New Red Cross data show multigenerational portrait of volunteers in Pacific Islands Region

New recently released American Red data highlight a multigenerational culture of volunteerism throughout the Pacific Islands Region, which serves Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa.

Volunteerism spans all ages from kūpuna to youth leaders throughout these island communities.

More than 90% of the Red Cross workforce in the Pacific Islands Region is made up of volunteers, reflecting a deep tradition of service rooted in island culture and community resilience.

Meet the Alarcon family

This family of four volunteer side-by-side, installing smoke alarms, teaching lifesaving skills and bringing disaster preparedness lessons to elementary school students.

Mom Reziel, Dad Noel and two standout Gen Z volunteers 23-year-old University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa student Kylie and 17-year-old Caleb are helping reshape how young people engage with the Red Cross throughout the Pacific Islands.

Volunteering continues to shape each of them.

Their community affectionately knows them as “The Family,” a reflection of how often they show up together.

“Mom calls it ‘a family affair,’ and that’s exactly what it feels like,” said Kylie Alarcon. “Giving back together brings us closer. We get to teach side-by-side, and we learn from the communities we meet.”

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According to available regional data and program participation trends:

• Youth engagement continues to grow, especially through high school and college Red Cross Clubs active throughout Hawaiʻi and the Northern Mariana Islands.
• Working-age adults play critical roles in disaster response, volunteer recruitment, logistics and military family support, including positions throughout Hawaiʻi, Guam and Saipan.
• Long-serving volunteers, including many kūpuna, remain deeply involved in preparedness education, community events, Service to the Armed Forces and cultural bridging roles, continuing a tradition of intergenerational service valued throughout the Pacific Islands Region.

Demographic estimates show people of all ages — from Gen Z to the Silent Generation — help make up the nearly 1,900 volunteers who support the American Red Cross in the Pacific Islands Region.

Gen Z at 42% makes up the fastest growing and largest group of Red Cross volunteers in the United States, followed by Millennials at 24%. Baby Boomers at 18% and Gen X at 9% anchor core mission roles, while the Silent Generation represents 7%.

“Generation after generation, our island communities have shown that compassion is one of our greatest strengths,” said American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region Chief Executive Officer Molly Schmidt.

The Red Cross — this month during Red Cross Month — honors how people today deliver support when help can’t wait.

Every contribution matters.

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Frequently asked questions

Q: Where can people find volunteer opportunities?

A: People can find volunteer opportunities that meet their needs at the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region website.

Q: What is Red Cross Month?

A: Red Cross Month is a nationwide celebration observed in March to honor people who deliver support when help can’t wait. It began as a national call to action during World Ware II for individuals to address growing humanitarian needs. Now, it’s a community tradition encouraging people to get involved.

Q: What is Red Cross Giving Day?

A: Red Cross Month culminates with Red Cross Giving Day, which is March 25 this year. It’s an opportunity for people to come together for one day to help families throughout the country recover from a home fire or other disaster. Donations can be made at the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region website. Financial donations made March 25 for disaster relief will be part of this year’s Red Cross Giving Day, which aims to bring together 30,000 supporters to help ensure families don’t face disasters alone.

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Volunteering across generations is a way of life for the Alarcons.

With more than a decade of service behind them, they encourage other families to join in — bring your loved ones, make it fun and make it your own.

The Alarcon family invites everyone this month to give their time or a monetary donation to help someone through their hardest day.

Visit the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region website for additional information and to volunteer, make a financial donation, give blood or take a class in lifesaving skills.

“In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope,” Schmidt said. “Their dedication reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that has carried our Pacific Islands through decades of change and continues to make a meaningful difference today through our lifesaving mission.”