National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 19 through April 25 and the American Red Cross of Illinois would like to honor those who are the heart of the organization ─ the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.

Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have helped and supported people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce, supporting blood drives, assisting veterans and military families, teaching lifesaving classes and providing comfort and support after disasters of all sizes.

Across the Illinois region people volunteer with the Red Cross by helping support blood collections, supporting our nation’s veterans through the Hero Care Network, responding to home fires in the middle of the night and so much more. Nationally, more than 325,000 individuals volunteer their time to support the mission of the American Red Cross. They join the more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers working for the good of humanity in more than 191 countries across the globe.

JOIN US As the Red Cross honors and recognizes our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we invite people to join a team working together to make an impact.

“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer for the Illinois Red Cross. “Join this generation of volunteers working together to bring comfort and relief to people in need.”

Right now there is a critical need for people to fill these roles. Free training will be provided.

• DISASTER ACTION TEAM The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.
• SHELTER RESIDENT TRANSITION ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. These caseworkers work with shelter residents to help them create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution, helping to jumpstart their recovery.
• BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.
• BLOOD TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS Our Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or our on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer you can choose shifts that fit your schedule. You will receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood and be on your way to the distribution site within 30-120 minutes. Your time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.

Your time and talents can make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

HOME FIRE RESPONSE Just in the month of April, across Central Illinois, local Red Cross volunteers responded to 11 home fires and helped 33 people impacted by home fires which account for most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country. Red Cross volunteers provided items to meet immediate needs after a fire and additional support in the form of shelter, health and mental health services and one-on-one support.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.