In 2025, American Red Cross volunteers in Eastern New York answered more than 700 disasters, from home fires to severe storms, and provided over $1 million in direct financial assistance to help neighbors recover. Blood and platelet donors also contributed more than 110,000 life-saving donations, while volunteers deployed nationwide to support communities affected by disasters.
John Vale, executive director of the American Red Cross in Eastern New York, described the scope of the organization’s work: “When I look to the work of the Red Cross, you really see it every day. I think it starts with maybe one of the most basic services we provide, which is being the primary provider to our hospitals here in New York State for blood products. So, in addition to those life-saving blood products, we also mobilize relief to families affected by disasters that includes home fires here in our Eastern New York region. We also train individuals in life-saving skills and services. And then also, last month, of course, we celebrated our veterans. So, the Red Cross is also a proud supporter of our veteran U.S. military personnel, also our active military families. By being a part of Red Cross, you can feel incredibly good, just supporting your communities and across the country.”
Vale noted that the holidays bring heightened risks. “During the holidays, we see across the country a 20% increase in our disaster responses. We understand our families, there’s increased risks, that includes cooking and heating sources. During a typical November and December here in our Eastern New York region, we assist nearly about 500 people that are affected by fires, storms, and other disasters. It’s an ongoing scope of operation for us, and we’re incredibly thankful to our teams of volunteers and our donors that allow us to carry out this work at a local level.”
He also stressed the importance of blood donations. “Just like disasters, the need for blood is constant. It’s incredible to see that showing the support. You had mentioned 110,000 local blood and platelet donations. If you went out there and you donate, that’s about three units could help save three individuals. These are patients that rely on that consistent blood supply to survive and heal. Blood on the shelves is the way we can make sure we help people local, but again that blood really through our networks, it could be used to support individuals. I think my last donation made its way up to Albany, so it’s really incredible to see my blood just getting out there to help someone in need.”
Vale emphasized the continued need for donations during the holiday season. “We do see that dip. If you’re healthy and eligible to donate, now is the time of giving. December is the national month of giving. Your donation can really bring hope and healing this holiday season. Disasters don’t take holidays, and neither do our volunteers.”
He also praised volunteers’ dedication. “These are our neighbors, typically. It takes a tremendous emotional impact on us, but our team members take a lot of pride in getting out there and really helping their neighbors heal after a tremendous event like a home fire or another disaster. There’s no shortage. We are always calling upon new volunteers to come out and join us. Joining us has actually never been easier. We’ve really worked towards making our volunteer registration and application process a lot simpler.”
Volunteers can explore opportunities ranging from disaster response and blood drives to supporting veterans and military families. Interested individuals can email joineny@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Looking ahead, Vale said, “Every year it seems to be another new year. You hear that word is unprecedented disaster seasons. We continue to train and prepare ourselves locally. Our volunteers do go out and support disasters across the country. Earlier this year, we had volunteers going to Alaska, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee, and Missouri. By being part of this Red Cross movement, it’s really quite powerful. We had a volunteer that just returned from responding to the Alaska typhoons a couple of weeks ago. Here in New York State, you can have such an incredible impact, especially helping others.”
Image Credit: RedCross.org