Longview recognizes interdepartmental volunteer team, announces Love Longview day and proclaims Red Cross Giving Day

The City of Longview on March 27 recognized its interdepartmental volunteer team and signed a proclamation designating March 27, 2025, as Red Cross Giving Day.

Laura Hill, who presented the volunteer recognition, said the city's internal 24-member volunteer team coordinates opportunities across departments and helps with activities ranging from litter pickup to painting fire hydrants and animal support. "This robust volunteer focus benefits our entire community," Hill said, and highlighted recent volunteer contributions: "In the first quarter of our current fiscal year, 18 volunteers provided 490 hours of assistance at the library. This value is $15,666." She also noted that Keep Longview Beautiful's Adopt-a-Street program reported 2,660 hours valued at $84,960 last year.

Hill said the next major collaborative event is Love Longview Day on April 5, with more than 400 volunteers registered and organizers estimating a more than $50,000 investment focused on cleanup around Ingram Park.

The mayor presented a proclamation for the American Red Cross's annual Giving Day. Karen, identified as a local Red Cross representative, described the chapter's long-standing service in Gregg County and noted that the local operation is largely volunteer-driven. "We are driven by compassion and love for our community," Karen said, and she thanked the city for the recognition.

Why it matters: City officials said volunteer programs and Red Cross partnerships reduce service costs, support disaster response and build community capacity ahead of city events and seasonal needs. The presentations were informational; no council action was required.

Next steps and community opportunities: Organizers encouraged residents to sign up for Love Longview Day on April 5 and referenced ongoing volunteer opportunities across departments. The mayor's proclamation formally recognizes Red Cross Giving Day on March 27, 2025.