humanitarian – American Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region

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.

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.

“This Is Just What We Do” – Red Cross Nurse Receives National Recognition for Exceptional Disaster Response Leadership

When disaster strikes, the Red Cross steps in to help — and so do the people behind the mission. Karen Younger, a retired military nurse, college professor and dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross Eastern South Dakota chapter, is one of those people whose compassionate heart have brought hope to countless individuals in their darkest moments.

Karen’s journey with the Red Cross began in 2013. Since then, she has become a vital leader in Disaster Health Services, bringing her experience in adult and critical care nursing, military service, and higher education to the frontlines of disaster response. Her approach combines clinical expertise with an unwavering commitment to dignity, respect, and service.

Karen Younger pictured with fellow Red Cross volunteers Katie Gilmore and Patti Vaska when they received their Red Cross nursing pins. The three trained together for Disaster Health Services and have remained close friends ever since. Now retired, they continue to stay actively involved with the American Red Cross in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. Also pictured is Tim Klein (far left), an EMT who received his EMT pin during the ceremony. Photo submitted.

A Story of Compassion During Hurricane Helene

When asked to share one of her most memorable moments as a Red Cross nurse, Karen reflects on her deployment during Hurricane Helene.

“It was a chaotic, emotional time for many,” she recalls. “Especially those who turned to Red Cross shelters as a last resort.”

One story, in particular, has stayed with her. A woman arrived at the shelter with young children and a family pet. She was sick, scared, and had no one else to turn to. On top of flu-like symptoms and needing an urgent prescription refilled, she was overwhelmed by the thought of navigating a hospital visit alone and leaving her kids behind.

She asked Karen if she would go to the hospital with her while a social worker watched the children. Karen agreed without hesitation.

At the hospital, Karen acted not just as a nurse, but as a calm and supportive advocate. She helped explain the woman’s medical history to the doctor and ensured her concerns were addressed. “That extra support made all the difference,” Karen said.

When the visit was over, the woman turned to her and said, “You’re a miracle worker.” Karen just smiled and replied, “No, I’m a Red Cross nurse. This is what we do.”

It’s a phrase she’s said many times, because for Karen, helping people through fear, confusion, and uncertainty is more than a duty — it’s a calling.

A National Honor for Outstanding Service

On April 3, 2025, Karen’s exceptional service was recognized on a national stage. During the Leadership Awards Luncheon at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C., she received the Bob Hassmiller Excellence in Disaster Services Award.

Karen Younger at the Leadership Awards Luncheon on April 3, 2025, held at the American Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Pictured left to right: Trevor Riggins, President of Humanitarian Services, American Red Cross; Karen Younger; Gail McGovern, Chairman of the Board of Governors, American Red Cross; and Cliff Holtz, CEO, American Red Cross.
Photo by Dermot Tatlow/American Red Cross

This award celebrates a volunteer who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment, improving disaster response through innovation, collaboration, and impact.

One of her most notable achievements was leading a regional initiative that aligned Red Cross health services with each state’s nursing licensure laws across South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Thanks to her efforts, Red Cross nurses are now able to provide care seamlessly and legally across state lines. This groundbreaking effort not only improved care for disaster survivors in the region but also established a new national model for delivering disaster health services in rural and underserved areas.

Tonya Peterson, Senior Community Disaster Program Manager for the Red Cross Minnesota and Dakotas Region, praised Karen’s work:

“Karen’s work has made a lasting difference – whether she’s helping someone manage a medical condition in the middle of a disaster or mentoring new volunteers stepping into this work for the first time. She doesn’t just show up – she listens, she leads, and she lifts others up.”

Tonya Peterson and Karen Younger at the April 3, 2025, Leadership Awards Luncheon held at the American Red Cross National Headquarters, Washington, DC.
Photos by Dermot Tatlow/American Red Cross

As part of the award, a $1,000 grant will be donated to the Red Cross of Eastern South Dakota, further supporting the lifesaving mission that Karen holds so close to her heart.

A Legacy of Service and Humanity

Karen describes her time with the Red Cross as both meaningful and humbling. “I consider it an incredible privilege to be part of the Red Cross,” she says. “When I retired, I wanted to keep using my skills to serve others. The Red Cross has been a perfect fit.”

For Karen, the transition from her nursing career to to the Red Cross was seamless thanks to the shared values of humanity, impartiality and neutrality. “We treat everyone with dignity and respect. That’s what our profession is built on. We don’t engage in the noise, we can stay focused on the mission,” she explains.

She also speaks passionately about the power of teamwork. “There’s real power in doing this work alongside others who share the same purpose. I’ve made lifelong friends and shared unforgettable moments with people I may never see again. But we supported each other, and we knew we were making a difference. That’s incredibly rewarding.”

In Hawaii for the Lahaina fire response, January 2024. Pictured left to right Trisha Mims, then DHS Senior Program Manager, Karen Younger, and Denise Cohen, Client Care Chief for the DRO and a dedicated nurse. Photo submitted.

Congratulations, Karen. Your leadership, heart, and service are an inspiration. Your legacy is already making a lasting impact in communities across the country — and we’re all better for it. Thank you!

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.

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.

Celebrating Lori Dehn: A Journey of Service and Compassion with the Red Cross

Early in her nursing career, Lori Dehn’s employer offered her a week off with pay if she volunteered for an American Red Cross disaster response deployment. How could she refuse such an offer? However, back in 2003, securing an official Health Services position with the Red Cross took a while, three years, to be exact!

At that time, the only way to gain the necessary training was through in-person classes at a Red Cross office. Despite policy changes at her workplace by the time she completed her training, Lori’s enthusiasm for volunteering remained undeterred. She joined her local Red Cross disaster team, aiding individuals and families affected by residential fires.

Lori Dehn, Red Cross disaster health services volunteer, enjoys training others and presenting for the Red Cross.

Since then, Lori has become an exceptional Red Cross volunteer. She thoroughly enjoys her role in training others and presenting for the Red Cross. The events of 9/11 intensified her focus on training community partners, such as public health departments and nursing schools, on Red Cross disaster health services. In her early years as a Red Cross nurse volunteer, mentors provided invaluable guidance, teaching her more than she could have learned on her own. Their support was crucial to her growth and development as a Red Cross volunteer.

“Much more than Red Cross”

In her life, Lori embraces a multitude of fulfilling roles. Not only is she a mother of three and a grandmother of nine, but she also stands as a devoted wife and a pillar in her community. These roles are close to her heart.

Raised in Osseo, a suburb of Minneapolis, she moved to Elk River in 1979 and now resides in a quaint cabin in the Chippewa National Forest with her husband of 40 years. This cabin is more than just a home; it’s a sanctuary where she serves and finds refuge. Lori leads a connected and bustling life, engaging in activities like hosting friends and family, being part of a social group called “Women of the Woods,” and enjoying hobbies such as hunting, fishing, gardening, and canning.

When asked about her feelings toward the harsh Minnesota winters, she humorously replies, “nooo”. To escape the cold, she spends several weeks and months in sunny Arizona or Nevada, always keeping her doors open for family and friends to visit.

Professionally, Lori has been a registered nurse since 1993, starting her career in diverse nursing roles including home health care, nursing homes, and case management for individuals with rare diseases. These varied experiences laid the perfect foundation for her eventual journey into volunteering with the Red Cross.

“Semper Gumby”

Choosing early retirement to dedicate more time to volunteering, Lori soon found herself deployed as a nurse volunteer to the 2017 Hurricane Harvey. Quickly, she received a field promotion due to the scarcity of volunteers. Lori’s time during Hurricane Harvey set a template for her future deployments. She humorously shares, “Field promotion is considered a naughty word with the Red Cross,” acknowledging the need for adaptability, or as she likes to say, ‘Semper Gumby’ [always flexible].

During the 2019 California Wildfires, Lori’s flexibility was tested as she managed a care team for over 200 people, including those with various needs and challenges. Her leadership and the support of a group of young paramedic students ensured that everyone received the care they needed.

“Big Picture is the Best Picture”

Lori likes to take a big-picture approach to her work. She strives to inspire and grow the nurse volunteer pool through events and workshops. Recognizing the Red Cross’s reliance on volunteers, she understands the challenge of finding committed individuals but remains optimistic, knowing there’s a place for everyone at this humanitarian organization.

Lori Dehn, Red Cross disaster health services volunteer, teaching hands-only CPR training in July, 2022. A lifesaving skill that can help save a life if a person’s breathing or heart stops.

A recipient of the national Red Cross Susan B. Hassmiller Nursing Award, Lori used the accompanying grant to bolster the nine Red Cross chapters in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Her visits around the region have strengthened our community of nurse volunteers. As Lori prepares to pass on her leadership baton this year, she looks forward to future projects with the same zeal and dedication that have characterized her time with the Red Cross.

Lori, we extend our deepest gratitude for your years of service to the Red Cross. Your leadership, dedication, and the relationships you’ve fostered have enriched both your life and the lives of those you’ve served. Here’s to the continuation of your remarkable journey with the Red Cross, guided by its foundational principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, volunteer service, and universality.

Story by Lisa Safer and Andrea Austin, Red Cross Volunteers

Notes of Thanks

It’s National Volunteer Week, and the staff and board members here in the Northern Minnesota Region have much to be thankful for. This year we decided to write creative thank you notes to volunteers in celebration of their service to the Red Cross. These notes will be compiled into a poster, which we’ll bring to each of the upcoming volunteer appreciation events this spring. But in honor of National Volunteer Week, here’s a preview of how thankful we are for our fabulous Red Cross volunteers.

Happy Red Cross Month

From the archives: Phil Hansen in 1990 working for the Red Cross, Rochester, MN. — From the archives: Phil Hansen in 1990 working for the American Red Cross in Rochester, Minnesota.

They say that what you send out in life comes back to you multiplied. I believe this is so and I have witnessed many examples over the years.

In my own experience, a donor supplemented the cost of a swimming program in which a Red Cross instructor taught me to swim. I got so excited about the program that I joined the Red Cross and helped teach thousands of others– mostly kids–to swim. My ability to swim has saved my life on at least two harrowing occasions. And one time I used my ability to swim to save a friend. I suspect that many of those I trained have saved lives as well.

My experience is one small example of the multiplying effect of a donor’s gift. I bet the Red Cross has already touched you or a family member in some way. If not, maybe someday it will–you may need swimming skills to save a loved one’s life–or have a heart attack and need CPR–or need blood after an accident–or need a place to stay after your home burns down–and the Red Cross will be there for you–always.

During March–Red Cross Month–I want to share my sincere thanks with our board members, volunteers and paid staff members, donors, supporters, partners, and friends for the many ways you have helped the American Red Cross serve the needs of Minnesotans.

Wishing you a very happy Red Cross Month,
Phil Hansen, CEO, American Red Cross, Northern Minnesota Region

P.S. Click here to learn more about ways to be involved with the Red Cross.

Will You Be Our Valentines?

Dear Red Cross Volunteers,

Red Cross volunteer Rick Campion hands food to Janice Lewis during the Hurricane Isaac disaster response, September 1, 2012. (Photo credit: Daniel Cima/American Red Cross) — Red Cross volunteer Rick Campion hands food to Janice Lewis after Hurricane Isaac on September 1, 2012. (Photo credit: Daniel Cima/American Red Cross)

We think that you’re fabulous. We appreciate your positive attitude, your willingness to help out in anyway that you can, and your desire to learn and share your expertise. We love your commitment, your sense of humor and your compassion. Our hearts pound with joy when we think of how smart and dedicated you are, and how you share time, talent and grace under tremendous pressure. We see how wonderful you are and we know that what you give to the Red Cross and the people we serve means more than we could ever write on a card.

Thank you for everything that you do, for everything that you are, and for your friendship and support. So, will you be our valentines?

With much love from,
The Staff at American Red Cross Northern Minnesota Region

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