RedCrossNW AmeriCorps, Disaster Services, Preparedness, Volunteers, Young Professionals

Why I Volunteer: Rachel Ramey

I first became an active Red Cross volunteer when I moved to Seattle in September of 2012 to be the Communications AmeriCorps member at the Seattle office. From teaching preparedness in local schools and setting up cots in shelters, to responding via social media when the need arose - I dove headfirst into the role … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Rachel Ramey

RedCrossNW Disaster Services, Volunteers

Honoring Victims, Survivors & Responders of the Amtrak Derailment

By Colin Downey On the final day of January inside the Washington State Senate Chamber in Olympia, members of the American Red Cross stood side-by-side survivors and first responders of the Amtrak train derailment in Dupont. An official Resolution (SR-8696) was read aloud. Survivors and those who did not survive were honored and remembered. Good Samaritans who acted bravely … Continue reading Honoring Victims, Survivors & Responders of the Amtrak Derailment

RedCrossNW Disaster Services, Preparedness, Volunteers

Whatever happens on Rattlesnake Ridge, the Red Cross is Ready

By Gordon Williams Most of the disasters the Red Cross responds to come without warning - a fire that guts a home in minutes, an earthquake that knocks down buildings in the blink of an eye. Even the hurricanes that brought such destruction last September gave only a few days warning. But Red Cross crews … Continue reading Whatever happens on Rattlesnake Ridge, the Red Cross is Ready

Red Cross volunteer sits next to a man at a table in a shelter.
RedCrossNW Disaster Services, Home Fire Campaign, Preparedness, Volunteers

Auburn Spirit Shines after Devastating Apartment Fire

By Dale Steinke When a massive fire left 35 people without homes and leveled the historic Heritage Building in Auburn’s downtown in late December, the community rose up with uncommon generosity and coordination to help those who’d lost everything. “You never want to see disaster strike any community, but when it does, seeing the way … Continue reading Auburn Spirit Shines after Devastating Apartment Fire

RedCrossNW Disaster Services, Preparedness, Young Professionals

Why I Volunteer: Paul Gazdik

Early in my career as Brown County Emergency Management Coordinator, I regularly worked with my local Red Cross office in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During times of crisis, which usually occur in the middle of the night, I could always depend on the Red Cross to mobilize volunteers at a moment's notice. The Disaster Program Manager … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Paul Gazdik

RedCrossNW Disaster Services, Service to the Armed Forces, Volunteers, Young Professionals

Why I Volunteer: Tanya Puente

Humanitarian at Heart:  At the age of 15 I went on my first humanitarian trip to Romania; followed by 5 more throughout high school and just after. I found that I had a true passion for humanitarian aid/disaster relief and wanted to  do more of it. I joined the Red Cross in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Tanya Puente

RedCrossNW Disaster Services, Home Fire Campaign, Volunteers, Young Professionals

Why I Volunteer: Jenny Shin

I came to the Red Cross looking for an opportunity to contribute back to my community and help vulnerable people who are in need of immediate assistance. Volunteering with the Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team Lead complements my day job with King County Emergency Medical Services. Both opportunities are dedicated to serving the … Continue reading Why I Volunteer: Jenny Shin