To this wonderful community of ours, I want to say thank you for supporting our mission during the latest round of natural disasters from Florida through North Carolina. These storms were just another painful reminder of how the need for American Red Cross services has never been greater.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data shows that 2024 is our country’s second-highest year of billion-dollar disasters. For thousands, this year’s disasters reduced their homes to rubble, leaving them to seek refuge at an emergency shelter, in temporary housing or at a loved one’s.

I saw this firsthand as one of more than 100 Red Crossers from our region who deployed to the Southeast. I will never forget how it felt to see the devastation and hear the stories from families who were impacted.

But there’s hope, thanks to volunteers and donors, whose support is helping people to rebuild their lives with aid such as providing a safe place to stay, food, emotional support and recovery assistance.

The need for this help is growing. Today, we’re responding to twice as many major U.S. disasters as we did a decade ago — all on top of local crises like home fires.

In 2024, nearly 800 people volunteered their time to support our southwestern chapter, helping more than 900 people after local disasters. Your contributions of time, talent and treasure have made and will continue to make a difference.

Jorge Martinez, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania; executive director, American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter