Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (April 1, 2024) — Today marks the start of the 34th annual National Volunteer Month, a celebration throughout April that recognizes the profound impact volunteers have on their communities. The American Red Cross of Utah encourages participation in community service, not just in April for National Volunteer Month, but throughout the entire year.
“National Volunteer Month is a time to acknowledge the incredible impact of those dedicating their time and talent to effect social change and address the vast needs of communities,” said Heidi Ruster, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “The American Red Cross of Utah is dedicated to promoting volunteering as a key means to strengthen community resilience.”
Across the nation, over 275,000 Red Cross volunteers serve by responding to disasters, supporting blood collection for transfusions, assisting military families, and preparing communities for emergencies, among other vital activities. In Utah, over 1,500 volunteers supported Red Cross efforts in 2023, including responding to more than 250 home fires assisting over 800 people in need.
According to a 2021 study by the U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps, about 23.2% of Americans, or over 60.7 million people, have formally volunteered through organizations, contributing an estimated 4.1 billion hours valued at $122.9 billion. In Utah, nearly 1 million residents volunteered in 2021, generating an economic value of $2.7 billion.
Join us – volunteer today
As part of National Volunteer Month, the Utah Red Cross is highlighting the growing need for volunteers. “The increase in disasters, especially those driven by extreme weather events, underscores the escalating demand for volunteers. We're actively seeking your support,” Ruster said.
Opportunities to Help Families in Need:
Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to learn more. The Utah chapter needs volunteers for these positions:
Blood Donor Ambassador: Assist community blood drives by greeting, checking in, and thanking blood donors, ensuring a positive donation experience.
Disaster Action Team: Provide emotional support, facilitate access to financial assistance, and offer valuable information to help families recover post-disaster.
Home Fire Campaign Volunteer: Help by installing smoke alarms and educating families about fire safety.
About National Volunteer Month
Initiated in April 1991 as part of President George H.W. Bush’s Thousand Points of Light campaign, National Volunteer Month was designed to motivate and honor volunteerism nationwide.
Additionally, National Volunteer Week from April 21 to April 27 offers another avenue to celebrate volunteers and inspire further participation. Good Deeds Day, set for April 14, has propelled millions globally to volunteer since its inception in 2007.
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 follow us on social media.