HAZARD, KY — The American Red Cross asks you to consider giving the gift of your time this year and resolving to help people in need as a volunteer in Eastern Kentucky.

“Our volunteers make up 90% of our work force and are the beating heart and soul of the Red Cross,” said Debbie Ranier, executive director of the Red Cross Eastern Kentucky Chapter. “Their support is immeasurable. Their precious gift of time builds our capacity to help people in what can be their darkest hour.”

Depending on your interests, the Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities — from supporting a family after a fire in their home, helping a member of the military during an emergency, or helping us ensure blood is available for patients who need it. Example of a couple opportunities are:·

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.

Hero Care Caseworker: Support members of the military, their families and our veterans. Become a casework volunteer and help provide emergency communications and critical services to military families all over the world.

The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer and get started today.

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.