Red Cross needs Disaster Response Volunteers

The Palmetto South Carolina Region of the American Red Cross is in need of volunteers and is inviting the community to attend a volunteer orientation to learn more about opportunities to provide Red Cross services to friends, neighbors, and others affected by disasters. A volunteer orientation takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 27 from 6-9:30pm in the Pickens Red Cross Office, which is located at 509 South Lewis Street. Every day, around the clock, in South Carolina, Red Cross volunteers help families affected by disasters. The Red Cross is especially in need of volunteers that can be trained to be part of the Disaster Action Team and go to the scene of home fires to help provide services to families. The Red Cross is the only social service organization at the scene of residential fires providing immediate emergency relief of temporary shelter, financial assistance for food and clothing, and other related needs. Volunteers make up 96% of the Red Cross workforce. These volunteers represent a variety of age groups and skill sets and the Red Cross provides free training to its volunteers. In addition to disaster services, office and community event volunteers are also needed. Volunteers with the American Red Cross can set flexible schedules in volunteer positions that appeal to their specific skills or interests. In South Carolina, the American Red Cross, on average, responds to a disaster every four hours. Because of volunteers and financial assistance from the community, the Red Cross was able to help over 7,000 individuals affected by disasters in SC last year.