‘I remember a time when disasters were seasonal, not the case anymore’: Red Cross Giving Day delivers aid and help during local and national disasters

The American Red Cross is rallying 30,000 supporters to deliver aid when help can’t wait after disasters. Today is what the non-profit calls Red Cross Giving Day.

11 News talked with the Southeast Colorado Red Cross Executive Director, who remembers a time where disasters were seasonal, and how that’s changed to just about everyday. With the increase in disasters, the need for aid and help has grown.

“The first 50 days of 2025, we’ve responded, our team, Red Crossers, to big disasters more so than the days,” Executive Director Phil Martinez explained.

Not only has the Red Cross locally responded to wildfires by providing shelter and resources, but structure fires as well. They’ve also helped those nationally with disasters like Hurricane Helene and Milton. 90% of everyone’s donation goes towards what they provide to the people every single day.

“We deploy our Disaster Action Team,” Martinez said. “They meet here at the Red Cross and we immediately get supplies, whatever’s needed. We assess a situation, a case manager will go as well, and we make sure that we have everything we possibly could have to give them instant help right away. That includes financial help, that includes a comfort kit, blankets, whatever is needed. We deploy mental health professionals as well.”

And those comfort kits are worth 3 dollars in donations, which includes items such as a toothbrush, comb, and shampoo. Martinez told 11 News that they want to be there for those affected by disasters during their darkest hours.

“I remember an apartment fire here in Colorado Springs, and I hugged a gentleman for five, six minutes,” Martinez explained. “He told me what he’s going to miss the most is his pictures, and he can care less about anything else but his pictures, and it’s heartbreaking. But, what you want is to be there for them, let them know that they’re going to be strong. We have programs that will help them not just during the disaster but after the disaster... It’s those relationships that you have and that you built, and it’s an amazing feeling. Nothing better than to help someone.”

The American Red Cross has been around for about 140 years. Not only do they take action when it comes to disasters, but they also provide CPR classes, training services, and blood donations.

“I gave out a wonderful award to a teacher right here in Colorado Springs, who saved her student’s life and got trained right here at the American Red Cross,” Martinez explained.

For donations, a little goes a long way.