Bob Porter, Oregon Trail Chapter
I have been an official Red Cross Disaster and Emergency Mental Health volunteer for over 10 years.

Diane Knight, Pikes Peak Chapter, Colorado Springs
Teaching others is a way I can give back to the Pikes Peak community. I can make people see they are there for an important reason ... to save lives.

Monique Gooch, American Red Cross of South Central Kentucky, Bowling Green
When I got the chance to intern at my local Red Cross chapter in Bowling Green, Kentucky, I thought it was a perfect way to gain experience in the non-profit world.

Mike Fish, Oregon Trail Chapter, Portland
Being a volunteer at the American Red Cross gives me a chance to give back. I am excited to learn about all the many ways I can serve my community through Red Cross participation.

Bob Flint, American Red Cross of Central Florida Chapter, Orlando
Volunteering with the Red Cross has let me experience so much. Dealing with tragedies does take a big emotional toll, but at the same time I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help these victims - helping someone makes me feel great because I see the good results and hear the words of thanks.

Teen Red Cross Volunteer Dedicates Service to her Sister's Legacy
Megan Rardon is a Red Cross volunteer for life. She's only 17, but she's already pledged her life-long dedication to the Red Cross mission and to the people of her hometown of Morgantown, West Virginia. Megan loves being a volunteer for so many reasons, but the cornerstone of her commitment is the memory of her baby sister.

Goldie Brangman-Dumpson, Hawaii State Chapter, Honolulu
I'll do whatever needs to be done. I even learned how to use the computer, something I never expected to do. But my favorite Red Cross job is training. I love teaching the Nurse Aide, CPR, and First Aid courses.

Suzanne Horsley, Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter, Utah
Volunteering with the Red Cross is a natural extension of my teaching and research. To be honest, my research interests attracted me to the Red Cross, but I stay involved because I love helping others. I didn’t realize how much my volunteering in public affairs would touch individual lives and help improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Emily Craig, Gaston County Chapter, Gastonia, N.C.
There are certainly many reasons for people to become involved with the American Red Cross, but when the organization is responsible for saving your life on two separate occasions, it would be awfully callous not to want to show gratitude in some small way.

Carol Clark, Pueblo Branch, Pikes Peak Chapter, Colorado
In my 44 (going on 45) years of volunteering for the Red Cross, I have met wonderful people and had experiences beyond my belief. I've had the opportunity to meet diverse groups and found that we are all very much alike. Even those affected by a disaster want to help. That's what it's all about—helping others.

Rick Helms, Northern California Blood Services Region, Oakland, Calif.
I enjoy volunteering at the blood center and do so many times a week, occasionally staying all day. Some days I’m in a lot of pain, but it’s worth it to be able to shake hands with the donors and thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Krysta Meinzer, Henderson County Chapter, Hendersonville, N.C.
It is evident that donors are proud to be a part of their community, whether they are donating for the first time or the fiftieth time. I have found that being a blood donor through the Red Cross instills a sense of pride within the community.

Felipe Borrego, Pikes Peak Chapter, Colorado Springs, Colo.
When the Pikes Peak Chapter asked for people to give disaster preparedness talks, I signed up. I gave my first talk in Spanish to a group of families attending a local church. It was a little more challenging, but I found I could make a difference.

Alexa Tookey, American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties, Seattle
I leave my home and enter a disaster area so I can make someone's life a little better than I found it. Maybe a few solid hot meals, some sympathetic conversation, or acknowledging that what happened wasn't fair will make a difference. Sometimes, just knowing that someone came from far away to help you is all it takes.

Patti Shannon, Hawaii State Chapter, Honolulu
I saw an advertisement on a Website for a volunteer to help with Red Cross youth. I applied, was interviewed, and soon found myself overseeing the Hawaii State Chapter youth club program, which involves 500 teens ages 14-18 in 17 high schools on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii.