Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas — As the American Red Cross responds to flooding in South Texas, the need for trained volunteers grows. The Red Cross is in urgent need of volunteers who can manage shelters that will serve as a respite for those who have fled their homes. Community members who want to help can attend a shelter training tomorrow, September 13th in Harlingen.
WHAT: Shelter training class will cover the following areas: setting up a shelter, Registration, sheltering pets, and connecting families with resources
WHEN: Thursday, September 13, 2018 @ 9:00a.m.
WHERE: American Red Cross Office
6914 West Expressway 83
Harlingen, Texas 78552
The minimum age requirement to volunteer is 18 and all attendees must undergo and pass a background check. The safety of those we serve and the volunteers who help them is of utmost importance. Procedures are in place to track who is volunteering for the Red Cross in an effort to keep everyone safe. This includes running a background check on all volunteers who will work directly with the people who turn to us for help or have access to funds. Volunteers also sign an agreement to abide by our code of ethics and conduct. Sign up at redcross.org/volunteer to begin this process and receive an invitation to the training.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the Red Cross mission by giving of their time and talents. Ninety percent of our workforce are volunteers and they carry out the mission every day for disasters both big and small,” said Danella Hughes, Executive Director, American Red Cross, South Texas. “You have the opportunity to provide comfort to someone on possibly the worst day of their life.”
We know Americans are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Unfortunately, collecting and sending food, clothing and other household items often does more harm than good. It takes time and money to store, sort, clean and distribute donated items, which diverts limited time and resources away from helping those most affected. Instead, the best way to support disaster victims is with a financial donation.
As the Red Cross launches a response to flooding in South Texas, you can help support immediate disaster relief needs by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross is a United Way agency that shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
