As the nation prepares for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the American Red Cross recognizes the volunteers who comprise more than 90% of our workforce,

Committed to helping all those in need, they deliver emergency support such as disaster relief, lifesaving blood, critical services for military families and veterans, lifesaving skills like CPR, international aid and so much more every day.

WHY I VOLUNTEER Sidney Murray II began volunteering eight years ago with the Red Cross to make a difference in his community. Over the years, he’s helped in many ways, including providing care and comfort to families displaced by home fires, supporting military families, welcoming blood donors to blood drives and delivering food to people unable to leave their homes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sidney enjoys “the real tangible ability to help people in real time,” noting that helping others makes a difference — both for families in need and himself.

“If you try it once, you will see not only how you impact those in need, but how you are impacted,” he said.

HOW TO HELP On this day of service, consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Your support makes our humanitarian mission possible. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday – or email MAVolunteers@redcross.org to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions with COVID-19 safety precautions in place:

Blood donor ambassadors and transportation specialists: Blood donations are essential to the health of our communities, and blood donor ambassadors are a vital part of this work by welcoming visitors and taking their temperatures before entering Red Cross facilities and blood drives. Visitors could include potential blood donors, people seeking help, training course participants, and Red Cross employees and volunteers. We also have a high priority need for transportation specialists to help deliver blood from our facilities to local hospitals.

Disaster response volunteers (virtual): Most of the U.S. disasters that the Red Cross responds to every eight minutes are local home fires, which can destroy nearly everything a family owns in a matter of minutes. Partnering with local fire departments, Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers connect with families by video or phone call to provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.

Volunteer from home (other virtual positions): Help from the comfort of your own home through a wide range of virtual opportunities. Learn more.