Topeka, KS— The American Red Cross Greater Kansas Chapter needs your help in 2023 and asks that you to consider making a New Year’s resolution to become a volunteer.

Locally, more than 350 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year and deliver more than 6.4 million blood products to hospital patients in need. Volunteers also help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world.

“Our Red Cross volunteers step up to help our neighbors here in Greater Kansas each and every day,” said Jane Blocher, Executive Director of the Greater Kansas Chapter. “So far this fiscal year, volunteers have responded to almost 100 disasters, supported the collection of thousands of units of lifesaving blood, and helped military members, veterans and their families who needed services in more than 1,100 cases. Just imagine the impact you could make in 2023 by joining us as a volunteer.”

Here are the positions we need help filling in the Greater Kansas Chapter (more information available at the links shown below):

• Blood Donor Ambassadors engage with blood donors at blood drives by greeting, registering, answering questions, providing information and supporting them through the recovery process at the refreshments table. The highest needs are in Dickinson and Pratt counties.
• Transportation Specialists help deliver blood from our facilities to local hospitals by choosing regular routes, stand-by emergency deliveries or both. The highest need is in Garden City, where Blood Donor Ambassador is a brand-new position and 10 people are needed.
• Disaster Action Team Members sign up for on-call shifts as part of a team to help provide 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, ensuring that your neighbors have access to resources for necessities such food, shelter and clothing. The highest needs are in Pratt, Colby, Great Bend, and Garnett.

Across the Kansas-Oklahoma region, we are looking for:

• Disaster Action Team Duty Officers, virtual dispatchers who ensure timely activation and monitoring of local and regional Disaster Action Team (DAT) responses.
• Disaster Preparedness team members teach lifesaving skills, educate your community about disaster preparedness, or teach children what to do in case of a home fire.
• Service to the Armed Forces Caseworkers who can support and guide military families seeking Red Cross services, either in person or virtually.

Volunteering is good for you and our community. The top five benefits of resolving to volunteer in 2023 include:

1. Meeting new people. Our volunteers are amazing individuals with diverse backgrounds that are inspired to give back, just like you.
2. Learning new skills. Red Cross volunteer positions include free training and provide an opportunity to experience new adventures.
3. Being part of something larger. Become a vital part of the Red Cross and our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering.
4. Making a difference in someone’s life. Whether you are helping a family that just had a home fire or supporting the collection of lifesaving blood, your impact is real.
5. Staying active. Many volunteer roles require physical activity which is great for your overall health.

Training is free, but the hope you provide as a Red Cross volunteer is priceless. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.