The Red Cross calls for more volunteers to meet urgent community needs and provide critical disaster relief nationwide.
Today marks the start of the 35th annual National Volunteer Month, a time to honor the remarkable contributions of volunteers who make a lasting impact on their communities. The American Red Cross of Utah is celebrating this occasion by inviting Utahns to get involved in community service, not just in April but throughout the year.
“National Volunteer Month is an opportunity to recognize the incredible power of those who give their time and talents to create positive change and meet the growing needs of our communities,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The Utah Red Cross is committed to encouraging volunteerism as a vital way to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Volunteers Are the Backbone of the Red Cross
Across the country, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers selflessly offer their time to respond to emergencies, support blood collection, assist military families, and help communities prepare for disasters. Here in Utah, over 1,500 dedicated volunteers supported Red Cross services in last year. These efforts included responding to over 200 home fires, providing assistance to more than 800 individuals, and delivering lifesaving resources to people in need.
The broader impact of volunteering nationwide is profound. According to a U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps study, over 75.7 million Americans formally volunteered through organizations in recent years, contributing an estimated 4.99 billion hours of service valued at $167.2 billion. Utah’s contributions stand out, as approximately 1.2 million residents volunteered in 2023, generating an estimated economic value of $3.8 billion.
Rising Need for Volunteers Amid Growing Challenges
The increasing frequency of disasters, especially those fueled by extreme weather, has amplified the need for volunteers. “The demand for assistance is greater than ever, and we’re actively seeking Utahns to help us rise to the challenge,” said Ruster.
The Utah Red Cross is urgently recruiting community members for key volunteer positions, including:
- Blood Donor Ambassador: Play a vital role in blood drives by welcoming, checking in, and thanking donors, ensuring a positive and productive donation experience.
- Disaster Action Team Member: Offer crucial emotional support, connect families with recovery resources, and guide them through the process of rebuilding after disasters like home fires.
- Home Fire Campaign Volunteer: Help prevent deaths and injuries by installing smoke alarms and educating families about fire safety in their homes.
To learn more about these roles and explore additional opportunities, visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday.
Honoring Volunteerism Through National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Month began in April 1991 as part of President George H.W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light campaign. The initiative was created to recognize the value of volunteerism and inspire individuals to make a difference in their communities.
This month-long celebration features additional events, including National Volunteer Week from April 20–26, dedicated to honoring volunteers and encouraging others to join in service efforts. Another key event, Good Deeds Day on April 6, unites millions of people worldwide annually in the spirit of giving back.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
