Volunteer Today!

: Monique Pilch (far left) and Sarah Neuenswander (far right) recently received the Distinguished Volunteer Award at the 2007 Volunteer Recognition event at the Dole Institute from Kristy Wempe, Health & Safety Marketing Director for the Douglas County Chapter.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross. Every day the Douglas County Chapter depends upon the energy and spirit of over 100 volunteers to provide services throughout our communities. It may be assisting victims of a fire, teaching lifesaving skills, donating blood, delivering emergency messages to members of the military, or helping people to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The role of the American Red Cross volunteer should never be underestimated. We view volunteers and employees as equals in our efforts to help others. Without volunteers, the Red Cross as we know it would not exist.

Many people are touched by the American Red Cross services — all made possible by volunteers who discover that helping others also makes them feel good about themselves. Those who wear the Red Cross emblem come from all walks of life and are all ages. Everyone has something special to offer.

There are numerous benefits for every volunteer of the American Red Cross. First, you increase your knowledge and skills that can be applied towards paid employment or other endeavors. Second, you can explore aspects of a career change or determine if you wish to seek education in a specific area. Third, you learn skills that can assist you, your family and friends. Finally, you help build a stronger Douglas County community and form new friendships.

We will tailor volunteer positions and schedules to suit your talents and time commitment. If you have ideas to share, talents and time to lend and the dedication to help others in need, please call our offices at 785-843-3550 to learn more about becoming a volunteer! The only requirement is that our volunteers share our enthusiasm for strengthening our communities through education and aid during emergencies or disasters.

Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities

: Ben and Joyce Friesen, long-time Disaster Services volunteers, receive the Distinguished Volunteer Award at a recent Annual Meeting. Also pictured is Kristy Wempe, Health & Safety Marketing Director.

Disaster Relief
Provide relief services to victims of fires, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Assist in the operations of emergency shelters. Join our Disaster Action Team — a group of dedicated individuals who respond to any community disaster 24-7.
Health and Safety
Teach the lifesaving skills of First Aid, CPR, water safety, and lifeguarding. Work at First Aid stations at community events. Volunteer for the Health & Safety committee, helping to plan various fundraisers throughout the year. Become involved with the KU Red Cross Club at the University of Kansas. Help maintain a sanitary health and safety working environment, including sterilizing manikins and parts.
Armed Forces
As an on-call caseworker, assist military service personnel in contacting their families during times of crisis.
Blood Drives
Greet donors as they arrive at our community blood drives. Help provide guidance and instruction to donors as they complete required paperwork. Assist donors from the drawing area to the food service section. Provide and/or serve refreshments and snacks to donors after their blood has been drawn. Strong and able-bodied volunteers are always needed at the beginning and end of the blood drive to help unload and load the truck that carries all of the supplies for the drive.

: Processing donations received from Douglas County residents to assist with disaster relief efforts following the Greensburg, Kansas tornado is volunteer Kristin Tirabassi.

Leadership
Provide guidance through service on chapter committees, or the Board of Directors.
Marketing
Assist in distributing brochures about our upcoming health and safety classes. Provide information about our services during local fairs and festivals.
Office
During times of a large local or national disaster, help answer the telephones. In the days and weeks following the September 11 terrorist attack, we received an average of 200 calls per day!