The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time this year and resolving to help people in need as a volunteer in Western Colorado.
“Our volunteers make up 90 percent of our work force, and are the beating heart and soul of the Red Cross,” said Christie Caster, executive director of the Red Cross of Western Colorado. “Their support is immeasurable. Their precious gift of time builds our capacity to help people in what can be their darkest hour.”
Depending on your interests, the Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from supporting a family after a fire in their home, helping a member of the military during an emergency or helping us ensure blood is available for patients who need it.
• Disaster Action Team (DAT): Help families in your community after a home fire or other disaster. DAT team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
• Hero Care caseworker: Support members of the military, their families and our veterans. Become a casework volunteer and help provide emergency communications and critical services to military families all over the world.
Volunteers come from all walks of life, ready to help their local communities at a moment’s notice. Myrna Candreia, a volunteer from New Castle, Colo., deployed in response to the Elk and Lee fires during the summer of 2025. Once helped by Red Cross volunteers herself in the aftermath of the 2002 Waldo Canyon Fire, Candreia served as a volunteer in a Red Cross shelter in Craig, Colo., helping those on the Western Slope who found themselves displaced by evacuations.
“I never really thought that much about it but then realized, ‘Wow, this is a way to give back,’” Candreia said about her decision to volunteer. “We are now going through trying times with fire, and so I decided it was time to give back to the Red Cross.”
She recounted several times where she went to pick up coffee for her fellow volunteers or after ending a shift, people would see her Red Cross shirt and thank her for her service.
“It gives you a sense of how appreciative people can be in the communities you serve,” Candreia said.
The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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.
>