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. As we remember Peg, we honor the incredible legacy she leaves behind – a legacy built on compassion, commitment, and a true passion for helping others.

For six decades, Peg Schaefer from Rochester, Minnesota, has embodied the spirit of the American Red Cross. Her remarkable journey of service has taken her across the globe, working at blood drives, responding to disasters, providing comfort and making a lasting impact on communities in need.

Peg, photographed in Byron, Minnesota (May 2025), ahead of an Employee Recognition Event, reflecting on her 60 years of service with the Red Cross. Photo submitted.

Beginning as a volunteer, Peg transitioned into staff roles, only to return to volunteering, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to the Red Cross mission. From earthquakes to tornados, typhoons to hurricanes, forest fires to floods, Peg has been there – comforting, supporting, and serving. Her dedication has taken her from Saipan to Alaska, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, and across the mainland U.S., with every stop adding a chapter to her extraordinary story.

In February, Peg celebrated her 90th birthday. In addition to this milestone, there was a beautiful reason to celebrate: almost 60 years of Red Cross service. Officially, she will reach the 60-year milestone in January 2026, but as Peg jokes, “They don’t have a pin for 59 and a half years, so we just rounded it up and had a 60th celebration.”

Peg and Melanie Tschida, executive director of the Red Cross of Southern Minnesota, share a joyful moment celebrating Peggy’s 90th birthday and 60 years of service to the American Red Cross – a beautiful day filled with stories, laughter, and lasting friendships. Photo submitted.

Peg’s journey with the Red Cross began in 1966 while living in Alaska, where her husband was stationed with the military. At the time, the Red Cross was one of the “approved” ways for military wives to give back and it quickly became a perfect fit. Encouraged by an officer’s wife to get involved, Peg began volunteering at Bassett Army Hospital in Fort Wainwright.

Just a year later, in August 1967, a devastating flood hit Fairbanks, and hospital volunteers like Peg were asked to step in. “Would you be willing to do casework?” someone asked. “Sure!” Peg responded with enthusiasm. She vividly recalls the whirlwind of activity: “It was a zoo! Back then, we used adding machines,” she says with a laugh. “I’d take a long slip of itemized expenses to my supervisor so they could issue a check for the essentials people needed.”

Over the following years, Peg became the go-to person for anything Red Cross-related in her community. “That’s how it is in a small town,” she explained. “The Red Cross wasn’t in the phone book, so people who saw me at blood drives or knew me as a military wife would just call me directly. We always found a way to make it work.”

In 1984, Peg went on her first disaster assignment outside of her home chapter to help respond to flooding in Kentucky. That was just the beginning of many more to come.

Peg captured during a lighthearted moment while responding to floods in the Quad Cities — her experience along the Mississippi earned her the title “Queen of the Mississippi,” complete with crown and royal regalia! Photo submitted.

The Red Cross became a second family to Peg. “Even though she was away from us,” her daughter Sherri Demos shared, “we knew she was with her other family.” Peg echoed that sentiment: “I was never with strangers. There were always familiar faces – people I’d worked with before. We’d just pick up right where we left off, like no time had passed.”

After transitioning from volunteer to employee in 1989, her day-to-day work focused on visiting chapters across the Midwest, teaching classes, and evaluating disaster preparedness plans to help them get ready for emergencies they hoped would never come.

Peg working in her office at the Red Cross Dane County Chapter, Madison, Wisconsin. Photo submitted.

Peg quickly earned a reputation for her no-nonsense approach – she didn’t accept excuses and firmly believed that all members of the community must be included in the planning process, “because everyone deserves a helping hand.” More than once, Red Cross staff thanked her for pushing them to do the hard work upfront – “those detailed plans proved invaluable when disaster did strike their communities,” she says.

Peg credits her social work degree with helping her navigate disasters and support people during their most difficult moments. “Sometimes it’s tough to take,” she reflects, “but I think of the families and their needs.”

Peg deployed to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to support tornado response efforts in December 2000. Photo submitted.

One of her most meaningful memories was being deployed during the holidays in Alabama. Wanting to create some holiday cheer, she and other volunteers went to Walmart and bought the last Christmas tree available — a humble “Charlie Brown” tree – and a few ornaments. Back at their headquarters, she and her fellow volunteers decorated with whatever they had to make it festive for all who were away from home.

During the December tornado response in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Peg was interviewed by CNN, offering insight from the front lines of disaster relief. On Christmas Day, she led an interfaith moment of reflection, inviting everyone to “silently ask for blessings in your own traditions,” as Red Cross staff paused to celebrate with food, music, and community in the midst of their tireless efforts. Photos submitted.

Since restaurants were set to be closed on Christmas Day, Peg asked the Mass Care team to find one that could prepare a holiday meal in advance. They located a restaurant willing to provide a traditional Christmas dinner – complete with three kinds of pie – for just $5 per person. The only requirement was that the meals be picked up early in the afternoon on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Day, she and her team – Red Cross volunteers, FEMA staff, and volunteers from partner organizations – warmed each meal one by one in the microwave. “It was the most moving holiday I’ve ever had,” she recalls. “And also one of the funniest,” she adds with a smile. “Some of the volunteers rewrote ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’ with things every volunteer wishes for on deployment – like their own rental car. We couldn’t stop laughing.”

Over the years, Peg has witnessed countless changes in how the Red Cross operates, but her commitment has never wavered – even after retiring in 2011. “It’s in my blood,” she says. And true to her word, she continues to volunteer whenever she can: welcoming blood donors, teaching families about fire safety, and helping to recruit the next generation of volunteers. Though Peg admits, “I still have the urge to pack my suitcase,” she concedes that she no longer has the physical stamina for deployments. Still, her heart remains with the mission.

Her daughter Sherri adds, “Don’t underestimate my mom – she may be little, but she’s mighty. She’s a national treasure.”

Sherri shares an embrace with her mother Peg. *“Don’t underestimate my mom,”* Sherri says. *“She may be small, but she’s mighty — a true national treasure.”* Photo: Sue Thesenga/American Red Cross.

As Peg reflects on her 60 years of service, she effortlessly fills the conversation with stories of the people she’s met and the lifelong friendships she’s formed along the way. Her memories are rich and vivid, but what shines through the most is her conviction that it was never about her. For Peg, it was always a team effort – people coming together, each doing their part to make a difference.

What began in 1966, when a general’s wife encouraged her to volunteer with the Red Cross, blossomed into a lifetime of service. “It’s what I believe in – the mission and principles,” Peg says simply.

Thank you, Peg Schaefer, for your deep and enduring commitment to the American Red Cross. Your service has left a lasting legacy of compassion, resilience, and hope. You truly are a national treasure.

Slideshow of additional photos of Peg through the years:

What Wasn’t Lost: Lexi, Hunter, and the Power of Community

When the wind finally stopped and the trees had settled into splintered piles across their yard in Erie, North Dakota, Lexi stood next to Hunter and took a deep breath.

Lexi and Hunter smile with relief, thrilled their wedding plans are still intact — the storm devastated much of the town but spared both their ceremony and reception venues.
Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest/American Red Cross.

“This wasn’t how we imagined the summer before our wedding,” she said.

Just days earlier, the young couple had been finalizing details for their ceremony in September. Now, instead of focusing on a celebration, they were cleaning up.

Then on June 20, storms with hurricane force winds ripped through towns big and small in eastern North Dakota, leaving the tiny village of Erie—population barely 30—reeling.

The storm took their shade trees, littered the road with branches, and left everyone asking the same question: Where do we even begin?

That answer came quickly. First, neighbors and family came to help. Then, church groups and people from across the region who drove for hours turned up. And then, the American Red Cross arrived.

“It went from warm water and silence to trucks, volunteers, and kindness pouring in from every direction,” Lexi said.

In the nearby town of Page, the fire station turned into a hub of comfort. Red Cross volunteers helped serve meals while neighbors gathered around folding tables to share food, stories, and sighs of relief.

In Page, the fire station became a refuge as Red Cross volunteers served meals and neighbors shared food and comfort. Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest/American Red Cross.

“It wasn’t just about feeding people,” Lexi said. “It was about creating a space where we could breathe. Where we could sit with people who understood.”

Lexi’s dad used a company volunteer day to come and help cleanup in Erie. “He could’ve spent the day anywhere,” she said. “But he chose here. Not just for me—but for our community.”

Hunter spent those days helping others before even touching their own yard. “That’s who he is,” Lexi said quietly. “And that’s why I love him.”

Though many buildings were damaged, two small miracles stood out. The church where Lexi and Hunter plan to marry and the community hall where they’ll hold their reception — were untouched by the storm. “Out of all the places that could’ve been hit,” she said, “ours were spared. That has to mean something.”

The City of Page, ND’s fire station opened its doors as a community gathering place. Knox, who celebrated his his 3rd birthday in the Fire Hall, and his sister Kora, age 5.
simply enjoyed being kids, blowing bubbles and zooming trucks.
Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest/American Red Cross

Their wedding is still on. But now, the meaning behind their vows has strengthened.

“We’ve seen what it looks like when people show up for each other,” Lexi said. “People we’ve never met before—just neighbors we hadn’t met yet.”

Red Cross Volunteer serving food to boy in a black t-shirt. — On his first deployment, Red Cross Health Services volunteer Daniel Odubura of Grand Forks, N.D., pitches in with a smile to serve hot meals to storm survivors in Page, N.D. Photo: Carrie Carlson-Guest/American Red Cross

In a part of the world where towns are small and pride runs deep, asking for help doesn’t come easy. But what Lexi and Hunter discovered is that sometimes, you don’t have to ask—people just come.

And when they do, they bring more than food or rakes or tarps. They bring hope.

Rutherford family embarks on their first Red Cross disaster response journey

In the early hours of September 28, 2024, Susie and Charles Rutherford from Apple Valley, Minnesota, set out on an important mission. Driving a Red Cross emergency response vehicle, they left the Minneapolis Chapter building bound for Tallahassee, Florida, to support communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

Susie and Charles Rutherford began their journey to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts by driving a Red Cross emergency response vehicle from the Minneapolis Chapter building to Florida – September 28, 2024. (Photo – Carrie Carlson-Guest, American Red Cross)

This marked Susie and Charles’s first national deployment as Red Cross disaster volunteers. For their daughter, Lindsey Heald, a regional philanthropy officer for the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, it felt natural. “I’m so proud of them,” Lindsey shared. “Growing up, they taught me the meaning of compassion. Now, seeing them bring that same spirit to the Red Cross is incredible.”

For Susie and Charles, the chance to serve together was a gift. “What better way to serve others than side by side with my husband?” Susie said. Both felt a mix of excitement and a reassuring sense of readiness. “The Red Cross prepared us so well,” Susie explained. “Even if we didn’t have every answer, there was always a supervisor on call to guide us. Flexibility was key; we had to embrace the ‘Semper Gumby’ (always flexible) spirit because roles change constantly in disaster zones.”

Over 19 days, the Rutherford’s witnessed both devastation and resilience as they navigated towns transformed by the storm. “Thousands of trees were down, and buildings were damaged or destroyed,” Susie recalled, painting a powerful picture of the scene. Amidst the destruction, there was an unbroken rhythm of recovery—state workers clearing roads, power trucks restoring electricity, and community members coming together.

Susie and Charles Rutherford pictured outside the emergency response vehicle they drove to Florida for Hurricane Helene and Milton relief efforts. (Photo submitted.)

Their role was to deliver hundreds of hot meals daily to shelters, community centers, and other gathering spots for those affected. For the Rutherford’s, the appreciation they saw in the people they served was unforgettable. “The heartfelt gratitude in their eyes will always stay with us,” Susie reflected.

Example of damage caused by Hurricane Helene is a neighborhood the Rutherford’s drove through. (Photo submitted.)

The community’s gratitude was evident at every turn. “People would honk and give us a thumbs-up when they saw the Red Cross logo on our vehicle,” Susie smiled. “Even police officers stopped to thank us as we refueled.”

Line up of cars coming to the shelter where the Rutherford’s were serving food near Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo submitted.)

The hurricane response gave Lindsey a meaningful opportunity to contribute. “I was grateful to step up and support my colleagues in Asheville, North Carolina, for my first virtual deployment!” she shared. “This experience has left me with an extra soft spot for my Red Cross friends in the Carolinas.” Lindsey adds, “I’ve chosen to focus my career here at the Red Cross because I love this work. With my parents now volunteering, it has brought our family closer, strengthening our dedication to helping others through the Red Cross mission.”

The Rutherford’s journey left them with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. “Helping people in their hardest moments is an honor,” Susie said. “If you’re thinking about volunteering, there’s a place for you here.”

Susie and Charles Rutherford pictured with their children at their surprise 50th wedding anniversary celebration, June 2024. (Pictured left to right – Charles, Susie, Lindsey, Briana, and Charlie – photo submitted.)

Join the Red Cross and make a difference. Sign up at redcross.org/givetime or donate at redcross.org or by texting HURRICANES to 90999.

Volunteers – the Heartbeat of the Red Cross

“Because I feel passionate about mission of the Red Cross, I took two weeks’ vacation from my regular full-time job to deploy to Macon, Georgia, to help with hurricane relief efforts, and I would do it again in a heartbeat,” said Red Cross volunteer Cara from Yankton, South Dakota.

Cara recently returned home from Georgia and quickly chose to extend her service for another week virtually. She said during this assignment her primary responsibility involved working in the office, but she did have the chance to work in the field for a day doing damage assessment.

Cara (pictured left) with Red Crossers Cortney and Jamar. Cara and Cortney had worked together on other disaster relief operations, but only virtually. This was the first time they had the opportunity to work together in person. (Photo submitted)

“Although most of my time was behind the scenes, I was doing a job that I love,” explained Cara. “The people you meet and bonds you make through these shared experiences are the things that make it so easy to say ‘yes’ when I get a call, especially when work and family commitments fall in line and I was able to get away for two weeks.”

At the end of each workday, her team reviewed daily achievements and the forthcoming day’s priorities. “I was energized and amazed by the stories from the field,” Cara said. “The impact of the Red Cross’s work – whether it was the number of meals served or people sheltered was astonishing. Fellow volunteers shared about being recognized with their Red Cross vests on – and how it gave people hope that we were there to help.”

Cara (pictured left) pictured with fellow volunteer Dee Dee Larson from our Minnesota and Dakotas Region. (Photo submitted)

A heartbreaking memory of her deployment was the day she conducted damage assessment in the field. Witnessing the aftermath of the hurricane was an emotional reminder of the importance and relevance of the work the Red Cross does.

One of the unforgettable encounters Cara had was with a man whose home was severely damaged – living without electricity and a fallen tree in his living area. When the storm hit, he woke up from sleeping and went outside to get his dog, but found the dog had passed away after a tree had fallen on his doghouse. “If he had made it outside in time to get his dog, they both would have been sleeping in the room where the tree fell through the house,” Cara sadly recalls. “I will never forget that experience.”

Cara’s biggest takeaway from this experience was the understanding that every role, whether front-line or behind the scenes, contributes toward a unified goal. “There are lots of moving pieces in a disaster relief operation, pieces that frequently change but all have a way of coming together. And that, to me, is the meaning of One Red Cross!”

After the Storm: Heartwarming Stories of Reunion 

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, countless families were torn apart. Amidst the chaos, the Red Cross reunification teams worked tirelessly to bring hope and connection back to those affected. This vital work continues as the Red Cross remains committed to reuniting loved ones and restoring communication disrupted by these devastating storms. While this service may not receive as much attention as other disaster relief efforts, it has handled over 11,500 inquiries, helping to mend the broken lines of communication.

Alex Wincell, a dedicated Red Cross volunteer from the Minnesota and Dakotas Region, was virtually deployed to the reunification team. “I knew I couldn’t go in person due to some obligations at home, but I wanted to help,” Alex shared. She was quickly assigned to the task just days after the chaos ensued, when the situation was still highly uncertain.

Red Cross volunteer Alex Wincell, pictured in 2020, helping with a local fire response in Minneapolis. Photo by Lynette Nyman – American Red Cross.

This was Alex’s first experience with reunification work. “I was able to use my case work background which was extremely useful. If you like puzzles, this would be a good role for you because its creative problem solving. It’s fascinating and very meaningful when all the pieces come together.”

 Among her many contributions, Alex recalls a particularly touching case where she assisted an 83-year-old woman in locating her long-time friend and colleague, an 86-year-old resident from Asheville, North Carolina. The two had been in contact shortly before the storm, but Alex only had the friend’s phone number, not an address.

Reuniting friends can be more challenging than family members, as families often have networks to aid in making contact. Despite this, after ten days of diligent effort, Alex was able to reach the woman’s daughter, who confirmed that her mother had weathered the storms and was safe.

In another case, Alex was tasked with finding an elderly person living in a remote area cut off by blocked roads and out-of-service landlines. Using tools like property records and Google, she managed to contact the woman’s neighbor. They agreed to bring their cell phone to her house so that Alex could speak with her directly.

In this reunion, there was so much gratification, and I know how much both parties appreciated our efforts,” Alex reported.

“Even through the phone, I could tell it made the person who was found happy to know that someone was looking for her.”

Reflecting on her virtual deployment, Alex noted that while she prefers working in person, “this type of work makes sense to do virtually since it all begins with the seeker who can be from anywhere in the country or the world. It still gave me a lot of client contact and it was a very rewarding experience.”

This story is just one example of how the Red Cross is committed to alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies. If you are inspired by Alex’s story and want to make a difference, consider volunteering or donating to the Red Cross today. To apply to become a Red Cross volunteer visit redcross.org/givetime, to donate visit redcross.org or text the word HURRICANES to 90999.

Small but mighty Red Cross societies, working hard and not alone

By Lynette Nyman/IFRC

“Everything was good until Beryl came,” says Delta Alexander, a lifelong resident of Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Everything was good until Beryl came,” says Delta Alexander, who was born and raised on Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She is grateful for the care and support that the local Red Cross provided following Hurricane Beryl. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC

She’s thankful for the care and support the local Red Cross provided after Hurricane.

Beryl. Delta left Union Island in 1969, always planning to return, and in 2015, after retiring from a nursing career in Canada and the U.S., she came back to rebuild her life.

For the next three years, she built a home and continued her humanitarian work in this tight-knit community. The hurricane hasn’t slowed her down.

“The people I’m grieving for are those in shelters. They have no money, nowhere to go. They lost everything, houses, clothing, even underwear,” she says.

Her house, situated on low land near the shore, was quickly surrounded by high water during the category 5 storm that struck parts of the Caribbean on July 1. The winds, too, were a threat. For four hours, she held back a door, dislocating her shoulder. At 78, her strength and generosity are inspiring.

“I saw death right there. How am I going to escape?” she recalls asking herself during the storm.

The trauma connected her with St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross (SVGRC) volunteers who responded to help people on multiple islands and the mainland.

Early in the emergency, Red Cross volunteers set up relief operations at a church on Union Island, distributing non-food items as well as a space for people to share their experiences – it was much-needed and appreciated emotional support.

“Red Cross was wonderful. People were very nice. So soothing. Helpful and encouraging,” says Delta.

Small society, many hazards

The SVG Red Cross is a young national society that gained its independence from the British Red Cross in 1984. Today, the SVGRC is comprised of a nearly 100 percent volunteer workforce, including key leaders like Shaneika Laidlow who manages their disaster and mental health programs. Their aim, she says, is to help people get back to normalcy.

“We offer assistance to those who most need it, to the best of our ability,” says Shaneika Laidlow, who manages disaster and mental health programs for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC

“During these times people can get very frustrated. Does the Red Cross care for them?” says Shaneika, who is based in the nation’s capital on the mainland, St. Vincent. The answer is yes.

“There are so many people we would love to make better, but there are some things we’re unable to do at this time because of restraints. We offer assistance to those who most need it to the best of our ability,” she says.

The scope of the work, and the potential need, is challenging. This small nation and Red Cross society faces multiple hazards, including tropical storms, flooding, hurricanes, and even an active volcano.

In early October, monitoring showed unusual thermal activity of the La Soufriere volcano – activating the government to issue a low-level warning and close the trail to the summit.

La Soufriere, shrouded in clouds, is an explosive volcano that most recently erupted in 2021. It’s one of several hazards facing the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC

The thermal anomaly stopped, but reminded many of past explosive eruptions like the most recent in 2021 when, on April 9, the dome inside the crater blew and for days spewed devastating volcanic ash across communities.

“It was like the sun was out, but not there. It was all dark,” remembers Edwin Joe, who lived in the countryside distant from the ‘red zone’. He remembers ash covering everything. “Just white everywhere, like bright snow with no sun. We didn’t know what was going to happen.”

Edwin Joe evacuated the St. Vincent, the mainland, for two weeks following the eruption of the volcano La Soufriere in 2021 and returned to find houses that had roofs collapsed from the volcanic ash. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC

Edwin evacuated the mainland for two weeks and returned to find some houses that had roofs collapsed from the volcanic ash. Many people stayed in shelters for several months.

The Red Cross formed part of the response with the government and other emergency partners, providing water, relief items and temporary housing assistance.

Help around the corner

The good news is that during challenging times a small Red Cross society like the SVGRC can turn to other national societies for help, primarily through the International Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC).

Raziel Uranga, a Mexican Red Cross responder with decades of disaster response experience deployed through the IFRC ‘surge’ program to serve as response operations support in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His predecessor, he says, arrived just a few days after the hurricane, helping the SVGRC manage a large disaster response.

Photo 4 – Small Red Cross societies “need support from the global Red Cross network in order to grow as fast as they can, especially with the multiple hazards they’re facing,” says Raziel Uranga from the Mexican Red Cross, now deployed to support the SVG Red Cross provide relief for people affected by Hurricane Beryl. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC

“Red Cross is the best humanitarian movement in the world, I am convinced, because no other organization has the workforce that we have,” says Raziel, whose passion lies in reducing risks amid the rising frequency of severe disasters.

Responders and donors from around the world – and in their own communities – have provided relief for people affected by Hurricane Beryl.

It’s uplifting for many to see this unified effort. And yet, when something big happens, a small national Red Cross society like the SVGRC needs help to do its best now and beyond.

“They need support from the global Red Cross network in order to grow as fast as they can, especially with the multiple hazards they’re facing,” says Raziel.

These hazards can destroy homes and livelihoods. Building back both is the focus on Mayreau, an islet just a short boat ride from Union. Wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow, people are removing rubble to restore the island’s sole income, tourism.

“We have to clean up this island to get tourism back – to get people back from Martinique – to see the turtles,” says Patrick Forde, a water-taxi driver before the storm.

Patrick rode out the hurricane in a small cupboard with his two children. “I’m lucky to be alive,” he says when looking back.

Tiny but mighty, what he loves about his island is the way people unite. “Whenever there’s a disaster, we all show up and work together.”

Learn more about the work of Red Cross societies around the world, like SVGRC, through the IFRC, click here.

Making a Difference in Time of Crisis: Unsung Heroes on the Frontline

Red Cross volunteer Mark Capaldini from the Twin Cities Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Region recently returned from a 10-day deployment to North and South Carolina. He helped in food operations, driving an emergency response vehicle (ERV) to deliver meals to the communities affected by the wrath of Hurricane Helene. Mark also helped in the distribution of emergency relief supplies in these communities. This was his third such national deployment.

***Mark Capaldini, pictured at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport as he starts a 10-day deployment to North and South Carolina for Hurricane Helene disaster relief. (Photo submitted)***

For the first six days Mark worked with an ERV driving partner, Jeff Wick from Texas. On one of those days Mark and Jeff travelled into a severely impacted community to distribute food and teamed up with two more Red Cross volunteers to package and distribute hot meals.

***Mark Capaldini pictured helping with meal distribution with fellow Red Cross volunteers Tim Perry, Greg Purkey, and Jeff Wick in a small South Carolina town — Ware Shoals on 10/11/2024.***
***(Photo submitted)***

“We were thanked almost daily for being there and helping out,” Mark humbly expressed. “Frequently, these expressions of gratitude, often paired with a ‘bless you,’ originated from receivers of our food and clean-up kits. We were even thanked by passersby at local gas stations and fast-food locations.”

Mark’s assignment then shifted to delivering emergency relief supplies to some of the communities hardest hit.

Witnessing the aftermath in Boone, North Carolina, a town in the Blue Ridge Mountains that experienced immense damage from rains, flooding, winds, and a tornado, was a glaring reality check. Mark explained that “furniture and supplies were strewn and stacked outside homes, painting a grim picture of the devastation.”

***View of a Boone, North Carolina, neighborhood devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene*** ***provided a somber illustration of the disaster’s magnitude. (Photo submitted)***

He further noted the widespread impact on the landscape. “The water that rushed down from the mountains carved out huge chunks of the countryside and sometimes completely washed the roads out, requiring us to travel on temporary gravel paths. This is an enormous effort that will take years to get the roads and infrastructure repaired.”

***View of a Boone, North Carolina, neighborhood devastated by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Temporary gravel paths replaced washed out roads. (Photo submitted)***

When asked about his chance to get some well-deserved rest following the deployment, Mark agreed, emphasizing the comfort he anticipated upon returning to his own bed.

“It worked out for me to go and help,” Mark said. “My experience reiterated the critical role the Red Cross plays in these relief operations in responding to natural disasters.”

Mark Capaldini is a board member of the American Red Cross Twin Cities Chapter of the Minnesota and Dakotas Region.

“This is just our passion, it’s part of our DNA— to help people.”

Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer,
Mary Parker, shares her experience

Disasters are traumatic events. And while many Red Cross volunteers are trained in myriad roles, such as staffing shelters, handing out cleanup kits, driving box trucks and the like, there are also volunteers trained specifically to support the emotional health of individuals and families affected.

Mary Parker is one such volunteer, “We’re all trained in the mental health field, either currently working or done working. This is just our passion, it’s part of our DNA— to help people.”

Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer Mary Parker — Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer Mary Parker from Side Lake, MN at a disaster training conference. Volunteers participate in free training specific to their position.

A Red Cross volunteer for six years, Mary is currently helping people impacted by flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota. Her role is to manage Disaster Mental Health (DMH) services for the response. To reach more people, she says they’ve embedded with other service teams.

“Mental Health has been accompanying crews as they deliver emergency supplies and cleanup kits, talking to clients, providing as much emotional support as we can…We also went out with the damage assessors. As they were going out to assess damage, we did some ride-alongs to talk to people in real time.”

Mary monitors the pulse of the Red Cross relief effort, keen to tap any opportunity that will ensure a Disaster Mental Health presence, “Basically, any activity that’s going on, if I have a mental health provider available, they go. That way there’s more good face-to-face interaction. It’s a good way to determine if we need to do a follow-up call with them.”

Mary continued, “The DMH role really is to be able to listen to their story and have someone to hear their hardships and struggles. We validate their hardships, give them a hug if they need one, remind them that they are resilient, and offer compassion and empathy. We’ve been at fixed sites, we’ve been on the [emergency response] vehicles, we’ve also had DMH at the shelters and alongside caseworkers at resource centers.”

Mary Parker sharing her experiences with fellow Red Cross volunteers at a recent volunteer event.

The Red Cross hosted several resource centers for individuals displaced by recent flooding in Minnesota and South Dakota where trained Red Cross volunteers can open recovery casework for those whose homes sustained major damage or were destroyed. “We’re coordinating health services, mental health and spiritual care, so at least one if not more have been represented at each site.”

In addition to standard Red Cross disaster assistance, individuals and families may of course request to speak with a disaster health, spiritual health, or mental health volunteer about their needs.

“It’s what we do!”

Resources Every eight minutes, the Red Cross responds to a disaster somewhere in the United States. Often it’s a single family home fire. Sometimes it’s a larger disaster like a flood or a tornado. Homes, which are supposed to be places of comfort and stability, can be destroyed, and with them that sense of comfort and stability can be turned on its head at a moment’s notice.

As the physical and emotional impacts of this disaster come into sharper focus for those affected, Red Cross caseworkers and mental health volunteers are on the front lines, providing one-on-one support to individuals and families. Their unwavering commitment helps address the evolving needs of residents during this challenging time.

The Red Cross encourages people to remember to take care themselves, their loved ones, and neighbors:

Support Each Other: In difficult times, it’s crucial for people to lean on one another. Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors—your collective strength makes a difference.
Be Patient: Floods can evoke a range of emotions and reactions. It’s okay to feel worried or drained. Give yourself the grace to process these feelings.
Children’s Needs: Traumatic events impact children differently than adults. Sometimes, their worries manifest in behavior rather than words. Be attuned to their needs and emotions.

If you or someone you know requires assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. They’re there to provide support and guidance during challenging times.

Volunteers Needed Do you have a background as a current or former licensed mental health practitioner? Looking for a unique and much needed way to help your community in times of disaster? Consider joining the Disaster Health Services team! Learn more here.

Story by American Red Cross Volunteer Nate Russell.

Flooding Resources: Summer 2024

AS OF TUESDAY, July 9, 2024

More than two weeks after floodwaters inundated parts of Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, neighbors, local community organizations and government partners continue to work together to help people recover from the extensive damage.

If you need help, please visit redcross.org/mndaks and click “Get Help,” or you can call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Shelter

Shelters are available for people displaced by recent flooding. Shelters provide essential resources, including food, water, emotional support and information. Click here for info on what to bring, services available and more.

The Village in Waterville (Partner Shelter)
205 N 1st St., Waterville, MN 56096

Flooding: What to do before, during and after

Inundación: Qué hacer antes, durante y después

Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota

Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety

Red Cross Emergency App: To stay informed and prepared during severe weather, download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Customize 40 different weather alerts, toggle between English and Spanish, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 or find the app in your app store.

The Emergency app includes an “I’m Safe” feature that help people check on loved ones. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

Turn around, don’t drown. Stay off the roads. If you must drive and encounter a flooded roadway while driving, turn around and go another way.  

How you can help

Support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like flooding and countless other crises by making a financial donation today.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small, like the Minnesota and South Dakota floods.

Donate online at RedCross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-722-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Red Cross encourages financial donations, which provide the quickest and most effective way to assist those in need. Please note that the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing, as these cannot be distributed by their teams.

Volunteer for disasters
Many people have expressed interest in volunteering to support our response efforts, and we are appreciative of the offers to assist. At this time, our trained Red Cross volunteers are working this disaster.

Help us pre-stage valuable volunteers for the next disasters to help your neighbors in need – from home fires to flooding and more. Put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer today to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/givetime to check out opportunities with your local chapter.

Donate blood
Unfortunately, the American Red Cross continues to address a concerning shortfall in lifesaving donations since late spring. If you are in an area not impacted by a disaster, please keep your appointment or schedule an appointment to roll up a sleeve and donate blood.

To make an appointment simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

CrisisCleanup.org

Home Cleanup Hotlines have been opened by CrisisCleanup.org to help survivors cleanup in Minensota and South Dakota. We anticipate that most volunteer groups will work through Friday, July 5. 2024. Survivors needing assistance can call 218-288-2213 in MN and 605-519-5413 in SD.

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Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer, Mary Parker, shares her experience

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Shelter

Facebook Updates: Minnesota, South Dakota

Red Cross Emergency App and Flood Safety

How you can help

CrisisCleanup.org

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Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer,
Mary Parker, shares her experience