PHILADELPHIA, PA — The American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region is observing National Volunteer Week by recognizing the role of volunteers and highlighting ongoing needs for additional support across the region.
Volunteers make up about 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce, supporting a range of services including disaster response, blood collection, assistance to military families, and community education programs.
In Southeastern Pennsylvania, nearly 3,300 volunteers support operations such as blood drives, overnight responses to home fires, and outreach to veterans through the organization’s Hero Care Network.
Nationally, more than 325,000 individuals volunteer with the Red Cross, part of a global network of more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers working in over 191 countries.
Jennifer Graham, CEO of the Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region, said volunteers remain central to the organization’s work during emergencies and daily operations.
“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” Graham said. “Join this generation of volunteers working together to bring comfort and relief to people in need.”
The organization identified several roles with immediate need, particularly in disaster response and blood services.
Disaster Action Team responders assist individuals affected by local emergencies such as home fires, providing immediate relief, emotional support, and recovery resources on a 24/7 basis.
Disaster Action Team duty officers coordinate response efforts remotely, serving as a communications hub between volunteers in the field and local authorities, with a noted need for overnight coverage between midnight and 8 a.m.
Shelter resident transition associates work with individuals displaced by larger disasters, helping them develop plans to move from temporary shelter to more stable housing.
Blood transportation specialists deliver blood from collection sites across Southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey to laboratories in Philadelphia for testing and distribution to hospitals.
Blood donor ambassadors support blood drives by greeting donors, assisting with registration, answering questions, and helping ensure a positive donation experience.
The Red Cross said all volunteer roles include free training and flexible scheduling, allowing participants to volunteer regularly or on an occasional basis.
The organization is encouraging residents to consider volunteering as part of National Volunteer Week and beyond.
More information about volunteer opportunities is available at https://www.redcross.org/volunteer.
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