As we near the end of 2021 and begin to think about our New Year’s resolutions, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region asks that you consider making a meaningful choice by becoming a Red Cross volunteer.
Locally, more than 1,700 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year. They help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world. In addition, as many as 2.5 million volunteer donors give blood and platelets every year.
“Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day,” said Guy Triano, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. “In the last year, local Red Cross volunteers helped provide food, shelter, comfort and hope to some 5,000 people affected by home fires and other disasters in Southeastern Pennsylvania alone.”
Some volunteers also provided more than 2,600 support service for military members, veterans and their families. Red Cross volunteers also helped staff more than 6,400 blood drives in Southeastern Pennsylvania in 2021.
Here are a couple of positions we really need help filling:
Blood Donor Ambassadors – Greet and register blood donors, monitor reception and hospitality/snack areas
Blood Transport Volunteers – Deliver blood and related products from our Philadelphia lab to community hospitals
Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Resolve to make a difference by turning tragedy into hope in 2022. There will also be a free virtual information session on Tuesday, January 11 at noon. You can RSVP here: https://bit.ly/resolve2volunteer. Or you can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get your application started now.
COVID-19 AND STAYING SAFE
The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is our top priority and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles. When considering volunteer opportunities, review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance.
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.