New Year's is the time for resolutions; resolve to become a Red Cross volunteer in 2022

Join those heroic individuals who give their time to help those in need

ERIE, JANUARY 19, 2022 -The American Red Cross needs your help in 2022 and asks that you to consider making a New Year's resolution to become a volunteer.

More than 2,800 people volunteer with the Red Cross throughout the 61-county footprint of the Greater Pennsylvania Region. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year. They help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world. In addition, as many as 2.5 million volunteer donors give blood and platelets every year.

"Our Red Cross volunteers support their community and neighbors in need each and every day," said Jason Bange, Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the American Red Cross. "In the last year, Greater Pennsylvania Red Cross volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to over 6,300 people affected by home fires and other disasters in Pennsylvania.

Here are a few positions we really need help filling:

Transportation Specialist: The critical link between blood donors and blood recipients. Transportation Specialists deliver blood, platelets and other blood products to processing centers and to hospitals for patient use.

An important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need, the Transportation Specialist is among the most important volunteer assignments within the Red Cross.

Disaster Action Team (DAT): Everyday people are forced from their homes due to fires, storms and other disasters. Single- and multi-family fires account for 90% of disaster responses. You can be part of a team that helps and responds to over 60,000 emergencies every year. From offering a caring and compassionate ear, to meeting the disaster-caused needs of individuals and households, such as lodging and clothing, and connecting them with long term recovery services, our volunteers ensure that families don't have to face tough times alone.

Find out more.

Training is free, but the hope you provide is priceless. Resolve to make a difference by turning tragedy into hope in 2022. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.

COVID-19 AND STAYING SAFE: The need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as the Red Cross navigates the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The safety of everyone is our top priority and our guidelines reflect the latest CDC safety recommendations. COVID-19 vaccination is required for in-person volunteer roles beginning January 3, 2022. When considering volunteer opportunities, review the CDC guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your health care provider and follow local guidance.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.