Critical mission volunteers needed for local, state, national emergencies

The American Red Cross is looking for Lawrence Countians to help out in times of emergencies.

“The American Red Cross, Ohio River Valley is in desperate need of Disaster Assistance Team members,” said Ed Helphinstine, the Disaster Program Manager for the Ohio River Valley Red Cross. “These hometown heroes respond to house fires, flooding, tornados and other disasters here in our community helping residents with shelter, food, health and mental health services.”

Disaster volunteers also assist police and firefighters by providing canteen services during ongoing response situations.

These highly trained volunteers can also choose to help at a national level, responding to hurricanes, wildfires and other natural and manmade disasters.

The Red Cross will be setting up at the Walmart in South Point from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on  Oct. 17 to explain their mission and how people can get involved.

“Volunteers carry out 90 percent of the humanitarian work of the Red Cross,” Helphinstine said. “Please consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer.”

If you, or someone you know would like to serve in Adams, Brown, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike or Scioto counties as a Red Cross Disaster Action Team member, please contact the Ohio River Valley Red Cross at 740-354-3293 or online at www.redcross.org/volunteer.