Red Cross needs volunteers to support hurricane relief efforts

GOSHEN-The American Red Cross in Greater New York, Orange and Sullivan Counties Service Area, is actively recruiting volunteers to support in the relief and response efforts to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Volunteer orientation and preparedness training sessions, for hurricane as well as local disaster and community outreach response, will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, in Monticello, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14, in Harriman; and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Pomona. Visit www.nyredcross.org for a full listing of details, including how to register and exact locations of training sessions, or call 1-877-RED-CROSS ext. 2068. Over 40,000 new volunteers are needed nationally to help with the relief and recovery efforts, and the Greater New York area is being asked for 2,500 volunteers. The Red Cross is actively involved in providing aid and comfort to the tens of thousands of survivors of Hurricane Katrina and Rita. There are many opportunities for volunteers to contribute directly, either in the New York area or in the Gulf Coast states, over the next two or three months. Disaster Responders (Gulf region) Volunteers are needed to serve two-to-three weeks on assignment in the disaster-affected area of the Gulf Coast, staying in a staff shelter with limited running water and hardship conditions. Expenses are covered for travel, meals, assigned lodging and incidentals. Volunteer in client services, one-on-one with families; community services, provide sheltering and feeding at shelters; or logistics and material support services, ensuring the relief effort is supplied. At least three training sessions of three-to-four hours, an interview, and a background check are required. Must be 18 years of age or older, have a valid driver’s license, be able to be deployed with little advance notice, have Internet access, and an e-mail address. Caseworkers (Gulf region) Work directly with survivors of Hurricane Katrina to gather basic data, assess client needs and advocate on client’s behalf; provide casework intervention for clients undergoing major crises and may be experiencing grief and trauma; perform within a stressful and pressured environment, multitask, work cooperatively with other team members and be flexible. Social Work license (LMSW or LCSW) or current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate student in a social work degree program is required. Duties require a two-hour orientation session and a commitment of at least one six-to-eight hour shift per week, preferably evenings or weekends. Customer Services (New York) Handle a range of customer service and administrative functions in New York City area. Duties require one-to-two hours of training and a commitment of at least one four-hour shift per week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To make donations, call 1-800-HELP-NOW. Families can prepare for the unexpected by taking preparedness programs and buying preparedness products offered by the Red Cross on its website. For more information, call 1-877-RED-CROSS ext. 2068, or visit www.nyredcross.org.