Red Cross seeks more volunteers in Pennsylvania’s rural areas

February 20, 2025 - 04:21 PM - Berks Weekly

The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is seeking dedicated volunteers in rural communities to respond to local disasters, help donors at blood drives and support community education and outreach efforts.

“Local volunteers are the heartbeat of the Red Cross mission,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “Their intimate knowledge of their neighborhoods, combined with our training and resources, creates an unmatched force for good. It all starts with neighbors helping neighbors.”

The Red Cross is looking for more volunteers in rural areas to: Respond to disasters. Help families after a home fire or other disaster by providing emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover. Help donors at blood drives. Engage with blood donors by greeting them at blood drives, helping them register, answering questions, providing information and assisting them at the refreshments table. Support community education and outreach. Attend events and activities to raise awareness around home fire safety and emergency preparedness.

In 2024, more than 3,400 volunteers supported the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. These volunteers provided care and comfort to families after more than 1,500 local disasters such as home fires and floods. In addition, Red Cross volunteers supported more than 5,000 local blood drives to help ensure patients had access to lifesaving blood.

The need to help has never been greater. Join the Red Cross to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/GPAvolunteer to learn more and get started today.