# @americanredcross on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DMfdBVJubsh
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/72588613-americanredcross-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/d81a786339.jpg
- **Posted:** 2025-07-24T13:01:30.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** American Red Cross (@americanredcross) — https://gondola.cc/americanredcross

## Caption

After moving from Brazil at age 18 to study French and literature, Sofia Theard found a new purpose: helping her community recover from disasters.

Fluent in Spanish, English and Portuguese, Sofia became a lifeline for families displaced by recent flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico. In shelters, she comforted children, guided older adults through resources, and helped people feel seen and supported.

“It was heartbreaking to witness, but the moment someone sees that big Red Cross on the van, you can see the relief in their face,” she said. “It’s a sign they haven’t been forgotten. It means help has arrived.”

Sofia joined the RedCrossNewMexico after witnessing the South Fork and Salt Fires. With no prior experience, she signed up online and got to work.

“I had no experience but could speak a few languages,” she said. “In a few simple steps, I signed up online and became part of the efforts. I discovered that shelter residents could sit together, eat communally, and share the experience of loss and uncertainty. No one was alone; we were all in this together.”

She’s now one of more than 70 volunteers helping with flood recovery efforts — assessing damage, distributing meals and relief items, and offering financial and medical assistance to those affected.

As disasters grow more frequent and intense, volunteers like Sofia are urgently needed. You can help make a real difference by signing up to volunteer. Tap the link in our bio to learn more. 

#RedCross #Volunteers #Volunteering #DisasterRelief #Ruidoso #NewMexico

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 211
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 1

## Credits

No public credits are recorded here. This does not identify who made the post.

## Tags

volunteers, ruidoso, redcross, newmexico, disasterrelief, volunteering

---
Copyright (c) Gondola