NEW YORK, APRIL 17, 2022—This week, National Volunteer Week (April 17-23), the American Red Cross pays special tribute to all who give their time and talent to help their neighbors prepare for and recover from life-changing disasters, even in the face of an ongoing pandemic and the other uncertainties we are confronted with. The Red Cross relies on local volunteers, who make up 90 percent of the organization’s workforce, to carry out their mission.
“I feel richer every day for volunteering,” said Margaret Sukhram, a nurse practitioner from Long Island, of her Red Cross volunteer work. “I feel that I'm making a difference in people's lives. I love to see people smile. You can see relief in them when they know that people are listening to their stories. Volunteers for the Red Cross, I feel, are very special people, and I've developed great friendships with people both in different states that we keep in touch with and locally.”
“Our mission would really not be possible without our dedicated Red Cross volunteers who give so much of themselves to help others,” said Mary Barneby, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater NY. “I’m constantly in awe of our team members who are ready to respond at a moment’s notice — often putting their own lives on hold —to bring comfort and care to those suffering what may be the worst moments of their lives. I invite you to join our team, in person or virtually, for a chance to benefit those in need — and maybe yourselves as well.”
Red Cross volunteers were there for NYers after historic flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. They also provide much needed support after the home fires and other local disasters that upend lives every single day across greater NY. And when needed, they travel far from home to help those affected by tornadoes in Kentucky, wildfires out West, and hurricanes on the Gulf Coast, to name a few national disasters.
No matter where or when disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers help survivors find a safe place to sleep, get a warm meal, access financial assistance, and get emotional support. They share their expertise, counsel and, most importantly, hope.
Red Cross volunteers fulfill other vital roles, including coordinating blood drives, teaching emergency preparedness, supporting our military communities, and installing free lifesaving smoke alarms.
Please consider joining the Red Cross team. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more about becoming a volunteer.
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 @RedCrossNY.