On International Volunteer Day, RRT North America Celebrates a Year of Service
This International Volunteer Day, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT), the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC), celebrated the end of a banner year. In 2024, 2,675 RRT volunteers from 54 North American communities in 20 states gave 28,750 hours of their time, supported 270 unique events, and served a grand total of 58,000 meals.
Volunteers young and old were there both in times of crisis and gratitude. 2024 events included wildfire responses, hurricane and tornado recoveries, city marathons, emergency personnel trainings, medical worker appreciation days, community food drives, neighborhood summer festivals, and more.
Dozens of recipients and partners expressed their gratitude throughout the year, from nurses to police chiefs to Iowa Senator Jodi Ernst, who personally thanked RRT volunteers for their support in the wake of May’s devastating tornadoes: “All these wonderful folks out here supporting people in this community, providing relief for them—it means so much for the people of Minden [Iowa] to have this support in a moment’s notice.”
“For more than a decade, RRT has worked hard to make every year better than the last,” said Wayne Druckenmiller, Director of RRT North America. “We are thrilled that we were able to touch so many communities and serve thousands of our friends and neighbors in 2024. We couldn’t be more grateful for the dedication of our thousands of volunteers and the spirit of service they demonstrated week after week.”
In 2024’s homestretch, RRT is aiming to end the year with a bang. Volunteers across North America will be participating in a signature Holiday Food Box program, donating 1,400 Food Boxes to local charities to support those in need during the holiday season—coming to a grand total of more than 8,400 meals donated.
Druckenmiller summed it up: “To all of our volunteers, partners, and friends: thank you, and here’s to an even better 2025.”
About Rapid Relief Team (RRT): RRT is a global network of over 14,500 volunteers who assist emergency services during disasters and crises by providing meals and other forms of support. Established in 2013 by the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT is dedicated to showing kindness through its actions, embodying the spirit of community and support in times of need. For more information, visit RRT’s website.
