Volunteers needed at American Red Cross

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers. 

From house fires to hurricanes, volunteers make up about 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce.  

“As we all know, we do not wish disaster on anybody. But, if there is going to be a disaster, we really want to be able to be there to help serve those that are in need,” said Courtney Calvert, Disaster Program Specialist for American Red Cross. “At this point, we do that in multiple ways. Most commonly what we are looking at right now is those that are interested in deploying. All that is needed for this is somebody that are willing to be flexible and commit to go serve clients that are in need.”  

Natural disasters seem to be getting more common.

The Red Cross will always be there, but they could really use your help.  

Volunteers provide emotional support, safe shelter, vital supplies and more.

“I personally just got back from helping with Hurricane Idalia and even though there is a small shelter, every single client was so happy to be there because it gave them the chance to move on to their next step,” said Calvert. “One of the most common things we do is provide a safe place to stay for our clients along with food.” 

The American Red Cross is willing to train its new volunteers. 

Training sessions are set for Tuesday morning at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Both sessions will be held at the American Red Cross on South Access Road in Chattanooga.

Sessions only last an hour, and all are welcome! 

“There are training opportunities where we will go through things that we do with the shelters, damage assessment or disaster assessment, and the logistics overview that would give people a preview of what we do,” said Joe Leedie, Disaster instructor and Logistic leader at American Red Cross. “Then do the training sessions to bring them up to speed so they can actually be participating helpers.”