Local Red Cross volunteers provide lifeline for families strained by 2025 disasters

THE WOODLANDS, TX — In 2025, local volunteers became a lifeline for hundreds of neighbors reeling from disasters in The Texas Gulf Coast Region.

In a powerful display of community, many local volunteers responded alongside partners to provide safe refuge, hot meals, emotional support and basic health services for families devastated by home fires. The Red Cross also distributed financial assistance directly to hundreds of households recovering in 2025 from disasters of all sizes.

The need for this support shows no sign of slowing down. In the U.S., Red Cross home fire responses spike nearly 20% during the holidays, when families face increased fire risks such as cooking and heating. Just in The Texas Gulf Coast Region people rely on the Red Cross after home fires in a typical November and December.

“Disasters don’t take holidays — and neither do our volunteers,” said Edward Blanchard, Regional Disaster Officer, Texas Gulf Coast Region, Red Cross. “Thanks to generous donations, they have the resources to deliver comfort, hope and support to help people recover. Through these simple acts of giving, we come together as a community to bring light to a family’s darkest days — right when it’s needed most.”

This Giving Tuesday and holiday season, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or to give back through volunteering.

Also in 2025: How Local Responders Helped

• Local volunteers delivered aid for major disasters across the country. Responding to disasters is a team effort, and as they become more frequent and intense, families are relying on volunteers for support.
• Local volunteers and staff supported military and veteran communities in The Texas Gulf Coast Region by donating much needed supplies as well as robotic animals through our Operation Animal Love program to help veterans who need a companion.
• We honored several community members with a National Lifesaving Award for helping to save lives with Red Cross skills like first aid and CPR. They were among many individuals across the country who received recognition.

About GivingTuesday:

GivingTuesday is an annual event dedicated to boosting radical generosity, held on the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Created in 2012 at New York’s 92nd Street Y, the idea behind GivingTuesday was to set aside a single day to give back. Over 13 years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer and spread awareness. For many nonprofits, funds raised on GivingTuesday serve as an important kickoff for year-end charitable campaigns.

About Our Regional Holiday Supporters:

The Red Cross is grateful for corporate partners who contribute to our Holiday Campaign. Thanks to the generosity of these and other supporters, the Red Cross is able to bring help and hope to people in need.

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 on social media.