Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (April 16, 2023) — National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) is in its 49th year, and the American Red Cross of Utah 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 Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “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 1,200 Red Cross of Utah volunteers have supported disaster relief, blood drives, and free safety and preparedness education programs in the area,” said Ruster. “In 2022, Utah volunteers and staff responded to more than 200 home fires and helped nearly 800 people in our communities.”
As part of its National Volunteer Week recognition, the Utah 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,” Ruster said.
Help families in need by becoming a Red Cross volunteer
Visit recross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more. The Utah chapter needs volunteers for these positions:
To sign up for a volunteer position in the Salt Lake City area and Northern Utah, contact Julie Schwartz at julie.schwartz@redcross.org or 385-258-5310, or visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday. To volunteer in Central or Southern Utah, contact Bonnie Cook at bonnie.cook@redcross.org or 702-268-3207.
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.