Tag: disaster relief

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. 

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. 

The Heart Behind the Help: Diane’s Story

Disaster response volunteer honored with regional Lifetime Achievement Award

In the small, scenic city of Redwood Falls, Minnesota – a place rooted in community – lives a woman whose quiet strength and unwavering compassion have rippled far beyond city limits. Her name is Diane – a Red Cross volunteer.

For 20 years, Diane Radel has been a steadfast presence in moments of crisis. From the wreckage of Hurricane Harvey to the fierce winds of Hurricane Ian, from catastrophic flooding in Louisiana, she has deployed to 18 national disasters. Closer to home, she’s responded to apartment fires and local disasters, always showing up when her community needs her most.

Diane on the ground during one of her many disaster deployments over the past 20 years — a testament to her decades of service and resilience.
Photo submitted.

Her roles have varied – driving Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) to deliver warm meals, comforting survivors in emergency shelters, and distributing supplies to families facing unimaginable loss. But no matter the task, Diane brought more than resources – she brought hope, dignity, and a calming presence in moments of chaos.

A Calling Found in Crisis

Diane’s journey with the Red Cross began with a single image – a newspaper photo of volunteers in iconic red vests responding to a tornado in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, in 2003. She didn’t know it then, but the image planted a seed.

In 2005, when Diane’s father passed away, she found her daily routine unraveled. “I was a lost pup,” she remembers. “I didn’t know what to do.”

Then came the call for volunteers after Hurricane Katrina. “They said it was a three-week deployment, all expenses paid,” Diane recalls. “I had the time. Although I had seven kids, three in college – it just lit a fire in me.”

Diane, wearing her Red Cross vest, stands with clean-up kits ready for distribution during a disaster deployment — one of many in her years of dedicated service. Photo submitted.

After speaking with fellow Red Cross volunteer Barb Billmeier, Diane took the leap. “It was the first time I’d ever been away from home that long,” she says. But her husband and children encouraged her, saying, “Go…they need you more than we do.”

With compassion as her guide, Diane stepped into the role of caring for people finding refuge in a Red Cross shelter helping those who had lost everything. That first deployment marked the beginning of a journey that has spanned two decades.

Service Across the Nation

Diane’s volunteer work took her to disaster zones across the U.S., including a Thanksgiving spent helping in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy in New York. “I thought I should be home with my family, but I just felt I needed to go and help,” she remembers, “but once again, they said, ‘Go…they need you more than we do.’”

One unforgettable memory from that deployment was delivering meals in the ERV to a high-rise in Chinatown that had lost power. “We didn’t serve the meals directly – we dropped them off. While waiting to pick up the food containers, Diane and fellow volunteers took a walking tour near Ground Zero, witnessing the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. “It was humbling,” she said. “A moment of grace in a difficult time.”

Diane also mentions her deployment to help those affected by Hurricane Helene last fall. She remembers the mountainous terrain and survivors still waiting for word on missing neighbors. “Someone said we needed to be strong for them – but no, we cried with them,” she recalls.

Diane, photographed near Asheville, North Carolina, during Hurricane Helene relief efforts in October 2024. Photo submitted.

A Life of Service

When asked what she’d say to someone considering volunteering with the Red Cross, Diane doesn’t hesitate. “Do it! It’s rewarding. Your heart has to be in it but give it a try. You’ll get way more back than you ever give.”

She speaks honestly about the challenges – long days, sleeping on cots, working with all kinds of people – but insists the rewards are worth it. “Any time you volunteer, it’s a blessing.”

Strength In the Face of Her Own Storm

In 2018, Diane faced a new battle: breast cancer. After a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and five years of treatment, she was declared cancer-free – until last year.

In November, scans revealed cancer had returned, spreading to her spine and lymph nodes.

“There’s no timeframe,” she says softly. “It wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Though her body has slowed, and she can no longer donate blood – once a treasured part of her Red Cross work – her spirit remains unshaken. “My heart is still in it, even if my body isn’t.”

A Lifetime of Meaning

Diane was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Red Cross. She recalls, “As they were reading the award, I thought, wow, that sounds really good and then I realized, they were talking about me!”

Diane receives a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Red Cross, presented by Sean Farley-Cowdin, Senior Community Disaster Program Manager, at the Volunteer Recognition Event in Mankato, MN on May 20, 2025. A proud moment honoring years of dedicated service and compassion.

Sean Farley-Cowdin, Senior Community Disaster Program Manager for the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region presented Diane with the award. “When the need is most, Diane doesn’t hesitate – she simply shows up. From the very beginning, with more than enough on her plate she had every reason to say, ‘not now,’ but she didn’t – she leaned in. She said yes. Yes, to her community. Yes, to the mission. Yes, to strangers facing the hardest day of their lives. Because for Diane, helping isn’t a duty – it’s who she is.”

Looking back, she says, “The years just flew by.” Each deployment forged lifelong friendship. “It all felt so natural – it’s my passion and what I was always meant to do.”

To serve with such compassion for 20 years requires an extraordinary heart. Diane’s legacy lives on in every life she’s touched – not through fanfare, but through quiet heroism, deep empathy and human connection.

Her story reminds us that true service comes from love – and a heart that never stops giving.

“The forecast is predicting a severe hurricane season this year,” she says, “I wish I could be there to help – it’s in my heart.”

For all who know her, one thing is certain: the world is better because Diane chose to help – again and again – with love, conviction, and a full heart.

If you have a heart to help like Diane, learn about Red Cross volunteer opportunities near you visit redcross.org/givetime.

Learning Through Service: South Dakota Students Support Red Cross Wildfire Response

In late January, Patty Brooks, Executive Director of the Eastern South Dakota Chapter of the Red Cross, got a touching voicemail from two students at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. They were reaching out to invite someone from the Red Cross to come to talk to their youth group about how the organization was helping with wildfire relief efforts in California.

Not long after that, Patty received an email from Kathie Douma, the church’s Director of Children’s Ministry. Kathie shared that her first through fifth-grade students were working on a service-learning project, where they were asked to identify a need in their community and come up with ways they could help out. After thoughtful discussion, the children chose to focus on the California wildfire relief efforts and the role of the American Red Cross in providing support.

Project announcement from the First Presbyterian Church newsletter.

Red Cross volunteers Patti Vaska and Katie Gilmore, both retired nurses, met with the students to explain how the Red Cross responds to disasters like the LA wildfires. They helped the children imagine what it would be like to evacuate their homes and stay in a group shelter, offering insight into the experience from a young person’s perspective.

“It was a really fun evening,” said Katie Gilmore. “We were honored to speak with the students – it was unlike anything we’d done before. It was a meaningful way to involve youth in community service and explain how the Red Cross supports people during disasters.”

Inspired by the discussion, the students decided to take action in two ways: by creating handmade greeting cards for wildfire shelter residents and by raising funds to support the Red Cross relief response.

The students took the lead on the project. They requested permission to use church supplies to make the cards and to collect donations throughout the month of March.

Handmade greeting cards created by the youth of First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for LA wildfire shelter residents. Photo submitted.

“Each Sunday in March, the kids took turns speaking to the congregation about the Red Cross’s recovery efforts in Los Angeles,” said Douma. “They didn’t just want to raise money – they also wrote prayers and led the congregation in prayer each week for the people of LA and those involved in the recovery.”

By the end of the month, the students had raised $1,500 – meeting their fundraising goal! They also created more than 125 handmade cards and invited parishioners to add personal messages of encouragement after services.

Youth from First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota hard at work creating hand-made personal greeting cards. Photo submitted.

“These students are amazingly industrious and generous, and we really appreciate their hard work for the children and families that survived the LA wildfires,” said Patti Vaska. “We thank First Presbyterian and their parents for mentoring our next generation to roll up their sleeves and open their hearts at a young age – it’s so beautiful!”

In May, these cards were distributed to wildfire survivors at several Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), where families could come in for additional resources, support and assistance.  

Group photo of the students at the final meeting to reflect on their accomplishments and celebrate the meaningful impact of their service-learning project. Photo submitted.

“I was so moved by the children’s efforts,” said Erica Fausto-Aguado, Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer for Los Angeles. “I’m so impressed and grateful for the generosity of these young people. How compassionate of them to let these survivors know that they are being thought about and haven’t been forgotten.”

After the donations were made and the cards distributed, the students gathered for a final meeting to reflect on their accomplishments and celebrate the project’s impact.

“It was so heartwarming to see our youth learn about people in need and discover ways they could make a difference,” Douma expressed. “I was incredibly impressed by how the entire project came together.”

This marked the fourth year of doing a service-learning project, and it was the first time the students chose to address a disaster in another state. In previous years, their efforts focused on local needs — such as providing food for those facing hunger in their community, creating activity packs for children in the hospital, and assembling “birthday in a bag” kits for children in the foster care system.

“As part of the project, the students discussed the meaning of community and collectively agreed that people across the country, even if geographically distant, are still part of their broader community,” Douma explained. “Motivated by that belief, they were eager to help.”

You can help by giving to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters, big and small. Visit RedCross.org/mndaks, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767), or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a donation.

Witnessing Resilience and Hope: My Red Cross Deployment to Asheville After Hurricane Helene 

Every deployment with the Red Cross is unique. Each one brings new challenges, new faces, and new lessons. My recent deployment to Asheville, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene was no different. Walking through the aftermath of the storm, I was struck by the immense power of water and its capacity for destruction. But even more impactful was witnessing the resilience of the people and the power of collective action as volunteers, first responders, and neighbors came together to rebuild.

“Walking through the aftermath of the storm, I was struck by the immense power of water and its capacity for destruction.” – Brice Johnson

Responding to a disaster like this is always humbling. It’s a privilege to see the Red Cross mission in action firsthand, to be part of immediate relief efforts, and to know that our work will support long-term recovery for those impacted. This deployment, in particular, left me with lasting memories of strength, compassion, and the incredible difference we can make when we work together.

Finding Hope in Housing 

One of the most remarkable aspects of this deployment was the success of our shelter resident transition teams. These teams worked tirelessly to help shelter residents move into sustainable, long-term housing solutions. By the end of the deployment, almost every shelter resident had a more stable housing solution.

I’ll never forget a moment that brought this work to life for me. After a long day, I stopped at a fast-food restaurant for dinner. At a table near me, I overheard two men filling out job applications. One turned to the other and said, “The Red Cross got me a place to live, so now I can get a job.”

It was such a simple statement, but it carried so much weight. Having a safe and stable place to live gave this man the chance to rebuild his life. It struck me how transformative our work can be. This wasn’t just about housing; it was about hope and opportunity.

Sylvia’s Backyard Operation 

Another unforgettable moment came when I received a call from Sylvia, a local community member who had been supporting nearly 300 people camping in the woods after the storm. With no formal resources, Sylvia set up a makeshift shower in her backyard and provided food and supplies to help them survive.

Her selflessness and determination were extraordinary. She had been doing everything she could with what little she had, but when she contacted us, we knew we could amplify her efforts. Almost immediately, we dispatched one of our emergency response vehicles to her area, initiating a feeding mission that continued long after my deployment ended. Each night, nearly 300 people were served a hot meal.

Sylvia’s story is a testament to the power of individual action and the strength of community. Her willingness to step up in a moment of crisis inspired everyone involved and reminded me how much one person can accomplish with compassion and determination.

The Long Road Ahead 

Disasters like Hurricane Helene leave a lasting impact, and recovery is never quick or easy. While the immediate relief we provide is critical—sheltering families, serving meals, distributing supplies—it’s just the beginning. The road ahead for Asheville and the surrounding areas will be long, but the Red Cross’s commitment to being there for the entire journey is a source of hope for so many.

This deployment reinforced what I’ve always believed about disaster response: It’s a collective effort. From our volunteers on the ground to local community members and first responders, every person plays a role. Together, we help restore not just homes and livelihoods but also dignity and hope.

“This deployment reinforced what I’ve always believed about disaster response: It’s a collective effort.” – Brice Johnson

The Privilege of Service 

Being deployed to a disaster like Hurricane Helene is a profound experience. It’s a chance to witness resilience in action, to be part of something bigger than yourself, and to see firsthand how compassion and dedication can transform lives.

I carry with me the memories of this deployment—the resilience of the people we served, the commitment of our teams, and the extraordinary kindness of individuals like Sylvia. These moments remind me why the work we do is so important and why I’m so grateful to be part of the Red Cross.

As I reflect on my time in Asheville, I’m reminded that every disaster is different, but what remains constant is the spirit of service and the power of hope. To all who serve, thank you for being the light in someone’s darkest moment. And to the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, know that the Red Cross will be there for you—not just during the storm, but for as long as it takes to recover.

By Brice Johnson
Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region

Brice Johnson with regional executive assistant Neela in North Carolina, 2024.

A dynamic mother/daughter duo: Jennie and Jezzalyn Ringler deliver hope as Red Cross ERV team

Among the many roles that volunteers can fill on a Red Cross mission, one of the most rewarding is that of the ERV Driver. These teams, which often consist of two individuals, drive Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles and deliver food from community feeding partners to points of distribution after a disaster so that displaced families can pick up a hot meal.

Jennie and Jezzalyn Ringler serve up meals from the ERV in Asheville, North Carolina.
(Photo: Nate Russell)

This crucial role helps individuals and families feel a semblance of comfort and normalcy so that they have the energy needed to plan their next steps towards recovering from a disaster.

Often this role is filled by married couples, sometimes by strangers who become friends over the course of their mission, but very rarely do we see a team that consists of a parent and child. Jennie and Jezzalyn Ringler from central Minnesota are one such dynamic duo!

This is Jezzalyn’s first deployment as a Red Cross volunteer, “I don’t think she’s sick of me yet!” remarked her mother Jennie.

Jennie and Jezzalyn starting out their deployment journey at the airport. (Photo submitted)

This is not Jennie’s first deployment, she’s been an ERV driver since about 2011. She loves working on a team “You get a groove going and you can keep it that way.”

Jezzalyn says her favorite part of being on an ERV Team is the people and the stories. “We’ve got regulars, we see them every day. We get to hear about their lives, about their recovery. Many of them are military veterans.”

Mother/daughter duo work hand-in-hand serving meals to those affected by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina. (Photo: Nate Russell)

The Ringlers’ ERV is parked at the Buncombe County Sports Park, at one of our Community Care Centers. Here, hurricane impacted individuals and families can do their laundry, take a shower, pick up supplies such as jugs of potable water, and of course pick up a hot meal. “We’ve served close to 100 meals today,” says Jezzalyn.

Visit here to find a Community Care Center and other resources.

Story by American Red Cross volunteer Nate Russell.

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!”

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.  

“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 devastated Mayreau, an islet in the Grenadines. Photo: Lynette Nyman/IFRC 

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.