The American Red Cross has been searching for new interested volunteer members in the Missouri-Arkansas area as common summertime disasters such as flooding and wildfires increase.
With many disaster teams being relocated in the West to fight wildfires, the organization is seeking extra help as backup for local disasters.
Sharon Watson, Communications and Marketing Chief at the American Red Cross Missouri Arkansas Region explains while the pattern of summertime disaster rates are expected, COVID-19 has also affected their amount of volunteer workers.
“We have had volunteers step away when there is so much going on with the virus around the country,” said Watson. “But we have a lot of positions that are actually being done virtually now so there are still opportunities for people to volunteer, and ways for people to be utilized in a virtual world.”
Current positions the Red Cross is looking for include virtual and in-person disaster response volunteers, as well as blood service volunteers, where individuals support donors or help transport blood products across the area.
The organization is hosting a job fair in Cape Girardeau on August 5th where individuals can speak with past and present volunteers on their experience, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and sign up for current positions.
“90% of our workforce is made up of volunteers, and we wouldn't be able to do the work that we do for the communities without the volunteers we have helping support us,” said Watson.
The volunteer fair will be held from 10:00-11:00am at the American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 20 Southeast Mt. Auburn Street, Cape Girardeau.
Individuals seeking further information on becoming a volunteer for the Red Cross can visit RedCross.org/volunteertoday to look for specific opportunities and positions in their area.