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PHOTO: Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers respond to local emergencies to help provide support for people in their greatest time of need. The Red Cross needs volunteers in several counties. (Red Cross file photo)
PORTLAND — The American Red Cross Northern New England Region is recruiting new volunteers to help respond to local emergencies to help support people in their time of greatest need.
Since July, trained Red Cross Disaster Action Team members have responded to at least 165 home fires in Maine, helping 603 people.
“Volunteering with the Red Cross is far and away the most satisfying, heartwarming and compassionate work I have ever done,” said Denise Martin, Maine DAT volunteer. “To be at the ground level, helping people out when disaster strikes, is so very rewarding. I am able to make an immediate difference when someone is unexpectedly having the worst day of their life,”
Training is provided for DAT volunteers, who help families with their immediate needs after a fire in their home and offer support during a very difficult time. They provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
“Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day by responding to local emergencies,” said Aaron McIntire, regional disaster officer, American Red Cross Northern New England Region. “We need more help, so no one faces this heartbreaking situation alone.”
The Red Cross is seeking new disaster volunteers in several counties, including Androscoggin, Franklin and Somerset.
The Red Cross also needs volunteers to support blood collections as the country faces an ongoing critical need for blood products and platelets. Volunteers great and register donors, as well as answer questions and provide information.
The Red Cross is seeking 116 blood donor ambassadors in almost every county. The need is greatest in Androscoggin and Cumberland counties, but volunteers are also needed in Franklin, Sagadahoc and Somerset counties.
The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is a top priority and guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles.
For more information, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
