Austin, Texas July 5, 2024 — With an active hurricane season underway, the American Red Cross Central Texas Chapter is calling on the community to make a difference by becoming a volunteer. Join us on July 6-7 for our volunteer recruitment event.

“Today, the Red Cross is responding to more large disasters — almost twice as many — than we did a decade ago,” said Marty Mckellips, Regional Executive of the Central & South Texas region. “This growing need for help means we need more volunteers trained and ready to support families facing their darkest moments. Plus, it is crucial for Texans to prepare emergency plans now to be ready for disasters.”

The number of billion-dollar disasters in the U.S. has increased 85% in just the last decade as disasters grow in frequency and intensity. People across the country are feeling the impact as an estimated 2.5 million were forced from their homes by weather-related disasters in 2023 — with more than a third displaced for longer than a month.

Comprising 90% of the Red Cross workforce, volunteers are continuously providing shelter, comfort, hot meals, health services and recovery support to families in need across the country.

Event Details:

What:

• The American Red Cross Central Texas Chapter invites the public to sign up and learn about various roles within the Red Cross, discovering how their skills and passions can contribute to our mission.

Where:

• Montopolis Recreation Center
  1200 Montopolis Dr, Austin, TX 78741
  
  • Saturday, July 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.
• Georgetown First United Methodist
  410 E University Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78626
  • Saturday, July 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Free training will be provided, and there is a critical need for the following positions:
 

• Mass Care Volunteers: Support day-to-day activities, including emergency shelter operations for those displaced by disasters, feeding, and distribution of emergency supplies.
• Disaster Health or Mental Health Services Volunteers: Use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care to people in shelters.

Join us to make a lasting impact on your community during these challenging times. Your help can make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters. To learn more about volunteering, please visit www.redcross.org/volunteertoday.

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.