FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – In 2025, the Red Cross says that local volunteers became a lifeline for hundreds of neighbors reeling from disasters across our community.
The need for this support shows no sign of slowing. Across the U.S., Red Cross home fire responses spike nearly 20% during the holidays, when cooking and heating risks increase. In the Indiana Region alone, more than 1,100 people typically rely on the Red Cross after home fires in November and December.
Volunteers from our Northeast Chapter, working with local partners, responded to more than 200 disasters—most of them home fires.
The Red Cross released the following:
They provided families with safe refuge, hot meals, emotional support, and essential health services. Through their compassion and dedication, they brought comfort and hope to people experiencing some of their darkest moments.
Among the volunteers answering the call are Disaster Action Team members Nancy Clark and Elizabeth Craft.
Nancy Clark has served with the Red Cross for eight years. After a recent home fire, she helped a mother and her children — including a five-month-old baby — by offering emotional support and financial assistance. Nancy says she volunteers because “it feels good to help others and give back during their time of need.”
Elizabeth Craft joined the Red Cross three years ago and is also an active Disaster Action Team member. She finds it rewarding to ensure community members never face tough times alone. “You go home and think, “I really did make a difference,” Elizabeth said.
“Disasters don’t take holidays, and it’s thanks to dedicated volunteers like Nancy and Elizabeth that we can be there immediately after a home fire to deliver comfort, hope and support,” said Jennifer Sexton, Executive Director of the Northeast Chapter of the American Red Cross of the Indiana Region. “Our need for Disaster Action Team volunteers is critical, and I urge community members to consider signing up,” added Sexton.
This Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, visit redcross.org to give back through volunteering.
Our lifesaving mission is also made possible by generous financial donations, which ensure volunteers have the resources they need to bring light to a family’s darkest days — right when it’s needed most.
To read stories of how people in our community and across the region made a difference in 2025, click here
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