Give the Gift of Time This Year; Help People in Need as a Red Cross Volunteer

By Jennifer Costa, regional communications director

Biomed volunteers Tricia Quinney & Nancy Schulman

The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time in 2025, resolving to help people in need as a volunteer in New Hampshire – and throughout the Northern New England Region. 

“Our volunteers make up 90% of our work force and are the beating heart and soul of the Red Cross,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, Red Cross of Northern New England. “Their support is immeasurable. Their precious gift of time builds our capacity to help people in what can be their darkest days.” 

Depending on your interests, the Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from supporting a family after a home fire, helping a military member during an emergency, or helping us ensure blood is available for patients in need. 

• 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. 
• Blood donor ambassadors: Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. 
• Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals. If you have a little free time, love driving and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer spot waiting for you.

Southern Maine Service to the Armed Forces Team

“Red Crossers aren’t volunteering for a paycheck. We give our time because we are passionate about the mission,” said Maine volunteer Maryellen Tarling.

Tarling joined the Red Cross more than three years ago after searching for a way to make a positive impact in her community. She currently serves on the Southern Maine Disaster Action Team, responding to and helping Mainers recover from home fires and other disasters. She also leads the region’s preparedness team.

Pete Basiliere, NH volunteer

“You often see people at their worst, but as a Red Cross volunteer you can take comfort knowing, that through your role, you will be providing hope when people need it most. It’s a rewarding experience and I highly recommend it,” Tarling said.

In 2024, 1,787 Red Cross volunteers in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont logged more than 117,000 hours supporting the region’s humanitarian needs.

“Volunteering allows me to give back to my community in meaningful ways, making a real difference in people's lives. Knowing that I’ve provided comfort and hope during someone’s toughest moments is incredibly rewarding,” said Pete Basiliere, a Red Cross volunteer from Milford, New Hampshire. 

Basiliere became a Red Crosser in 2022. He serves on his local Red Cross disaster action team helping Granite State neighbors in need. Over the past several months, Basiliere has also deployed with the Red Cross to Vermont and the Carolinas to help after Hurricanes Beryl, Milton and Helene. He’s currently in California helping to support those displaced by the ongoing wildfires. 

“What I love most about volunteering for the Red Cross is the sense of unity and purpose it fosters. It’s amazing to work alongside others who share my passion for helping those in need. I appreciate witnessing the immediate impact of my efforts. Whether it’s providing relief after a disaster or a house fire, helping others is deeply fulfilling.”

Reid Asaro, VT volunteer

As the climate crisis worsens, disasters like wildfires and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and intense. This means the Red Cross is now launching twice as many relief operations for major disasters than a decade ago.

“The only skill you really need to be a successful volunteer is compassion and empathy. Just to be able to listen to what people are going through,” said Vermont volunteer Reid Asaro.

Asaro joined the Red Cross to “pay it forward” after experiencing a natural disaster himself. He was living in Puerto Rico when Hurricanes Irma and Maria hit in 2017. After witnessing the devastation and the timely response by the Red Cross, Asaro decided to become a volunteer. He currently serves as a Red Cross disaster action team member in Vermont. Most recently, Asaro deployed to Florida to help those displaced by Hurricane Helene. 

“You might not think you're doing much, but you're doing a lot, being in a shelter, sitting and drinking a cup of coffee with somebody. Sometimes disaster survivors just need somebody to talk to,” Asaro continued.

The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerNNE and get started today.