Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

RENO, Nev. (April 16, 2023) — National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) is in its 49^th year, and the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is recognizing the event by highlighting the important contributions local volunteers make to the community.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity for the Red Cross to honor the selfless volunteers who support our community in countless ways,” said Mary Powell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “The Red Cross could not fulfill its mission to help people in need without the time and dedication of our volunteer workforce.”

Nationwide, more than 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by: Responding to thousands of disasters of all sizes; Supporting the collection of blood for lifesaving transfusions; Supporting members of the military and their families; Helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe; And much more.

“This year, more than 400 Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers have supported disaster relief, fire safety initiatives and preparedness education programs in the area,” said Powell. “In 2022, Northern Nevada volunteers and staff responded to more than 125 home fires and helped nearly 500 people in our communities.”

As part of its National Volunteer Week recognition, the Northern Nevada Red Cross is also drawing attention to the need for more volunteers. “Disasters caused by extreme weather events locally and across the country are just one example of why our need for volunteers continues to grow, and we’re putting out the call,” Powell said.

Help families in need by becoming a Red Cross volunteer
Visit recross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more. The Northern Nevada chapter needs volunteers for these positions:

• Disaster Action Team
  Provide emotional support, access to financial assistance, and valuable information to help families begin to recover after a disaster.
  Need 11 new volunteers
• Service to Armed Forces Caseworker
  Support emergency communications, financial assistance, and other services to veterans, service members, their families. and caregivers.
  Need Five new volunteers
• Disaster Workforce Engagement Team
  Support Disaster Services, work with disaster volunteers, and create volunteer engagement plans.
  Need three new volunteers

To sign up for a volunteer position in Northern and Rural Nevada, contact Ericka Smith at ericka.smith@redcross.org, call 775-225-3392, or 702-268-3207 or visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday. Free training and equipment are provided.

National Volunteer Week history
Established by Richard Nixon with an executive order in 1974, the week is dedicated to inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek imaginative ways to engage in their communities.

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.