Red Cross celebrates volunteerism, MLK Day of Service

Press release from the American Red Cross:

American Red Cross Celebrates Volunteerism, MLK Day of Service in January
Calls on individuals, community to get involved in New Year

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross is led by volunteers that constitute 96% of its total work force in order to carry out its humanitarian work. This New Year, the local Red Cross calls on individuals to give back to their community through the efforts of the organization and a varied array of volunteer opportunities for all interests, making a difference in not only their community, but also in their own lives.

In recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 18, the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana will coincide several efforts in honor of the day, including taking part in the 25th Annual MLK Unity Day celebration at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, Bishop Luers High School students collecting contributions for the local chapter, and partnering with Disney in its new ‘Give a Day, Get a Disney Day’ initiative to promote volunteerism and service throughout the country in the New Year.

In addition, the American Red Cross places special emphasis on recruiting volunteers of all backgrounds to carry out its humanitarian mission in the New Year. These opportunities include:

• Red Cross Disaster Services: serve as on-call caseworkers for victims of house fires and other natural and man-made disasters, including large disasters such as floods and tornadoes that displace large numbers of people.
• Health & Safety Services: teach lifesaving skills in first aid, CPR, babysitting, pet first aid, and more in community classes.
• Service to the Armed Forces: assist military families and their loved ones around the world with emergency communication and notifications.
• Multicultural Information Exchange (MIX) program: utilize foreign language skills with translations, interpretations, and international tracing.
• Blood drive and donor center volunteers: provide customer service, pre-donation instructions and refreshments for donors.
• Community outreach events: present Red Cross services, preparedness information, and other items of interest to local organizations and groups.
• Clerical help: answering phones, mailings, data entry and general office duties.

The Red Cross is changing lives each day. Volunteers are needed in all counties of the local Red Cross’ jurisdiction, including Allen, DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, Wells, Whitley, and Williams (Ohio). Training is provided. For more information on how you can get involved with Red Cross Humanitarian Services please contact Amy Simpson at (260) 484-9336, ext. 254 or simpsonamy@usa.redcross.org or visit www.redcrossofnei.org. For more information on how you can get involved with Red Cross Blood Services please call Pam Schroeder at (260) 480-8218 or visit RedCrossBlood.org.

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