NAPLES, Fla. (Jan. XX, 2019) — The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers in Naples to help respond to and provide relief to families impacted by local disasters such as home fires, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes.

Volunteers carry out 90 percent of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross. Each day, they help thousands of disaster victims, provide care and comfort to service members and veterans, teach others lifesaving skills such as First Aid and CPR and educate the community on disaster preparedness and safety.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Be a part of the lifesaving work of the Red Cross by signing up to volunteer. The Florida’s Southern Gulf Chapter needs your help to fulfill volunteer positions supporting the following areas:

·         Disaster Response: Disaster Action Team members are trained, dedicated volunteers who respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. They provide 24-hour immediate support and assistance to individuals who have been impacted by a home fire or other local disasters. From offering a shoulder to cry on, to meeting any immediate need and connecting people with long term recovery services - our volunteers ensure that families don’t have to face difficult times alone. 

·         Preparedness - Red Cross Disaster Preparedness volunteers teach people how to reduce the risk of disaster, prepare to respond effectively, and cope with disasters when they happen. Opportunities include educating youth on disaster safety, installing smoke alarms, educating families on fire safety, and engaging with community organizations to spread public awareness about disaster preparedness.

·         Sheltering - Sheltering is a key piece of Disaster Services within the American Red Cross. Our shelter volunteers are trained to help provide shelter for people displaced as a result of a disaster, such as a hurricane. Alongside other Red Cross shelter volunteers, you will help operate and maintain shelters, and assist the shelter’s residents by supporting their needs during a disaster.

“The Red Cross depends on our volunteer workforce. Volunteers are vital to our mission delivery and we are looking to grow our presence in Collier County,” says Jill Palmer, executive director for Florida’s Southern Gulf Chapter. “No experience is necessary, just a passion to help your community.

Locally, the Red Cross has been serving Collier County since 1917. Currently, the Southern Gulf Chapter serves over 1 million residents in Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties.

The Red Cross is always looking for people with various backgrounds, talents and skill levels to make a difference and help people in need. To learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to get involved, visit redcross.org/sflvolunteer or call 786-509-2350.

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 or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.

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