Linda Giarraputo, a Naples resident, saw the need for help in Southwest Florida communities after Hurricane Ian and immediately signed up for shifts as an American Red Cross Disaster Response volunteer. “I initially just donated money to the American Red Cross”, the first-time volunteer shared. Giarraputo has been on the scene serving meals at the North Collier Red Cross shelter in Naples, Florida since the hurricane left many Florida residents without access to their homes. “I try to do Sundays, that’s a good day for me because I do work”. 

The Red Cross event-based volunteer program makes it easy for volunteers to pick up shifts that work conveniently around their personal schedules. People from unique backgrounds, talents, and skill levels sign up to volunteer for the Red Cross as the needs change based on current events. 

“I feel blessed and honored to be able to help. It feels good to be a part of this community.” Giarraputo encourages those who have an extra few hours in their week to sign up for volunteer shifts, as there are still hundreds of people in shelters that are depending on the Red Cross and partner organizations for food, water, shelter, and other means of support. For more information on how to become a volunteer in your community, visit redcross.org/volunteer.  

Written by Jerrica Williams, American Red Cross 

Photo by Edgar Zuniga, American Red Cross