American Red Cross

Entire villages swept away. Families airlifted to safety. Winter closing in fast. After Typhoon Halong devastated western Alaska, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers from across the country have answered the call to help. In one of the largest airlifts in the state’s recent history, evacuees are being flown to Anchorage, where they’re receiving shelter, food, relief supplies, emotional support and health services. Some communities remain cut off and without power, clean water, or the food they rely on to survive the winter. Red Cross teams are traveling by boat and plane into these remote villages to deliver aid and set up shelters before freezing temperatures make access even harder. We’re also helping families reconnect through reunification services, ensuring no one feels lost or alone in the aftermath. This response is far from over. Your support is urgently needed to help people in Alaska who have lost everything. Donate now to support our relief efforts: https://rdcrss.org/46ZCwUu

We are part of a global movement. All Red Cross and Red Crescent societies follow seven Fundamental Principles to ensure we can help anyone in need. This month marks 60 years since these guiding principles were established. Swipe through to learn what each one means.

Meet a few of the heroes who’ve packed their bags and headed to Alaska to support Typhoon Halong recovery efforts. With entire villages left uninhabitable and 2,000+ people evacuated to Anchorage, these responders are providing shelter, meals, supplies, and emotional support to those in need — hundreds of miles away from their own homes. They’re the heartbeat of our disaster response, and thanks to your support, we’re able to mobilize teams and resources quickly whenever disaster strikes. Help our volunteers continue their lifesaving work, no matter the disaster. Donate to support Red Cross Disaster Relief today: https://rdcrss.org/4hcDOyN

Max Beatty is a busy high school student with aspirations of entering the medical field. But his passion for saving lives goes far beyond the classroom. Max volunteers with the American Red Cross Central California Region and serves as president of his school's Red Cross Club. Volunteering quickly became a defining part of his educational experience. Between six Advanced Placement classes, shadowing surgeons in the operating room and organizing club events, Max barely has time to sleep. But he always makes time to help others. One of the most impactful parts of Max’s volunteer journey has been teaching Hands-Only CPR. At community outreach events, he’s helped more than 100 people learn this lifesaving skill. “A lot of people we teach have young kids or elderly parents," Max said. Learning CPR gives them peace of mind. “It’s empowering to know you can help someone when it really matters.” Max's humanitarian efforts don't stop at the Red Cross. He has also volunteered more than 400 hours at his local hospital. With college on the horizon, Max plans to study medicine and continue his journey of service. This World Restart a Heart Day, we celebrate young leaders and volunteers like Max who are empowering others with the skills to make their communities safer.

For more than 20 years, Janice Winston has poured her heart, time and energy to those who have served our country. As the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service representative for her local VA, Janice leads a team of 19 volunteers who help meet veterans' needs. She always looks for new ways to make sure every veteran feels seen and appreciated. Among the initiatives Janice has spearheaded: organizing nearly 100 cases of food donations for the VA's food pantry and hand-delivering birthday cards in community centers. Janice was recently honored with a national Service to the Armed Forces–International Services Exceptional Volunteer Award, a well-deserved recognition for the compassion and care she brings to her work every single day. Janice's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. If you're inspired by her dedication, consider joining us as a volunteer and help support veterans in your community.

Saving a life may not be as hard as you think. Dr. Richard Bradley, a member of our Scientific Advisory Council, explains the essentials of performing CPR. If someone goes into cardiac arrest: 1. First, call 911 and ask someone to get an AED. 2. Start CPR immediately. 3. Use an AED as soon as one is available. You can feel prepared for and confident in performing these steps by taking a CPR class.

"As a Talent Acquisition advisor, I enjoy connecting people to opportunities that play a crucial part in driving our mission forward. Every hire has the potential to make a real impact in their own backyard! I'm a third-generation Mexican American, and being bilingual is a connection to my roots. I carry with me the stories and sacrifices of my grandparents, who didn’t have the same opportunities I’ve been fortunate to receive. In my role, I often recruit for positions that serve diverse communities, where bilingual candidates are highly desired. Connecting with candidates in Spanish helps me build trust and ensure they feel truly supported throughout the hiring process. It’s not just about language, it’s about creating space where people feel seen, valued and empowered. The most rewarding part of my role is seeing candidates become colleagues. I get to support them through the process, helping them navigate each step and show up confidently. It’s about empowering them to recognize their strengths and find the right fit. I just help guide them to the finish line; I have a lot of fun playing matchmaker along the way." Becca’s work is more than recruiting, it’s about opening doors and uplifting voices that reflect the communities we serve. Her dedication ensures that every candidate feels like they belong from the very first conversation. She is helping build amazing teams, one hire at a time!

Two of our youth volunteer leaders are showing how service can connect communities across continents. Dianne Estévez and Sydney Martínez, members of our National Youth Council, joined nearly 2,000 fellow volunteers at two international youth camps in Costa Rica and Mexico. Their journey began in Costa Rica, where they learned sustainability practices and leadership development among their peers. “It made me feel a little bit more grateful that I get to do what I do,” Dianne said. “It made me more aware of the impact it can bring to our community ─ volunteering so that we can make the world a better place.” In Mexico, they took part in hands-on workshops in first aid, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian principles. They even experienced a candlelit Fiaccolata ceremony to provide a powerful moment of reflection and unity. “It encouraged us to keep challenging ourselves and to believe in ourselves more, relying on the strength of those around us,” Sydney said. “By the end of it all, we felt like we were part of a larger family.” Dianne and Sydney represented not only the American Red Cross, but also the vibrant community of youth volunteers uplifting the Hispanic and Latino communities through service. Their experience reminds us that when young people lead with purpose, they build lasting connections. 🫶🏽

Dario J. Diaz Jr. was just a teenager when he became a Red Cross-certified lifeguard, a role that sparked a lifelong commitment to service spanning nearly 30 years. Today, he serves as the regional disaster officer for the American Red Cross Greater New York where he's responded to thousands of emergencies, from home fires in the Bronx and wildfires in Hawaii to international deployments in Haiti, Canada and Mexico. He still remembers his first disaster response as a volunteer, and the moment he saw how powerful bilingual support could be. A woman affected by a home fire was too afraid to speak until Dario spoke to her in Spanish. “She gave me a hug," he said. "She was so thankful. I just thought about helping my own mother and how I’d want her to be cared for.” Whether he’s managing disaster operations or grabbing a chimi from a food truck in Washington Heights, Dario brings heart, heritage and humanity to everything he does. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate leaders like Dario, whose story reminds us that service, when rooted in culture and compassion, can truly change lives. Thank you, Dario, for all that you do for your community. ❤️ #HispanicHeritageMonth