National Volunteer Week is being observed April 19-25, and the American Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Oklahoma is honoring the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.

Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have helped and supported people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. Volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce and make it possible for us to shelter, feed and provide comfort after disasters; supply about 40% of the nation’s blood; teach skills that save lives; provide international humanitarian aid; and support military members, veterans and their families.

In the South Central and Southeast Oklahoma chapter, over 220 people vol- teer with the Red Cross by supporting blood collections, responding to home fires and other disasters in the middle of the night, and so much more. Nationally, more than 325,000 individuals volunteer their time to support the mission of the American Red Cross. They join the more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers working for the good of humanity in more than 191 countries across the globe.

“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” said Ryan Corley, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Oklahoma. “Join this generation of volunteers working together to bring comfort and relief to people in need.”

Right now, there is a critical need for people to fill these roles. Free training will be provided.

• DISASTERACTION TEAM The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and longterm recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.

• SHELTER RESIDENT TRANSITION ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. These caseworkers work with shelter residents to help them create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution, helping to jumpstart their recovery.

• BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.

Your time and talents can make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting redcross. org/volunteer. 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, visit redcross. org or CruzRojaAmericana. org, or follow them on social media.