CHAMPAIGN, IL. (Chambana Today) — American Red Cross volunteers responded to six home fires across central Illinois in the past week, providing assistance to 45 people affected by the disasters, including families and children.
Between late January and early February, Red Cross teams were called to fires in Champaign, Roberts, Peoria, and Georgetown. Volunteers offered immediate support to those displaced, including emergency essentials, temporary shelter assistance, emotional care, and health and mental health services. Red Cross workers continue to follow up with affected families to help meet longer-term recovery needs.
Anyone who needs help after a home fire or local disaster is encouraged to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.
The organization says the demand for assistance continues to grow nationwide, with a major disaster now occurring roughly every two weeks in addition to the daily response to home fires. As a result, the Red Cross is seeking more volunteers to help ensure no one faces a crisis alone.
The Red Cross welcomes volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Current high-need roles include Disaster Action Team members, shelter volunteers, blood donor ambassadors, and blood transportation specialists. Free online training is provided for all volunteer positions.
Those interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up at redcross.org/volunteer.