| 2009-10-28 - Red Cross in Critical Need of Disaster Response Volunteers in Counties South of Pittsburgh |
PITTSBURGH – The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter responds to a disaster an average of nearly once per day, including once every three days in the rural counties south of Pittsburgh. When these emergencies strike, Red Cross volunteers travel to the scenes of these disasters, such as house fires and floods, and help their neighbors with essential needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
However, in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties, the chapter currently has a critically low number of volunteers available to fill this crucial role and is reaching out to the community for help. Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and continuing through Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Red Cross is holding its Southern County Disaster Volunteer Drive. The drive culminates with a Volunteer Orientation held at locations in Uniontown, Washington and Waynesburg on Nov. 10.
“The American Red Cross is prepared to respond any time disasters strike Southwestern Pennsylvania,” said Renee Willow, Emergency Services Volunteer Coordinator with the local Red Cross. “However, the Red Cross is in desperate need of more volunteer responders to assist the victims of these disasters with their most essential needs.”
Specifically, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to join its Southern Counties Disaster Action Team. These disaster responders undergo extensive training (provided for free by the Red Cross) and then take on-call shifts and respond to disasters (most often house fires) in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties; the chapter responds to a disaster an average of once every three days in this three-county region.
“This is a great opportunity for retired individuals or anyone looking to apply their life skills in a way that gives back to their community,” said Willow. “Being a Red Cross disaster responder is a challenge that is extremely rewarding.”
Those interested in this volunteer position must be at least 18-years-old and willing to be on-call at least seven evenings per month. Interested individuals are invited to attend the Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday, Nov. 10 for more information. The Orientation will feature a two-hour overview of Red Cross disaster response and will be held at the chapter offices located at 524 East Maiden St. in Washington, 108 Morgantown St. in Uniontown and 55 West Greene Street in Waynesburg.
The two-hour orientations will be held at each of the three locations at four separate times:
Those wishing to attend should contact Renee Willow at 888-217-9599 ext. 3136 to register or for more information. For more information on the local Red Cross, visit swpa.redcross.org.
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