LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2023 — It’s National Volunteer Week and the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is recognizing the work of the selfless Angelenos here who generously give their valuable time to support people in need.
Across the country, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to thousands of disasters of all sizes; supporting the collection of blood to help patients receive the critical care they need; supporting members of the military and their families; helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.
Last year, Los Angeles Red Cross volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to with more than 200 volunteers deploying across the nation to help families who faced emergency situations. Locally, they provided home fire preparedness education to 5,124 people and responded to over 300 home fires and provided more than 435 residents with disaster assistance.
“National Volunteer Week is time to honor these community heroes for their constant service and support,” said Joanne Nowlin, CEO for the Red Cross Los Angeles Region. “They are the true heart of the Red Cross.”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are more critical than ever as the climate crisis worsens and the need for shelter, hot meals, health services, emotional support grows. The Red Cross is now launching nearly twice as many relief operations for major disasters than we did a decade ago, and with hurricane and wildfire seasons on the horizon, we have a critical need to fill vital volunteer positions.