Media release from the American Red Cross Georgia Region:
National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 19 through April 25 and the American Red Cross of Georgia would like to honor those who are the heart of the organization ─ the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.
Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have helped and supported people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce, supporting blood drives, assisting veterans and military families, teaching lifesaving classes and providing comfort and support after disasters of all sizes.
Here in Georgia, more than 3,600 people volunteer with the Red Cross by helping support blood collections, supporting our nation’s veterans through the Hero Care Network, responding to home fires in the middle of the night and so much more. Nationally, more than 325,000 individuals volunteer their time to support the mission of the American Red Cross. They join the more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers working for the good of humanity in more than 191 countries across the globe.
Cole Ettingoff is a Disaster Action Team member from the Central Midwest Chapter. He has deployed to numerous disasters, from severe weather to home fires. “The Red Cross has made a commitment to our community that when disaster strikes, we will be there,” Ettingoff said. “I volunteer because it truly takes a team to make that possible and I have seen how incredibly impactful it can be when our team shows up in someone’s darkest moments.”
Christina Phillips has volunteered with the Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program at Fort Benning for nine years, serving as the SAF volunteer lead. A retired service member, she contributes at least 40 hours a week helping to oversee the hospital program and daily station operations. Phillips also helped establish the Fort Benning ‘Our Closet,’ which provides essential items to veterans and their families.
JOIN US As the Red Cross honors and recognizes our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we invite people to join a team working together to make an impact.
“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” said Jill Deskins, Regional Volunteer Services Officer. “Join this generation of volunteers working together to bring comfort and relief to people in need.”
Right now there is a critical need for people to fill these roles. Free training will be provided.
DISASTER ACTION TEAM The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.
SHELTER SERVICE ASSOCIATE The Shelter Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. This position supports the Regional Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) department. The Sheltering (SH) Service Associate (SA) is a temporary position assigned to work in person in a Red Cross shelter before, during and/or after a disaster event. Sheltering Service Associates complete tasks necessary for shelter operations and interacts with clients to ensure their needs are met. Sheltering Service Associates support the day-to-day activities within a shelter, which can include working in reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or other areas within a shelter.
SHELTER RESIDENT TRANSITION ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. These caseworkers work with shelter residents to help them create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution, helping to jumpstart their recovery.
BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.
Your time and talents can make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.
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.
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