“For most of us, it (being Donut Dollies) was the most rewarding thing we’ve ever done in our lives. We felt that we made a difference,” she says. One of 627 Donut Dollies to serve in Vietnam, Betsy, who was 21 at the time she entered the war in 1968, recalls how she and the other women created games that could serve as conversation starters and warm the soldiers up to speak to them.

For the people who lived through Hurricane Melissa, it was a storm like no other they had ever experienced. From day one, Jamaica and Cuban Red Cross teams have been working tirelessly. Some of these volunteers have seen their own homes destroyed, yet they continue to support those in need.

Red Cross News

Tim Downey began his career with the American Red Cross during the fall of 2005 as relief efforts continued following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and retires 20 years later, on October 24. It is estimated that Tim has raised more than $100 million during his Red Cross career.

Susan Burgess-Lenan is an author, veteran international aid worker, and public speaker based in Oakland. She directed programs in Darfur, helped support Red Cross teams during the Rwanda genocide, and later founded Women’s Centers International to serve women affected by conflict and poverty. 

Thursday, December 18, 5 p.m. ET 

Details and Registration

How to Access Red Cross Benefits When a Loved One Dies

As with many benefits issues, the death of an American Red Cross retiree should be reported to the Benefits Service Center (BSC) by phone at 877-860-7526. Such a death may be reported by a spouse, family member, friend or legal representative of the deceased. 

Retirement Resources

Today’s high cost of living is encouraging many retirement-age people to remain in the workforce. But can you collect Social Security and still work full time? The short answer is yes, you can—but it’s worth knowing some details before doing so, because there are a range of rules and taxes that come into play.