Red Cross of Wisconsin Issues Urgent Call for Disaster Volunteers

WISCONSIN (August 18, 2025) — The American Red Cross responds to over 65,000 disasters each year that impact communities across the country. To ensure no one faces an emergency alone, the American Red Cross of Wisconsin is looking for new volunteers to step up and make a difference. While volunteers of all types are needed, the most critical need is for Disaster Action Team volunteers. Disaster Action Team volunteers are trained responders who offer immediate relief, shelter, and compassion after home fires, floods, and other local and national emergencies.

“With extreme weather events on the rise, we need more trained volunteers ready to deploy at a moment’s notice,” said Beckie Pinnow, Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the Red Cross of Wisconsin region. “Whether you can give a day, a week, or a weekend, your time could be the difference between chaos and comfort for a family in need.”

Local Volunteers, Real Impact

When Rusk County resident Mark Schmitt heard the call to serve, he stepped up in a big way — he volunteered with the Red Cross as part of the Disaster Action Team, offering Disaster Mental Health support, and assisting with Services to the Armed Forces. “Helping out is just something I do,” Mark says. “When you see people in need, you step up. That’s what being part of a community is all about.”

Now, with a hurricane headed towards the Gulf, floods sweeping the Midwest, and wildfires threatening the West, the Red Cross needs more people like Schmitt. His message: “We need you on the team.”

Flexible Roles, Free Training

Whether you’re a student needing volunteer hours, a professional looking to give back, or a retiree with life experience to share, the Red Cross has a role for you. No previous experience is necessary, and free, flexible training is available online. Opportunities range from short-term disaster assignments to long-term leadership roles.

High-Priority Volunteer Needs

• Disaster Response & Recovery – (In-Person) – High priority- Respond to local events like home fires or floods.
• Disaster Shelter Volunteer – Help operate emergency shelters and provide comfort to displaced families.
• Health and Mental Health Services – Support individuals with medical or emotional needs.
• Logistics and Supply Coordination – Help deliver supplies to those affected.
• Administrative and Community Outreach Support – Support volunteer operations and local engagement.

Support National Disaster Relief 

The Red Cross also offers a variety of opportunities for individuals who would like to support disaster relief operations across the country. Volunteers are needed to deploy to help communities in need after a disaster strikes. Whether you’re delivering health services, supporting a shelter, or distributing relief supplies, your presence brings comfort to people in need. Getting started is easy and simple. Once your application is reviewed, your local Red Cross chapter will reach out to guide you through the next steps. All required training is provided free of charge and can be completed online.

Start Today

If you’ve ever considered how you could help during a crisis, now is the time. The Red Cross provides all the tools, training, and support—you bring the compassion. Visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/wisconsin/volunteer.html to learn more and start your application.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.