“A little bit of physical work and a lot of satisfaction,” is how one American Red Cross volunteer describes his experience distributing emergency supplies after a disaster. It’s a simple description from Marcel Pajuelo-Schwartz, but it captures the heart of the distribution of emergency supplies volunteer role perfectly. The physical work comes from lifting and carrying buckets of essential items, while the satisfaction comes from knowing you have helped people in a real, hands-on way when they need it most.
Marcel, who lives in Daly City, Calif., has been a Red Cross volunteer since 1967. He has tried many volunteer roles over the years but he especially enjoys this one. His efforts to distribute emergency supplies play a critical role in helping individuals and families recover in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. His role is to provide items essential to basic survival, health and sanitation as quickly and equitably as possible to people whose homes and neighborhoods have been affected. These essential supplies may include flashlights, food coolers, buckets, shovels, masks, gloves, cleaning products and garbage bags — everything people need to begin cleaning up their yards and their homes after a disaster turns life upside down.
Just four days after graduating high school in the Central Valley, she joined the United States Marine Corps to see the world. For four years, she learned resilience, teamwork and the joy of being part of something bigger than herself.
That same spirit carried her to the American Red Cross.
Susan finds camaraderie among fellow veterans who continue their service through the American Red Cross.
From Rhode Island to California, Susan has stood shoulder to shoulder with others in times of crisis as a Red Cross volunteer. Whether it was walking through flooded streets after Hurricane Irma to deliver meals, comforting families in devastated neighborhoods, or finding strength in the bonds of a new family of volunteers.
“I’ve never been that close to the damage before,” Susan recalled her Hurricane Irma experience as an Emergency Response Vehicle driver tasked with delivering meals and essential supplies. “To go in there and be able to help, it’s a good feeling. And of course, this group of people… you feel like family.”
Today, Susan continues to show up when her neighbors need help. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, she serves on a team that helps deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources to people who just experienced a home fire. Thanks to volunteers like her, when disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.
But her Red Cross adventure doesn’t end there. When large disasters strike, she’s ready to help open emergency shelters here at home or across the country as a shelter worker. When a community calls upon the Red Cross, trained and compassionate volunteers show up when help can’t wait.
Whether you want to lend a hand during disasters, support lifesaving preparedness efforts or help behind the scenes — there’s a meaningful role for you here.
Each day, our volunteers support blood drives, assist the military, veterans and military families and provide food and shelter after disasters of all sizes. They teach lifesaving classes like First Aid and CPR and help restore order in other countries through programs such as Restoring Family Links and International Humanitarian Law. Our volunteer opportunities match a wide range of interests and time commitment.
Join our team of changemakers working together to make an impact. Every contribution matters — find the best way for you to get involved. Sign up here today and help our community with one act of kindness at a time.
When disaster strikes, Jesús Sotelo doesn’t hesitate — he acts.
Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, México, Jesús grew up in a community where music, faith and service were deeply woven into everyday life. In the 1980s, he and a group of friends formed “Lobos,” an informal volunteer team that assisted people in crisis. Their efforts led them to collaborate with Protección Civil and receive training from the Cruz Roja Mexicana, where Jesús learned paramedic-style skills and embraced a guiding principle: “If there is an accident, you must help.”
Though he didn’t pursue a formal paramedic career, Jesús’ dedication to helping others never wavered. That same spirit followed him when he moved to the United States. What began as a temporary stay became permanent—and so did his desire to serve. Despite language barriers and unfamiliar systems, Jesús found his way to the American Red Cross, applying online and quickly becoming a trusted volunteer at shelters, community events and training sessions.
“You don’t need permission,” he said. “Just ask, ‘What’s next?’ and get involved.”
Jesús’ journey took a challenging turn when he became seriously ill. Hospitalized for two weeks, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The treatments were grueling, but his resolve remained strong.
“You have two paths,” he explained. “Surrender or fight. I choose to fight.”
Faith and family became his anchors. His wife and fellow Red Cross volunteer became a pillar of support, and his pastoral studies gave him strength. Even during treatment, Jesús continued volunteering. His service became a source of healing and purpose.
“What you do matters. Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re scared.”
Jesús’ story is a powerful reflection of Hispanic heritage — not just through tradition, but through action. His presence at the Red Cross helps bridge cultural and language gaps, offering comfort and connection to Spanish-speaking communities. He hopes to see more Latinos step into service, not only as volunteers, but as leaders too.
He’s received medals and local honors, but for Jesús, the true reward is knowing he made a difference. He dreams of one day becoming a Red Cross employee and writing a book that shares his journey and inspires others.
“Live in the present,” he said. “This moment is the only life we have. Serving with humility is a powerful legacy. Faith without action is not enough. If you believe, act.”
Jesús didn’t wait for perfect conditions, and you don’t have to either. Whether you speak Spanish or English, whether you’re new to volunteering or have years of experience, your help is greatly needed.
Join Jesús and thousands of others making a difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up today.
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