Red Cross volunteers Lisa Maddock and Ryan Costa are just two of the thousands of Red Cross volunteers who helped disaster victims in 2020. Red Cross photo by Albert Becker.
As the end of 2020 draws near and we begin to think about New Year’s resolutions, consider becoming an American Red Cross volunteer.
Representing more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce, volunteers are the backbone of our lifesaving mission. In a year of the coronavirus pandemic and relentless disasters, people of all backgrounds have shared how rewarding it’s been to give back and help ease the suffering of others.
HOW TO HELP The need for volunteers is constant, and their support makes it possible to provide relief and comfort for disaster victims, lifesaving blood products for patients, emergency support for military families and veterans, and much more. Join us by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn about our most-needed volunteer positions, including:
Blood Donor Support: We have a need for Blood Donor Ambassadors to welcome visitors to Red Cross facilities or blood drives and take their temperatures before they enter. Visitors could include potential blood donors, people seeking help, course participants and Red Cross employees and volunteers.
We also have a high-priority need for Transportation Specialists to help deliver blood from our facilities to local hospitals.
Disaster Response: Want to help local families cope with emergencies? Most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to each year are local home fires, and our Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers are there to provide emotional support, financial assistance and information to help families begin the process of recovery.
Volunteer from Home (Virtual Positions): You can even help from the comfort of your own home. In times of disaster or social isolation, it can be difficult for people to leave their homes to volunteer in the community. Even while staying home, there is opportunity to support the Red Cross mission virtually. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities in which volunteers can engage remotely. Learn how a group of virtual volunteers in Korea and Japan, many of them military spouses, were able to assist victims of the western wildfires earlier this year.
STAYING SAFE Everyone’s safety is our top priority, and we are working with public health officials to help keep our communities and volunteers safe during COVID-19. When considering volunteer opportunities, review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance.
Resolve to volunteer today. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
