SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – As National Volunteer Week is celebrated across the country, the American Red Cross of Illinois is recognizing the thousands of volunteers whose compassion powers the organization’s humanitarian mission. With more than 90% of the Red Cross workforce made up of volunteers, their contributions are essential to delivering aid in times of crisis.
Last year alone, over 5,000 Illinois-based volunteers supported blood drives, aided veterans and military families, and provided shelter to those impacted by disasters large and small. Nationally, over 300,000 American volunteers work alongside 16 million global Red Cross members to alleviate human suffering in nearly 200 countries.
“Our volunteers are true heroes,” said Kellie O’Connell, CEO of the Red Cross of Illinois. “They step up every day to support people in need and strengthen their communities.”
As the Red Cross now responds to a major disaster every two weeks, the need for volunteers is more urgent than ever. The organization is actively recruiting for critical roles including:
- Disaster Action Team members, who assist families after home fires and other emergencies
- Shelter volunteers, who support people displaced by disasters
- Blood donor ambassadors and transportation specialists, vital to keeping the blood supply moving
All are welcome to serve, and free online training is provided. To join, visit redcross.org/volunteer.