From lifesaving flights to disaster response, one volunteer’s journey inspires community action and hope.
For Jean Knox, volunteering with the American Red Cross is about fulfilling a mission — one she has felt called to serve for decades.
Jean’s journey with the Red Cross began in 1987, after she earned her pilot’s license at a time when there were few women pilots. She soon became involved with The Ninety-Nines, an international group of women pilots who offered scholarships, support and volunteer opportunities, including with the Red Cross. Over a span of ten years, she dedicated her time and piloting expertise to flying lifesaving donations from blood drives in small towns throughout Minnesota and neighboring states to the Red Cross processing center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
“I was so grateful to take part in these missions,” Jean said. “I never knew who received the blood. It could have helped somebody’s mom, a baby or someone needing surgery. I was delighted to know that I helped.”
A renewed commitment
Years later, after retiring, caring for family, and moving back to the Midwest, Jean once again felt called to serve. She picked up the phone and reached out to the Red Cross.
“I realized I needed to be in service again,” she said. “I wasn’t ready to just sit still.”
This time, Jean joined the Red Cross as a Disaster Action Team volunteer in southern Indiana. She responds to local home fires and meets people on one of the worst days of their lives. In the immediate aftermath of a fire, Jean helps ensure families have essentials such as clothing, medications, glasses and the support they need to begin moving forward.
After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers work with fire departments to connect with those affected and provide help, such as a safe place to stay, immediate assistance and emotional support. Thanks to donations, our services are free and available for all those in need.
“You focus on the person in front of you,” Jean explained. “Often, I’m meeting people when they have nothing left but what they escaped with. The Red Cross helps restore their dignity.”
Living in a rural area, Jean quickly realized there were very few local volunteers available to respond to emergencies. Determined to help bridge that gap, she took on an additional role as a Red Cross advocate. She now speaks to community groups, churches and local organizations, raising awareness about Red Cross services and encouraging others to volunteer. Her outreach has already helped inspire a new volunteer to join the mission.
“Most people don’t realize everything the Red Cross does after a home fire,” she said. “But once they do, they’re eager to help. We’re right there, supporting families as they take their next step forward.”
For Jean, the Red Cross has been more than an organization — it has been a constant source of purpose and belonging throughout the different chapters of her life.
“The Red Cross has rescued me twice,” she reflected. “Once when I needed a mission, and again when I needed a place to belong.”
How you can help
Every day, Red Cross volunteers like Jean respond to home fires and other emergencies, providing comfort, care, and hope when it’s needed most. To learn more about volunteering with the Red Cross, visit RedCross.org/volunteer.
Written by Communications Volunteer Julie Norman.