American Red Cross calling for volunteers

WICHITA, KANSAS – The American Red Cross responds to approximately 64,000 disasters each year and most are home fires. Red Cross Disaster Action Teams (DAT) are the first line of care, comfort and compassion for those affected by a disaster.

In Fiscal Year 2018, there were 482 DAT responses in Kansas and demand for DAT services is rising. To meet those demands, the Red Cross is making an urgent call for new volunteers.

“We strive to respond consistently in a proactive, timely and meaningful way, making services available to everyone who needs assistance,” said Shannon Wedge, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving South Central and Southeast Kansas. “To do that, it is essential that we grow our base of volunteers.”

No previous experience is required. Volunteers will be trained to respond to a scene of a disaster and properly assist those affected. The Red Cross is offering special disaster volunteer training sessions this spring.

The following training sessions are scheduled for Southeast Kansas:

• March 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Girard Fire Department (116 N. Ozark, Girard, Kansas)
• April 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Neosho Community College (800 W. 114th St., Rowland

  305, Chanute, Kansas)

For information on these sessions, contact Amy Lumry at Amy.Lumry@redcross.org.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities and to register as a volunteer, visit https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html.