Red Cross Volunteers Respond to 21 Fires in Chicago, Bolingbrook, Harvey, Lynwood, Melrose Park,  Crete, Blue Island, Joliet, Dolton, Libertyville, and Streamwood 

As we near the end of 2022 and begin to think about our New Year’s resolutions, the American Red Cross asks that you consider making a meaningful choice by becoming a Red Cross volunteer.

Locally, over 3,600 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year and deliver more than 6.4 million blood products to hospital patients in need. Volunteers also help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world.  

“Our Red Cross volunteers step up to help our neighbors here in Chicagoland and across the state each and every day,” said Celena Roldán, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Illinois “In the last year, volunteers responded to 1,721 disasters and helped over 8,000 people affected by tornadoes, floods, and home fires. Just imagine the impact you could make in 2023 by joining us as a volunteer.” 

1. Volunteering is good for you and our community. The top five benefits of resolving to volunteer in 2023 include: 
2. Meeting new people. Our volunteers are amazing individuals with diverse backgrounds that are inspired to give back, just like you. 
3. Learning new skills. Red Cross volunteer positions include free training and provide an opportunity to experience new adventures.
4. Being part of something larger. Become a vital part of the Red Cross and our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.  
5. Making a difference in someone’s life. Whether you are helping a family that just had a home fire or supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, your impact is real. 
6. Staying active. Many volunteer roles require physical activity which is great for your overall health.  

Here are just a few of the positions we need help filling (more information available at the links shown below):  

Blood Donor Ambassadors engage with blood donors at blood drives by greeting, registering, answering questions, providing information and supporting them through the recovery process at the refreshments table.  

Transportation Specialists help deliver blood from our facilities to local hospitals by choosing regular routes, stand-by emergency deliveries or both.  

Disaster Action Team Members sign up for on-all shifts as part of a team to help provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, ensuring that your neighbors have access to resources for necessities such food, shelter and clothing.  

Service to the Armed Forces Clinic Volunteer help enhance the morale of patients by providing direct and indirect assistance to patient care activities in military treatment clinics.  

Training is free, but the hope you provide as a Red Cross volunteer is priceless. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.   

Red Cross Home Fire Response  

American Red Cross volunteers responded to 21 home fires in Cook, Will, and Lake counties in the past week and provided assistance to 77 individuals, including 24 children, through supplying them with basic items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.  
   
If you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster, please call our dispatch line: (877) 597-0747.  
  
Home fires are the most frequent disaster and claim seven lives every day in the U.S. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in a home fire by 50 percent.   
   
Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for detailed home fire prevention and safety tips. Visit redcross.org/apps or search “American Red Cross” in app stores to download the app, which is compatible with Apple Watch and Android wearable devices  

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.