Red Cross in desperate need of Volunteers

With the devastation left by Hurricane Sandy as well as fires and other disasters, the American Red Cross is in desperate need of volunteers. Kathy Rogers, executive director of the Oconee County Chapter of the American Red Cross explains. “This is probably the first time in my 25-year career with the Red Cross we’ve had to set up special classes. We sent three last week that just had the training in Greenville, so it was like a crash course to get these folks trained and then deploy them. We have three in Oconee County that are on standby, because the volunteers go for a two week assignment and it is hard work and they quickly tire, then they come back and we send another group. When these three leave us in Oconee County, we will be in bad shape because these are three very dedicated volunteers that respond to our local calls.” If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the Oconee County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Rogers invites you to a meeting tonight. “There is a Disaster Team meeting tonight at the Chapter at 6pm. Even if you have not been online to fill out an application, just come to the meeting tonight see what it is all about. Beth Merritt will be there tonight hosting the regular monthly Disaster Team meeting, so anybody interested just come to the Chapter tonight.” The Oconee County Chapter of the American Red Cross is located at 224 East Main Street in Walhalla. The number to donate to the Oconee County Chapter of the American Red Cross is (864) 638-5619 extension 8630.