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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.”
Also in 2025: How Local Responders Helped
· Local volunteers de livered 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 sever al 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
