National Disaster Relief Work: Volunteers who wish to advance beyond local operations can become part of a qualified team of professionals who respond to large-scale disasters across the country. Volunteers serve on location in various parts of the country for two or three weeks, often times in very difficult environments including limited electricity, running water or shelter.  Must be willing to work as a team and can tolerate ambiguous situations.

Disaster Action Team Member: Respond to local disasters such as house fires and aprtment fires.  Volunteers provide assistance to families by arranging temporary housing, and vouchers for food, clothing, and replacement of necessary medicines, eyeglasses, and/or medical supplies. Program also uses licensed specially trained mental health volunteers that provide support to victims to assist with the emotional side of a disaster. DAT volunteers also provide emergency personnel on the scene of a disaster with respite care including hot and cold beverages, sandwiches and snacks.   To get started with you volunteer experience today, take the on line training course, Introduction to Disaster.

At a time when many of us continue to look for ways to make a lasting difference in the very community where we live and work, the Red Cross offers meaningful volunteer opportunities that will make a difference in your life and the lives of those we serve.  Whether it's responding to a local disaster such as a house or apartment fires, fighting hunger through our community food pantry program, or assisting blood donors who provide the gift of life, our vital work is made possible by people like you.

Learn how good it can feel to lend a helping hand by reviewing some of the volunteer opportunities listed below.  For more details or to receive a volunteer applications please contact Lauren Toomey, volunter coordinator, call us at 717-637-3768 or stop in at our Chapter. We will be glad to show you around, introduce you to our warm and inviting Red Cross family, and match your volunteer interests with one of our many opportunities.