American Red Cross honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The American Red Cross is recognizing the contributions of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week, observed April 19–25.
The American Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas said volunteers are the backbone of the organization, contributing their time and talent to support its mission each day.
Since its founding in 1881, generations of volunteers have helped people in need. Volunteers make up about 90% of the Red Cross workforce, assisting with blood drives, supporting veterans and military families, teaching lifesaving skills and providing aid after disasters.
In Missouri, nearly 3,600 people volunteer with the Red Cross, supporting blood collections, assisting veterans through the Hero Care Network and responding to emergencies such as home fires.
Nationally, more than 325,000 volunteers support the organization, alongside more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers in over 191 countries.
“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” said Micheal Sullivan, executive director of the Red Cross of Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas. “Join this generation of volunteers working together to bring comfort and relief to people in need.”
The organization said there is an urgent need to fill several volunteer roles, with free training provided.
Disaster Action Team volunteers respond to local emergencies, including home fires, providing immediate relief, emotional support and recovery resources.
Shelter Resident Transition associates work with people displaced by larger disasters to help them move from temporary shelters to stable housing.
Blood Donor Ambassadors assist at blood drives, greeting donors and helping ensure a positive experience.
Blood Transportation Specialists deliver blood and blood products to hospitals, responding to scheduled and urgent needs.
More information about volunteering is available at Become a Volunteer | American Red Cross.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief, supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches lifesaving skills, distributes humanitarian aid and supports military members, veterans and their families.
