American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania

04/10/2026

Volunteers are changing the world—one act of kindness at a time!

Whether it's providing disaster relief, donating blood, or helping a neighbor in need, Red Cross volunteers are making a lasting impact in communities everywhere.

Together, we can create a better tomorrow. Donate today to support the incredible work of volunteers, or share your volunteer story to inspire others to make a difference!

redcross.org/CelebrateVolunteers

04/10/2026

Kayte Kocher Derhammer was 29 years old and 33 weeks pregnant when a car crash in Centre County changed everything.

In the first eight hours after the crash, she received 20 units of blood...
Blood that came from generous strangers who rolled up a sleeve without knowing who their donation would help.

Kayte passed away in September 2024. Her family has never forgotten the people who gave blood for her. And now, they want to give something back.

On Friday, April 24, Kayte's family is hosting a blood drive in her memory at the Boalsburg Fire Company.

"Kayte was a person who radiated kindness, love and unwavering devotion to her family, friends and community," her mother Mary said. "She had a passion for giving back."

A blood donation takes about an hour, and it can help save more than one life. Those who come to give April 13-30 will receive a $15 e-gift card.

Come honor Kayte's memory on April 24. Appointments are encouraged.

📅 Friday, April 24, 2026
🕛 Noon to 5 p.m.
📍 Boalsburg Volunteer Fire Company, 113 E. Pine St., Boalsburg, PA
❤️ Sponsor code: KAYTE

04/09/2026

Peace of mind makes all the difference ❤️

After moving into a new home in Etters, Nicole wanted to make sure her family was protected. Red Cross volunteers Joe and Henry installed free smoke alarms and shared home fire safety tips — and the relief was immediate.

“I feel so much better. Maybe now I can sleep at night.”

04/08/2026

🌟 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Ronel Baccus of Greensburg has been a dedicated Red Cross volunteer since 2018, inspired by a deeply personal experience. After her aunt experienced a home fire, Ronel witnessed firsthand how the Red Cross stepped in to help and she knew she wanted to pay it forward.

She began as a disaster responder, supporting families after local emergencies. Over time, her passion led her to also volunteer with our Service to the Armed Forces line of service, where she connects with veterans at local VA hospitals and VFWs.

Ronel especially treasures that work. “It’s amazing. I get to listen to their stories, I love it,” she says.

Recently, Ronel was presented with the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania Challenge Coin in recognition of her dedication and outstanding service to military members, veterans, their families and caregivers. Challenge Coins have been a military tradition for nearly a century and are awarded to honor exceptional service and excellence in the performance of duty.

This National Volunteer Month, we thank Ronel for living the power of paying it forward and for the compassion she brings to every person she serves. ❤️

04/07/2026

With holiday celebrations & spring break travel season, donors of all blood types are needed. Come to donate by April 12, and we’ll say thanks with a Red Cross x Life is Good® T-shirt, ltd. qty. Your good vibes can help save lives! Book your appointment: RedCrossBlood.org/LifeisGood

04/06/2026

More frequent and intense disasters are impacting communities across the country. As an American Red Cross volunteer, you can bring relief when disasters strike in your community. ❤️

Whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood, or a home fire, you can provide comfort, help and hope on someone’s worst day.

➡️ This is more than volunteering; it’s being there for a neighbor when it matters most.

You can make a difference in your community by volunteering with the Red Cross. Find the perfect position for you and discover how to volunteer today!

04/04/2026

The American Red Cross is teaming up with the Emmy®-winning HBO Max medical drama series, THE PITT, to remind donors they don’t need to be in the emergency room to “go help save some lives.” Rolling up a sleeve to give a lifesaving blood donation could be the key to a patient’s survival.

Eligible blood donors are urged to give to help keep the blood supply stable for patients this spring. In thanks, presenting donors at these blood drives will get an exclusive T-shirt, while supplies last:

Tuesday, April 7
📍 American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter

Friday, April 10
📍 University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union

Monday, April 20
📍 Duquesne University Student Union

Schedule an appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

Blood donors report feeling a sense of great satisfaction after making their blood donation. Why? Because helping others in need just feels good. Donate blood today to help those in need.

04/03/2026

Just a few simple steps stand between you and the free Red Cross Emergency App. Stay prepared with real‑time weather alerts, safety tips and local shelter information right at your fingertips.

04/02/2026

Our volunteers have been busy this spring installing FREE smoke alarms for neighbors in need. 🚨 Whether you can't afford smoke alarms or are unable to physically install them, we can help!

➡️ Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half. Submit your information and our team will reach out to schedule an appointment.

📸 Photos from our free smoke alarm installations in Sharpsburg and Aspinwall last month by Red Cross volunteer Sue Weis.

04/01/2026

It’s National Volunteer Month! Kathy, Jennifer and James share why they give their time to our mission 🫶

03/31/2026

Just three days before her 14th birthday, Honezty Snyder became a hero.

On a quiet Saturday afternoon in Steelton, Honezty was at home, watching her younger siblings when screams and smoke alarms shattered the calm. Without hesitation, she ran upstairs, gathered her sisters, a toddler cousin and her seven‑month‑old brother, and carried them out of the house as smoke filled the home.

Fire officials later told Honezty’s mother, Te‑Quana Scrivens, that her daughter had only minutes to spare. The fire, sparked by electrical wiring behind the stove — would have trapped the children upstairs.

What makes Honezty’s actions even more remarkable is how calm she remained under pressure. Honezty lives with autism, and loud noise and sudden change can be overwhelming. Still, she called 911, followed fire safety steps she had learned at school just weeks earlier, and even remembered to alert firefighters about the family dog.

“She normally doesn’t talk to anybody,” Te‑Quana said. “She stays in her room all day long. Just even her getting on the phone with 911 and being able to direct them to where they needed to go is a big deal for her.”

Later, Te‑Quana asked whether she had been scared. Honezty told her, “Mom, I was scared, but I knew I had to get them out of the house.”

After the fire, American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded that night, providing emergency assistance, comfort items and emotional support — and continued to help in the days that followed.

Beaming with pride, Te‑Quana sees a strength in her daughter that echoes her own past. When Te‑Quana was 8 years old, she escaped a house fire and got her younger brothers out safely. Her own mother had always shared that story. Now, her daughter has her own story of courage – one that saved lives.

“I’m just so proud of her,” Te‑Quana said.

As we wrap up Red Cross Month, we're celebrating Honezty's bravery and her lifesaving actions when it mattered most. ❤️