Editorials

Volunteer Today To Help Those in Need

We all understand the importance of volunteering our time and efforts, and of organizations recognizing those who give of themselves. An organization seeking to honor its hundreds of thousands of volunteers is the American Red Cross. Those folks are the backbone of an effort that brings hope to those in crisis, in ways that go far beyond the blood drives with which we have all become familiar.

Among the ways in which volunteers work for the Red Cross are through the Shelter Support Team, supporting efforts to provide food and shelter during large-scale disasters; the Disaster Health Services Team, which is made up of licensed healthcare providers delivering care and education to those being sheltered; the Disaster Action Team, which provides comfort, food, shelter, supplies and support to families who have endured a house fire or other local disaster; and, of course, blood drive ambassadors and transportation specialists.

As Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley, put it, "Anyone can volunteer for the Red Cross."

Those who do face a growing workload. Just last year, Central Appalachia Region Red Cross volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to more than 1,200 local families who faced emergency situations. They trained over 20,000 people in lifesaving skills and provided over 4,000 services to military members, veterans and their families.

"The American Red Cross work force is made up of more than 90% volunteers, and as a result our frontline services are performed by them," Kesselring said. "We wouldn't have the ability to provide all the varied services that we do in the community if it were not for our wonderful volunteers. They give up many hours … and as a result, people are served."

Our communities are grateful for those who already volunteer for the Red Cross. If you are willing and able, consider getting in touch with the organization at redcross.org/volunteertoday. The need is great, but the willingness of local volunteers to meet that need is even greater.