Red Cross disaster volunteers answer more than 14,000 calls for help so far in 2026, urge others to get involved

American Red Cross disaster volunteers have answered more than 14,000 calls for help so far in 2026 as the organization seeks additional volunteers to respond to disasters and other emergencies.

The Red Cross said its volunteers have responded to emergencies ranging from winter storms and extreme heat to home fires, wildfires, tornadoes, severe weather and super typhoons.

“Our volunteers are more than our helpers, they are our partners in turning crisis into hope. We thank them for their invaluable support,” said Brad Kieserman, vice president, Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “They bring their compassion into communities every day, offering their time and skills to those who may be experiencing the darkest day of their lives.”

According to the Red Cross, a major disaster is now occurring on average about every two weeks, increasing the need for volunteers who can provide relief, comfort and other assistance to people affected by emergencies.

With the year not yet over, the organization is seeking additional volunteers for several roles, including:

• National disaster responders: Volunteers who can deploy across the country following hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters to provide shelter, supplies and support.
• Local disaster responders: Volunteers who assist following emergencies in their communities, including home fires, and help educate residents about disaster preparedness.
• Logistics fulfillment service associates: Volunteers who coordinate relief supplies between Red Cross warehouses and shelters and help prepare materials for delivery.
• Logistics transportation service associates: Volunteers who help manage vehicles used during disaster responses and transport supplies and other materials between response sites.
• Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer drivers who deliver blood products to hospitals, assist blood collection teams with supplies and transport blood products throughout the region.

The Red Cross said it responds to more than 60,000 disasters each year, with most involving home fires.

Additional volunteer opportunities are available for people with varying interests and levels of time commitment. More information and volunteer registration are available at redcross.org/volunteer.