Help Can’t Wait ─ Become a Red Cross Volunteer

You have the power to make a real difference, put on a red vest and join us

When hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters strike, communities are often left with critical needs for basics like food and shelter. You can be the one to help address these needs ─ as you provide comfort and help those impacted begin to recover.

Whatever your skills or passions, there's a volunteer opportunity that's just right for you. Whether you're delivering health services, supporting a shelter, or distributing relief supplies, your presence brings comfort to people in need.

The Red Cross has many opportunities for volunteers who wish to support disaster relief operations, whether it be close to home or across the country.

Travel to deliver shelter, supplies and support when it’s needed most. The first step to becoming a Red Cross Disaster Responder is to apply using our volunteer management system Volunteer Connection. Your local chapter will contact you once your application has been processed to discuss next steps. Free online training will be provided.

Does helping closer to home interest you? As a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member, you would be trained to help families in your community after a home fire or other disaster. DAT team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.

BLOOD SERVICES SUPPORT There is also a need for volunteers willing to support hospital patients who need blood and blood products as they fight to regain their health. If supporting our blood program interests you, there is a need for these volunteers:

• Blood donor ambassadors: Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information a nd assisting them at the refreshments table.  
• Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals. If you have a little free time, love driving and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer spot waiting for you. 

You have the power to make a real difference and support those in greatest need. Put on a red vest and join the team. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.