You know the American Red Cross – but did you know that 90% of our work is carried out by volunteers? Our humanitarian mission wouldn't be possible without these community heroes. Every day, ordinary people don red vests and step up to help their neighbors in need through the Red Cross. 

Whether responding to a home fire down the street or delivering lifesaving blood products to a local hospital, Red Cross volunteers commit extraordinary acts of compassion that make a difference in the lives of people experiencing emergencies, big and small.

Here are the top 10 reasons why you should volunteer: 

1. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people. When you join the Red Cross, you'll meet amazing people from all backgrounds who share your passion for helping others.
2. Volunteering can increase self-confidence. Your role as a volunteer can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment, increasing your self-esteem.
3. Volunteering can help you stay physically healthy. Many Red Cross volunteer roles can help get you out of the house and moving.
4. Volunteering can be fun and fulfilling! Explore new interests and passions, all while contributing to a meaningful cause. Many of our volunteers express how volunteering with the Red Cross has changed their life.
5. Volunteering can help you learn new skills. Many Red Cross positions include training and the opportunity to experience new adventures. Look at opportunities that may be a little outside your comfort zone. 
6. Volunteering has a happiness effect. There's a reason we know the phrase, "it's better to give than receive." When you give back to others, you'll feel happy knowing you made a difference. 
7. Volunteering can bring meaning and purpose to your life. The mission of the Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering. As a volunteer, your work will positively impact the people we serve. 
8. Volunteering can make a difference in someone's life. The impact is real whether you’re helping a family that just had a fire or supporting the collection of lifesaving blood. You'll get to hear these stories firsthand. 
9. Volunteers can travel to support major disaster operations. After you’ve received the necessary training, volunteers have the opportunity to deploy to support large-scale disaster relief operations across the country.
10. Volunteer from home! That's right, in your pajamas! The American Red Cross has many virtual volunteer positions available.

The American Red Cross can help connect your skills, availability, and interests with needs in your community. These are the most needed volunteer positions in South Carolina:

Disaster Action Team  
Every day, disasters, such as home fires and storms, devastate families. Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers sign up for on-call shifts to help provide 24-hour support in response to local disasters. 

Blood Donor Ambassador  
Be part of saving millions of lives each year by assisting as a Blood Donor Ambassador and welcoming donors giving the ultimate lifesaving gift. Blood donor ambassadors provide friendly support to donors before and after they give, including registration, answering questions, and the refreshments table. 

Blood Transportation Specialist  
As a Blood Transportation Specialist, you’ll serve as the critical link between blood donors and patients in need by delivering blood products to hospitals. You can choose regular routes, stand-by emergency deliveries, or both if you have a valid state driver's license and at least 3 years of licensed driving experience. 

Hero Care Network Volunteer 
Ensure military families' needs are met when faced with an emergency. Volunteers interested in working one-on-one with families and with good communication skills, empathy, and attention to detail could be a good fit. Approximately 8 hours of training required. 

Learn more by visiting RedCross.org/Volunteer or by calling (803) 386-7646.