On Monday of last week,  four victims of home fires turned to the Red Cross office for help, and during what was the beginning of a fairly typical week, Red Cross caseworkers were already responding to  multiple military emergencies – a mother needing to get a message to her son overseas that his grandmother has been diagnosed with cancer, a family requesting emergency communication services for notifying a soldier that her father had died, and a few calls to notify soldiers about the birth children-all just in the span of a few days.

Disasters and emergencies strike everyday across Central Louisiana , not just during hurricane or tornado season.  On the sunniest days, Red Cross volunteers are helping people through a disaster or emergency.  The most common disasters are home fires, where people tragically lose everything they own—clothes, food, medicines, mementoes and more.  The Red Cross responds to families on of the worst days of their lives.  On a daily basis, 24 hours a day, Red Cross volunteers answer calls for help–most of which are heartbreaking.  To help teach people to prevent and respond to emergencies, Red Cross also provides training in CPR, first aid, OSHA-approved workplace safety, babysitter certification, water safety, life guarding, and over 30 disaster response classes

Natural disasters and emergencies are increasing; longer deployments and multiple tours of duty are escalating the need for Red Cross Support for Armed Forces.  At the same time, volunteer participation is declining.   To meet the rising need, many volunteers are now working in multiple areas and roles, some on call around the clock.  The Red Cross needs people willing to volunteer a couple of hours from time to time ,and we need people who want to work in key leadership positions – First Aid & CPR Instructor, Public Affairs Supervisor, Newsletter Writers, Shelter Managers, Mass Care Administrator, Front Desk Ambassadors, Disaster Services and Military Caseworkers, Call Center Staff.  We need you!

To become a volunteer for the Red Cross, call 318-442-6621, ext. 211 or complete an on-line application by clicking on Vounteer on the homepage.  The Central Louisiana Red Cross needs you; join today!