By Alana Mauger

During National Volunteer Week (April 20-26), the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is celebrating the selfless volunteers whose unwavering support make it possible for the humanitarian organization to assist people in need every day. We’ll be featuring some of them every day this week on our blog!

Last year, nearly 3,000 Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross volunteers supported blood drives, assisted veterans and military families and provided food and shelter after more than 650 disasters of all sizes. In addition, 62 local Red Crossers traveled to other parts of the country to provide help after 24 large-scale disasters. Nationally, volunteers constitute more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce and are the cornerstone of its lifesaving mission.

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, some 16 million global Red Cross volunteers work tirelessly in nearly 200 countries to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Here at home, over 300,000 American Red Cross volunteers give their time and compassion to ensure that people are not alone during the most challenging times of their lives.

“During National Volunteer Week, we want to thank our volunteers for their service and support,” said Jennifer Graham, CEO, Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region. “Our volunteers are true heroes who give their time to help their local community and people in need all across the country.”

Visit the Red Cross Volunteer Week website to make a financial donation in honor of our volunteers or to share your own volunteer story!

Crucial Need for Disaster Support

Volunteers are more critical now than ever as the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster about every two weeks. These massive events, like storms and wildfires, are on top of the home fires which occur multiple times every day across the country. To make sure no one faces an emergency alone, the Red Cross has a crucial need for disaster volunteers and is actively recruiting to be ready for disasters of all sizes. 

Just like the people served, the Red Cross is proud that its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome at the Red Cross. While volunteers of all types are needed, there is a strong need for people to support disaster operations.

These are some the most needed positions in Southeastern Pennsylvania:

• Disaster Action Team (DAT): Help families in your community after a home fire or other disaster. DAT volunteers provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.  

• Shelter Volunteer: During large disasters locally or across the country, shelter volunteers provide comfort and care for people displaced from their homes.

• Recovery Client Care: Recovery Client Care volunteers to work with individuals and families impacted by disasters, including home fires. Volunteers can choose to work remotely using their own phone and internet or from the Red Cross House, which is our disaster recovery center at 40th and Powelton streets in Philadelphia.

• Duty Officer: Duty officers volunteer from home to dispatch local Disaster Action Team members to meet with families impacted by home fires and other disasters so they can provide temporary relief like shelter food and clothing.

• Disaster Health Services: Use your professional skills as a licensed healthcare provider to deliver hands-on care and education to people impacted by disasters.

This Volunteer Week, you’re invited to put on a red vest and join the Red Cross team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started.