It’s a Great time to Volunteer!
Become part of Red Cross Disaster Services

Newton, NJ, March 16, 2011 – The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross has scheduled a series of training classes for volunteers interested in helping with Disaster Services. Disasters can happen anywhere at any time. Thanks to the assistance and commitment of  local volunteers, the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross provides emergency services 24/7, responding when a single family or an entire community is affected by a disaster such as fire, flood, or hurricane.

Volunteer Coordinator, Lauri Gill said, “Volunteers who are ready and trained are essential to the chapter’s ability to respond 24/7 when people need Red Cross Disaster Services”. The process of becoming a volunteer includes completing an application and a brief interview, a criminal background check, and attendance at a one-hour orientation meeting. The process is quick and simple.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities with the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross, visit www.sussexredcross.org or call Lauri at 973-579-1600. All classes will be held at local Red Cross Headquarters, 93 Spring Street, Suite 101, Newton. To participate in the following classes you must be a registered volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Disaster Services:  An Overview:  March 24, 2011 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.   This course provides information about ways participants can help their community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters. Participants also learn about volunteer opportunities at their local Red Cross chapter.

Mass Care:  April 6, 2011 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.  This course will provide an overview of the activities performed by Red Cross Mass Care workers in support of a disaster relief operation.

Shelter Operations:  April 19, 2011 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  This basic level Disaster Services course will prepare employees and volunteers of the Red Cross to manage shelter operations effectively and sensitively as a team while meeting the needs of people displaced as a result of a disaster.

Shelter Simulation:  April 27, 2011 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  The purpose of this training is to provide participants with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities required to operate a successful shelter.

Client Casework:  May 9 & 11, 2011 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  This course will prepare volunteers to perform the tasks of an individual Client Services casework service associate.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.sussexredcross.org or call our office at 973-579-1600.