Help with Hurricane Relief Efforts

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Local Red Cross Recruiting New Volunteers to Help with Hurricane Relief Efforts

Those interested in becoming volunteers should sign up at redcross.org/volunteers.

Thousands of experienced American Red Cross volunteers and employees are working around the clock to provide shelter and supplies to residents already affected by Hurricane Harvey or evacuating ahead of Hurricane Irma’s expected landfall. Because of these Gulf Coast deployments, the Red Cross is seeking new volunteers who can join with others from across the country to fill shelter worker positions that will be needed until at least November 1 st in the hurricane disaster areas.

People who are interested in volunteering through the Red Cross and meet the conditions listed below, should visit redcross.org/volunteer to apply to be a volunteer, complete the background check, and take required online trainings. Completing the process, which takes an average seven days, enables people to volunteer for large-scale disasters like Hurricane Harvey and Irma, but also be available when smaller disasters like home fires occur closer to home in their local communities.

Anyone interested in deploying as a Red Cross volunteer must be 18 or over and pass a background check. For an out-of-state deployment, volunteers must commit to being deployed for at least 14 consecutive days to keep Red Cross travel costs down. Volunteers must be willing to work 12-hour day or night shifts and be in good health with no physical limitations and able to lift 25 pounds. Volunteers must be comfortable staying in a staff shelter (a communal living situation with cots and blankets provided). Travel, lodging, and most meals are provided when volunteers deploy.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We know Americans are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster occurs. Unfortunately, collecting and sending food, clothing, and other household items often does more harm than good. It takes time and money to store, sort, clean, and distribute donated items, which diverts time and resources away from helping those who are most affected. The best way to support disaster victims is by making a financial donation.

The Red Cross has launched a massive response to these devastating disasters and welcomes financial donations that enable us to provide disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS, or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from this disaster.