National Volunteer Week: Red Cross thanks volunteers for stepping up during COVID-19

MIAMI, Fla. (April 19, 2021) — National Volunteer Week is April 18-24, and the South Florida Red Cross recognizes its volunteers who continue to work tirelessly to help people in need during COVID-19.

In South Florida, more than 2,174 people volunteer with the Red Cross by responding to home fires and other disasters, providing emergency assistance to military families, and much more. These individuals are among the more than 300,000 volunteers who comprise more than 90% of the national Red Cross workforce.

“We are grateful for the dedication of our volunteers, whose support make a compassionate difference for our neighbors in need,” said Tiffany Page, Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the South Florida Red Cross. “Their support during disasters and other emergencies has been more critical than ever, as families cope with increased anxiety and financial strains brought on by the pandemic.”

In 2021 alone, the South Florida Red Cross has supported more than 1,058 people following more than 230 home fires. South Florida volunteers assisted with their urgent needs such as emergency sheltering, disaster health and mental health services, financial assistance, and recovery planning. Home fires are a constant threat and volunteers are needed to help respond in the South Florida Region.

WHY I VOLUNTEER Inspirational volunteers, like South Florida Red Cross volunteer Ruben Miguel Daniel, Jr. are living examples of the power of giving back and being a volunteer. He began volunteering on the Disaster Action Team, but now, with years of volunteer experience, he is also involved with the Home Fire Campaign, Service to the Armed Forces, and other initiatives across the region. 

Daniel says he is motivated by the sheer fact of making a difference in the world. It helps him look at things in a different light. “Apart from doing good for other people that you don’t even know, it’s good for my soul. It’s good for me to see the best in things.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP Become a Red Cross volunteer to help ensure families don’t face emergencies alone. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more, including about our most-needed volunteer positions:

• Disaster Action Team: Most of the U.S. disasters that the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes are local home fires, which can destroy nearly everything a family owns in a matter of minutes. Partnering with local fire departments, Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers connect with families by video or phone call to provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.

• Volunteer from home (virtual positions): Help from the comfort of your own home through a wide range of virtual opportunities, including:
  • Disaster Preparedness volunteers: Through virtually hosted presentations, teach people how to reduce the risk of disaster, prepare to respond effectively, and cope with disasters when they happen.
  • Disaster Health & Mental Health volunteers: Compassionate, (licensed) professionals that can virtually help meet the medical and emotional needs of those impacted by small- and large-scale disasters.
  • Service to the Armed Forces volunteers: Help members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service.

You can also make a lifesaving difference by making a financial donation at redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida and visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.