By Alana Mauger

During National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is celebrating community heroes whose daily support and hard work embody the organization’s lifesaving mission to help people in need.

Last year, more than 2,000 local Red Cross volunteers supported blood drives, assisted veterans and military families and helped families recover after local disasters, including home fires. Nationally, volunteers represent more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce providing comfort and relief in the face of emergencies.

“Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the Red Cross,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. “Their support is immeasurable. Without the gift of their time and talents, we wouldn’t be able to help people in what can be their darkest hour.”

The combination of heartbreaking home fires and the worsening climate crisis iscreating a critical need for disaster volunteers. Last year, the country saw an all-time high of billion-dollar disasters which forced hundreds of thousands of people out of their homes.

In Southeastern Pennsylvania alone, our volunteers responded to more than 775 disasters, mostly home fires, providing nearly 2,500 people with emergency assistance, including financial support, recovery planning, emotional and health support and more. Eighty-five of our local volunteers also deployed over 200 times across the country to support national disaster relief operations.   

JOIN US ─ VOLUNTEER

While volunteers of all types are needed, the Red Cross has a critical need for four specific positions. These roles are a great fit for those who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Free training will be provided. 

• Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers, people can be a source of refuge and comfort for neighbors when they need it most. DAT team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
• Recovery Client Care associates volunteer from home or from a Red Cross facility to provide advocacy and guide those impacted by a disaster through their recovery phase.
• Shelter Services volunteers support the day-to-day activities within an emergency shelter. This includes helping residents in different shelter areas such as reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information or others.
• Duty Officer volunteers liaison with local authorities from home and dispatch Disaster Action Team volunteers to meet with families impacted by home fires and other disasters.

Just like the people served by the Red Cross, the organization is proud its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome.

This Volunteer Week, the Red Cross is inviting community members to put on a red vest and join the team. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.