Are you looking for a way to give back in the new year? The local chapters of the American Red Cross need you to volunteer! “We are desperately in need of support to assist with home fires and emergency response locally,” shares Lindsay Taylor, American Red Cross senior volunteer recruitment specialist. She is the volunteer recruiter for the South Puget Sound (serves Thurston County), Northwest and King County chapters and hopes you will consider giving back with your time.
The Disaster Action Team needs volunteers to help with providing 24/7 emergency relief – comfort and support to individuals and families affected by local disasters. Lindsay says this is primarily home fires, floods and storms in our area. Volunteers offer essentials like food, shelter and financial help for immediate needs. “They are often the first Red Cross volunteers on scene, offering a compassionate presence and connecting people with longer-term assistance,” she adds.
Red Cross Disaster Action Team Needs Volunteers
Linsday needs recruits! “Due to the size of our chapter, which is the South Puget Sound region – Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Grays, Pierce, Jefferson and Clallam counties – we need many responders,” she says. “Responders work up to 24-hour shifts and the shift could be action-packed with multiple calls or nothing. These responders are leaving at all hours of the day during a shift, so it is vital we have full coverage with as many volunteers in the area as possible.”
As she mentioned, volunteers need to be available 24/7. Volunteers pick one day a week when they are on call, either a day or night shift. You must have reliable transportation so you can leave and get to ground zero as quickly as possible. Due to the nature of the position, volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
“Red Cross volunteers are crucial because they are the backbone of the organization, enabling it to provide immediate, community-based relief for disasters, like fires, floods, tornadoes, by offering shelter, food, comfort, and financial aid, while also teaching vital skills (CPR/First Aid), supporting military families, and ensuring the nation’s blood supply, making communities resilient and prepared when crises strike,” Lindsay says.
Wondering what a day in the life of a Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer looks like? Watch this video below.
So, who makes the perfect Red Cross volunteer? Lindsay says someone with strong communication skills; is calm under pressure; eager to help their community; and adaptable and reliable.
How to Volunteer with the American Red Cross
To sign up, visit the American Red Cross website or reach to Lindsay directly via email lindsay.taylor@redcross.org or phone, 360.790.2987. Below in the information needed:
Referral position: DCS: SPSO [County] Disaster Action Team (DAT) Specialist
Refer to: Disaster Workforce at NWRegionDWET@redcross.org
Make sure to sign them up for DCS Orientation
Other way to help is by volunteering virtually as a duty officer or recovery officer, giving blood or monetary donations. Monetary donations can be made on the American Red Cross website.
