All blood types are needed now to stabilize the blood supply. Donors are asked to take action immediately to help save lives.
All blood types are needed now to stabilize the blood supply. Donors are asked to take action immediately to help save lives.
They invite you to join them in advancing our mission.
They invite you to join them in advancing our mission.
It’s been 60 years since Claudia Blackman first volunteered with the American Red Cross, as the then-college student first spent time as a Water Safety and Lifeguard Instructor. Over her six decades with the Red Cross, Claudia has spent time teaching Swimming and Lifeguarding Classes, First Aid and CPR Courses and a multitude of Preparedness and Disaster Response Classes.
“I think because I’ve volunteered in so many different positions, I can see how in each place, a person’s life has changed,” Claudia said. “A person’s life is helped. A person can move forward because we are there.”
Phil Rehmer is a Red Cross volunteer who time after time has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to helping others. Phil has shown kindness and compassion when people need it the most and has deployed many times to assist those affected by devastating wildfires, hurricanes, flooding and atmospheric events as well as other humanitarian missions across the country.
Phil is a member of the Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Care team who provides support to individuals and families who have been impacted by a disaster, “The Red Cross takes care of the body, mind, and spirit. When I see someone in a shelter, smiling at me, they're ministering to me. During a tragedy, I see hope. I see love,” said Phil.
Given her passion for human health and the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross, Aparnaa set out to organize and motivate college students to be blood donors with a series of blood drives that included 17 colleges and universities representing Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Aparnaa became involved with the Red Cross during her sophomore year in high school and upon entering college, was determined to continue her volunteer work with the Red Cross. Being part of her university Red Cross Club provides her with opportunities that not only serve her community and beyond but also unite her with like-minded college students.
Danny is an extraordinary volunteer, lending his visual storytelling talents to the Illinois Red Cross Communications Department. When Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, Danny didn’t hesitate, he immediately volunteered to join the Public Affairs team on the ground, offering help just days after the storm devastated the region.
After his deployment Danny shared, “This experience allowed me to meet incredible volunteers and gain new skills. But what impacted me most was seeing firsthand how hurricanes uproot lives and entire communities, something no photo can truly capture. Hearing people’s stories of survival and seeing their resiliency moved me deeply. I am grateful for the chance to serve and I look forward to helping again when the need arises.”
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Illinois Region volunteers support recruits who have recently taken the oath of enlistment and are preparing to ship to basic training, based on their branch, all over the country.
Learn About Philanthropy and how to help the Red Cross provide assistance to communities impacted by disasters.
Read more in this article from the magazine Better »
