For American Red Cross volunteer Kathy Blessing of Boulder, Colorado, serving her community has always been a way of life. A retired public school teacher, Kathy transitioned from educating young minds to assisting communities in times of crisis through her volunteer work. Her first Red Cross deployment, during Hurricane Helene, showcased her dedication, adaptability, and compassion.
Kathy’s disaster relief operation deployment was as part of the Mass Care Shelter team, a critical role during disasters. Stationed west of Tallahassee, Florida, she helped set up and operate an evacuation shelter just as the hurricane approached.
“It was pretty much exactly what I had hoped for!” Kathy said.
After the shelter closed, Kathy joined efforts to deliver food and water to affected rural areas. At a small church, she helped clear debris from a cemetery, brushing leaves and branches off graves alongside locals. The experience was hands-on and emotional, reflecting her commitment to making a tangible difference.
Kathy also contributed to other shelter operations, assisting with client registration and packing up hundreds of cots for shelters in need. Flexibility was key, and Kathy embraced each task with a positive attitude.
One particular moment stood out during her deployment. In the evacuation shelter, a man too ill to sit up but not sick enough for medical care arrived during the mandatory evacuations. Amid the chaos, shelter workers showed him exceptional care and compassion, tending to his needs and ensuring he felt valued.
“He was so grateful,” Kathy said about that moment that reinforced her belief in the power of empathy during difficult times.
Kathy joined the Red Cross just over a year ago and has found a new purpose in volunteering. She relishes the chance to explore different parts of the country, meet diverse communities, and provide comfort to those in need. Her motivation is simple yet profound: “I enjoy deploying to disasters because it’s an opportunity to be of service, providing comfort when people need it most.”
Kathy offers words of encouragement to anyone considering joining the Red Cross “Be prepared to meet great volunteers, be flexible, and do whatever needs to be done. And bring enough warm clothes—even in warm climates, air conditioning can be surprisingly chilly!”
She also credits her shelter supervisor, Jeb Leutwyler from Waco, Texas, for making her first deployment a positive experience. “He was so supportive and taught me what I needed to know. I couldn’t have had a better mentor!”
When not volunteering, Kathy enjoys hiking, kayaking, and other community service activities. Her love of nature and giving back underscores her commitment to making the world a better place, whether in her hometown of Boulder or in disaster-stricken areas far from home.
Kathy Blessing’s story is a testament to the impact one person can have when they combine compassion, courage, and a willingness to step up in times of need. The Red Cross—and the communities she serves—are fortunate to have her.
Did Kathy’s inspire you to become a volunteer? Click here for more information on volunteer opportunities in your community.