The Red Cross is dedicated to alleviating suffering and pain around the world in any way, shape, or form. We would not be able to achieve this mission if it wasn’t for the amazing volunteers that serve our community every single day. The Red Cross is made up of 90% volunteers and we want to give our volunteers the spotlight!

Meet Mrs. Brenda Meadows. She is with our Service to Armed Forces department and volunteers her time at the Houston Military Entrance Processing Station. She is a retired sales professional and wanted to give back to her community.

“I realized that I wanted to focus on supporting the military. My husband was a Marine in the Vietnam War and my son is in the Air Force serving in Germany,” said Mrs. Meadows.

While at MEPS, Mrs. Meadows looks after the waiting lobby, offering conversation and care to new recruits entering military service. She speaks with new recruits and their families about the Emergency Communication Service. The Emergency Communication Service is a program that the Red Cross provides for service members and their families in the event of a death in the family, childbirth, or any other emergency at home.

“I like to make sure the recruits are comfortable. I will take Red Cross brochures about our Emergency Communications service to family members, explaining the process to them. The Commander is generous enough to give me 3–4 minutes to speak with everyone about emergency communications. We provide comfort and conversation to the recruits, since the process is so quick. There is a lot of anxiety among recruits and their families. We will occasionally bring in service dogs to help relieve stress,” said Mrs. Meadows.

Mrs. Meadows also shared that she has been a quilter for 30 years and creates a prayer pocket quilt that contains a wooden cross for the recruits to serve as a “constant reminder of God’s presence before they leave on their journey.”

“This has become my favorite part of the week. One day a week. I look forward to it. Some of them have never left home or even flown on a plane. Our presence there allows them to feel seen and that they are not forgotten,” said Mrs. Meadows.

Here’s what she had to say for anyone curious about volunteering:

“The conversations that we have with the recruits here are very rewarding. We are looking for shelter workers who can help with fires and hurricanes. Give them the opportunity to travel with per diem and go out and help others. It does pique interest. It never hurts to ask!”

Her words capture the heart of her service, but they’re also a reflection of the impact Red Cross volunteers make every day. Whether it’s through a kind word in a stressful moment, a thoughtful resource for families, or a handmade quilt filled with care, Brenda’s service is a reminder that compassion can take many forms. Her commitment shows how one person’s time and talents can bring comfort and hope to those preparing for the challenges ahead.

Volunteers like Brenda are the heart of the Red Cross. Their selfless dedication makes it possible for us to support communities, service members, and families every day. If you’ve ever thought about giving your time, we invite you to join us—you never know whose life you might touch, or how much you might be changed in return.

If you would like to learn more about our Emergency Communications Service or volunteering, click here: Red Cross Hero Care Network.