Baby Boomers carry out core service delivery while Gen Z volunteerism lags behind national average
Vermont Business Magazine National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 19 through April 25, and the American Red Cross of Northern New England would like to honor those at the heart of the organization ─ the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.
Generations of Red Cross volunteers have aided people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce, supporting blood drives, assisting veterans and military families, teaching lifesaving classes and providing hope and support after disasters of all sizes.
New American Red Cross data released shows a snapshot of multigenerational volunteerism in Vermont.
From Gen Z to the Silent Generation, people of all ages comprise the 290 volunteers supporting the Red Cross mission in Vermont. According to demographic estimates shared by most Red Cross volunteers in the Green Mountain State:
- Baby Boomers account for nearly half of all Red Cross volunteers at 47% (compared to 18% nationally) anchoring core mission roles and service delivery.
- Millennials make up 24% of volunteers (on par with 24% nationally), followed by Gen X at 14% (compared to 9% nationally).
- Gen Z represents at 11% (compared to 42% nationally). In other areas, Gen Z volunteerism is driven largely by a steep rise in Red Cross clubs, absent in Vermont.
- The Silent Generation is the smallest cohort at 3% (compared to 7% nationally) but contributes a legacy of service that often spans multiple decades.
- Note: 1% of respondents did not identify with a generational group.
Baby Boomers are often the backbone for essential Red Cross volunteer roles across the organization’s humanitarian mission. They’re the largest cohort for many positions in disaster and blood services.
“Being born after the midpoint of the Baby Boom, it was important to me to contribute to the greater good of my community and my country, and at the same time, to challenge norms and embrace rapidly advancing technologies for the betterment of humanity,” said volunteer David Punia, of Ferrisburgh, who’s served 45+ years with the Red Cross. “I'm privileged to work with a tremendously diverse group of caring individuals, both fellow volunteers and staff. As a blood donor, I feel a kinship with others who actively participate to the benefit of people we don't know. That kind of helping is one of my core values.”
Gen X and Millennials join Boomers in filling Red Cross Disaster Action Teams throughout Vermont. In these frontline roles, volunteers work as a team to provide immediate relief and comfort to families in the aftermath of local disasters, chiefly home fires.
“What drives me to do this work is knowing we're helping people with one of the most devastating events in their lives. We’re making that connection with folks that may help them move on with a little more comfort knowing that someone is there for them,” said Eva Gillilan, a Baby Boomer from Fletcher with a 10-year tenure with the Red Cross in disaster response.
In other parts of the country, sizeable Gen Z volunteer growth is largely fueled by an increase in Red Cross Clubs. Though the Vermont Chapter is actively seeking applicants, it currently does not have any active Red Cross clubs. Still, 31 Gen Z-ers from Vermont proudly serve in various volunteer roles.
“Generation after generation, our community has shown that compassion is one of its greatest strengths,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional CEO, Red Cross of Northern New England. “In moments when help can’t wait, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds come together to offer care, comfort and hope. Their commitment reflects a shared humanitarian spirit that connects us across time and continues to make a meaningful difference through our lifesaving mission.”
How Red Cross Volunteers Help in Vermont
In 2025, the Red Cross in Vermont:
- Responded to 106 disasters (mostly home fires) assisting 432 people.
- Installed 320 free smoke alarms for Vermonters in need, including 48 seniors, 31 individuals with disabilities, nearly 13 veterans and 64 children.
- Collected more than nearly 29,000 units of lifesaving blood and held more than nearly 1,200 blood drives.
- Service to the Armed Forces volunteers logged more than 650 hours supporting military members, veterans and their families.
JOIN US As the Red Cross honors and recognizes our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we invite people to join a team working together to make an impact.
Right now, there is a critical need for people to fill these roles. Free training will be provided.
- DISASTER ACTION TEAM The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.
- SHELTER RESIDENT TRANSITION ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. These caseworkers work with shelter residents to help them create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution, helping to jumpstart their recovery.
- BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.
- BLOOD TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS Our Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or our on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer you can choose shifts that fit your schedule. You will receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood and be on your way to the distribution site within 30-120 minutes. Your time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.
Your time and talents can make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting redcross.org/volunteerNNE.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
BURLINGTON, Vt., APRIL 20, 2026 — American Red Cross of Northern New England
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