The Red Cross Wants You

 The American Red Cross will hold a new volunteer orientation session in Killingworth on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The American Red Cross needs volunteers for local disaster response, support of blood drives and for community disaster education presentations in Killingworth and surrounding towns in South Central Connecticut. At the orientation, potential volunteers can learn about the work of the Red Cross and the ways they can help their neighbors with Red Cross services.

“Volunteers are a vital part of the American Red Cross,” Sandy Murdoch, Director of Volunteer Resources with the American Red Cross, said in a prepared release. “Volunteers make up more than 95% of the Red Cross workforce and help to keep donated funds focused on direct service when people need our help.” Murdoch said that no special skills are needed to volunteer. “We can provide you with the training you need. The basic requirement for volunteers is a desire to help.”

The orientation will provide an opportunity to learn more about the work of the American Red Cross and the specific volunteer opportunities that are available. “This is an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people and help your neighbors,” Murdoch said.

Pre-registration for the session is required. Contact the Volunteer Resources team at (877) 287-3327 and select option 6 on the menu for details and to register. You may also request information or register by email to CTVol@ctredcross.org. Potential volunteers should allow some extra time following the orientation for a placement interview and to complete the volunteer registration process.

A broad range of volunteer opportunities is available. Training is available for all volunteer assignments.

The American Red Cross workforce is more than 95% volunteer. Its work is accomplished through the donations of time, money and blood by generous individuals.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.