PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from Sept. 29.
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is issuing an urgent call for any Pennsylvanians who are willing and able to volunteer at disaster shelters in areas ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
In emergency shelters, Red Cross disaster volunteers provide people with a safe place to stay, necessities like food and water, and critical services like mental health support and basic health services such as replacing lost medications or medical equipment.
“When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “They truly are the heart and soul of the Red Cross — comprising 90% of our workforce — to help ensure families never face a crisis alone.”
Those interested in volunteering must be willing to travel and able to commit to a two-week deployment. The Red Cross says applicants do not need to have experience with disasters, but people with skills such as supervision, management or organization; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment are encouraged to apply.
All candidates will complete necessary training.
Volunteers are also needed here at home to support the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania’s daily services such as responding to home fires and flooding as a Disaster Action Team member, helping donors at blood drives as a Blood Donor Ambassador and supporting local military members, veterans and their families through our Service to the Armed Forces program.
Interested volunteers are urged to sign up today at RedCross.org/Volunteer.