Katrina Relief Volunteers Needed

UPDATE: Updated September 11, 2005. Originally posted September 1, 2005.

The Red Cross is looking to recruit 40,000 new volunteers to help bring safe shelter, food and comfort to those touched by Katrina.

To Volunteer contact your local Red Cross chapter. Well-meaning individuals are urged not to report directly to the affected areas.

Please help the Katrina survivors by contributing to your preferred charity or one of these agencies.

If you are looking for Missing Katrina Victims see this post.

If you wish to offer housing to Katrina Victims see this post.

New London's The Day reports the southeastern Connecticut chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help with Katrina Relief:

This Friday and Saturday, the offices will host two all-day training sessions to “fast track” new volunteers to help with disaster relief in the regions affected by Hurricane Katrina, Bolen said. Nationally, the Red Cross is looking for 9,000 volunteers to respond to the scene.

“If there's somebody who can make a three-week commitment, they can really make a difference,” she said. “It will be a hardship disaster assignment. The volunteers may have to sleep in tents or in community shelters, and there may be no electricity or air conditioning.”

Friday's session will teach new volunteers the ins and outs of disaster relief, while Saturday's session will focus on CPR and first-aid training. The Red Cross will conduct interviews and complete approval processes for new volunteers on an expedited schedule to enable those who qualify to leave for the hurricane zones by Monday or Tuesday, Bolen said.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and healthy. Transportation will be provided by the Red Cross.

If you are at least 18, healthy and can commit for three weeks, here's a chance to make difference. If you can't do that consider making a donation to your preferred charity or one of these.

Tags: Katrina, missing persons, Missing Persons Board, Natural Disasters, Alabama, Florida, Jacksonville, Louisiana, Miami, Mississippi, New Orleans, flood aid, Hurricane Katrina

UPDATE: Those interested in volunteering should call:

Charter Oak Chapter - 877-287-3327
Waterbury Chapter - 203-755-1137

Comments

[HenriP]

I have gone on several sites looking for volunteer opportunities. I live in Calif and the Red Cross out here seems to be missing in action. I have the time as I am retired and was a medic in the Navy so I have some expertise in triage etc. comments please.