During National Volunteer Week, the American Red Cross of Illinois is celebrating the selfless volunteers whose unwavering support make it possible for the humanitarian organization to assist people in need every day.

Last year, over 5,000 Red Cross volunteers supported blood drives, assisted veterans and military families and provided food and shelter after disasters of all sizes. Nationally, volunteers constitute more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce and are the cornerstone of its lifesaving mission.

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, some 16 million global Red Cross volunteers work tirelessly in nearly 200 countries to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Here at home, over 300,000 American Red Cross volunteers give their time and compassion to ensure that people are not alone during the most challenging times of their lives.

“During National Volunteer Week, we want to thank our volunteers for their service and support,” said Kellie O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer, Red Cross of Illinois. “Our volunteers are true heroes who give their time to help their local community and people in need all across the country.”

CRUCIAL NEED Volunteers are more critical now than ever as the Red Cross responds to a new major disaster about every two weeks. These massive events, like storms and wildfires, are on top of the home fires which occur multiple times every day across the country. To make sure no one faces an emergency alone, the Red Cross has a crucial need for disaster volunteers and is actively recruiting to be ready for disasters of all sizes.

Just like the people served, the Red Cross is proud that its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome at the Red Cross. While volunteers of all types are needed, there is a strong need for people to support disaster operations and blood collection efforts.

These are the most needed positions:

·       Disaster Action Team (DAT): Help families in your community after a home fire or other disaster. DAT team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.  

·       Shelter Volunteers: Ensure needs of shelter residents are met and help them access additional services.

·       Blood donor ambassadors: Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. 

·       Blood transportation specialists: Volunteer transportation specialists support hospital patients by delivering blood from our facilities to local hospitals. If you have a little free time, love driving and enjoy meeting new people, the Red Cross has a great volunteer spot waiting for you.

This Volunteer Week, you’re invited to put on a red vest and join the Red Cross team. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started today. Free online training will be provided.

HOME FIRE RESPONSE Over the past week, local Red Cross volunteers responded to three home fires and helped eight people in Belvidere, Freeport, and Rockford 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.

# # #