Red Cross in need of volunteers

The organization that looks to provide hope to families going through a disaster has had a busy start to the year, bringing the need for volunteers.

Peggy Gaines has been a volunteer for the Red Cross for 16 years and said there’s always plenty people can do to help the agency.

“I did not have much time for volunteer work while I was working but now I have time to do that,” Gaines said. “I know there is a need and there is a place for me to help.”

Locally, the American Red Cross of Greater Kansas City and Northwest Missouri Chapter already has helped people involved in several fires and a building collapse in the first months of 2025. Executive director JoAnn Woody said the focus is on immediate assistance following a disaster.

“We look at what are your needs to get you through the next 48 hours or so or 72 hours,” Woody said. “We have different things that we’ll talk to them about to see if it’s something that Red Cross can support with financial assistance or if it’s more referral-based.”

She said many organizations work with the Red Cross to provide help. United Way is one of the strongest partners and is particularly useful in big emergencies, she said.

“Finding where we can tap into the network to get the wheels turning,” Woody said.

Gaines is part of the disaster action team. She gets notified of an incident then contacts the individuals involved and figures out what they need and how she can help. Since the start of the year, Gaines has helped victims of fires at 19 homes and five apartments regionally.

“It’s very rewarding work because they are sitting there looking at their houses burning down or has burned down and you’re trying to give them some hope,” Gaines said. “That’s what I plan to do for them is offer them hope.”

Those interested in volunteering or seeing the different opportunities, go to redcross.org and click volunteer.

“One of the questions we get asked a lot of times is, how long will it take the Red Cross to get here,” Woody said. “Red Cross can be as close as your neighbor, it can be as close as putting on your shoes and walking out the door to go start the process. Red Cross is the community and the community is Red Cross.”