For Immediate Release
Give back this holiday season by volunteering, donating financially or making an appointment to give blood at redcross.org.
DECEMBER 15, 2025 — In 2025, local American Red Cross volunteers became a lifeline for thousands of neighbors reeling from disasters in Nebraska.
In a powerful display of community, local volunteers responded alongside partners to provide safe refuge, hot meals, emotional support and basic health services for families devastated by tornadoes, floods and other disasters this year, including hundreds of home fires.
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.
“Disasters don’t take holidays — and neither do our volunteers,” said Jill Orton, Region CEO of the American 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 holiday season, visit redcross.org to make a financial donation or to give back through volunteering. You can also make an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood is constant — and just like disasters, medical emergencies don’t take holidays.
How Local Responders Helped in Nebraska in 2025
- Responded to nearly 350 home fires, helping more than 1,150 people with relief and recovery support. The Red Cross assesses and addresses the immediate needs of disaster victims and starts them on the road to recovery.
- Installed more than 2,600 free smoke alarms in homes that needed them. Along with installing new alarms, volunteers check batteries in existing smoke alarms and help families create home fire escape plans, making homes safer.
- Collected nearly 130,000 units of blood through more than 5,000 blood drives, ensuring blood was available for those who needed it, including people facing life-threatening conditions like cancer, sickle cell disease, childbirth complications and traumatic injuries. Patients rely on a consistent blood supply to survive and heal — and it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives in an emergency.
- Provided more than 1,500 services to military members, veterans and their families. This includes support before, during and after deployments, along with helping navigate life as a veteran.
Visit the Red Cross of Nebraska Year in Review webpage for stories about how people from Nebraska helped in 2025.
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 us on social media.