Local American Red Cross Holding Disaster Volunteer Drive in Fayette County
Chapter in Critical Need of Disaster Response Volunteers

UNIONTOWN, Pa. – The American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter responds to a disaster an average of once every week in Fayette County. Red Cross volunteers travel to the scenes of these disasters, such as house fires and floods, and help their fellow Fayette County residents with essential needs such as food, clothing and shelter.

However, the chapter currently has a critically low number of volunteers to fill this crucial role and is reaching out to the community for help. Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and continuing through Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Red Cross is holding its Fayette County Disaster Volunteer Drive. The drive culminates with a Volunteer Orientation at the Red Cross office in Uniontown on Nov. 10.

“The American Red Cross is ready, day or night, to respond to disasters right here in Fayette County,” said Renee Willow, Emergency Services Volunteer Coordinator with the local Red Cross. “However, the Red Cross is in desperate need of more volunteer disaster responders who can provide help to their friends and neighbors.”

Specifically, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to join its Southern County Disaster Action Team. These disaster responders undergo extensive training (provided for free by the Red Cross) and then take on-call shifts and respond to disasters (most often house fires) in Fayette, Greene and Washington counties; the chapter responds to a disaster an average of once every three days in this three-county region.

“This is a great opportunity for retired individuals or anyone looking to apply their life skills in a way that gives back to their community,” said Willow. “Being a Red Cross disaster responder is a challenge that is extremely rewarding.”

Those interested in this volunteer position must be at least 18-years-old and willing to be on-call at least seven evenings per month. Interested individuals are invited to attend the Volunteer Orientation on Tuesday, Nov. 10 for more information. The Orientation will feature a two-hour overview of Red Cross disaster response and will be held at the chapter office (located at108 Morgantown St. in Uniontown) in four sessions:

• 9 to 11 a.m.
• 1 to 3 p.m.
• 4 to 6 p.m.
• 7 to 9 p.m.

Those wishing to attend should contact Renee Willow at 888-217-9599 ext. 3136 to register or for more information. For more information on the local Red Cross, visit swpa.redcross.org.