Red Cross Needs Disaster Response Volunteers in South Carolina
January 8, 2015
Volunteer Orientations Being Held Across the State
The Palmetto South Carolina Region of the American Red Cross is in need of volunteers and is inviting the community to attend a New Volunteer Orientation to learn more about opportunities to provide Red Cross services to friends, neighbors, and others affected by disasters.
Every day, around the clock, in South Carolina, Red Cross volunteers help families affected by disasters. The Red Cross is especially in need of volunteers that can be trained to be part of the Disaster Action Team and go to the scene of home fires to help provide services to families. The Red Cross is the only social service organization at the scene of residential fires providing immediate emergency relief of temporary shelter, financial assistance for food and clothing, and other related needs.
“Red Cross volunteer opportunities allow residents to make a powerful and positive difference in their community,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer for American Red Cross of South Carolina. “There aren’t specific criteria to meet when joining the team; if you are compassionate and dedicated, we have a place for you at the Red Cross.”
Volunteers make up 96 percent of the Red Cross workforce. These volunteers represent a variety of age groups and skill sets and the Red Cross provides free training to its volunteers. In addition to disaster services, office and community event volunteers are also needed. Volunteers with the American Red Cross can set flexible schedules in volunteer positions that appeal to their specific skills or interests.
Those interested in volunteering can register online to attend one of the upcoming volunteer orientations to learn more.
Charleston
Tuesday, January 13, 6-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
North Charleston Red Cross Office
2424 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406
Georgetown
January 28, 1-4 p.m.
Georgetown Red Cross Office
104 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440
Bluffton
Thursday, January 8, 6-9 p.m.
Bluffton Red Cross Office
59 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910
Hilton Head
Saturday, January 24, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC
Myrtle Beach
Tuesday, January 13, 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 10, 6-9 p.m.
Myrtle Beach Red Cross Office
3531 Pampas Drive, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Florence
Tuesday, February 3, 6-8:30 p.m.
Pee Dee Red Cross Office
1601A West Lucas Street, Florence, SC 29501
http://www.redcross.org/sc/florence
Colombia
Wednesday, January 14, 5:30-8 p.m.
Columbia Red Cross Office
2751 Bull Street, Columbia, SC
Greenville
Monday, January 12, 6-9:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 24, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Greenville Red Cross Office
940 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605
Rock Hill
Tuesday, January 20, 6-9:30 p.m.
Rock Hill Red Cross Office
200 Piedmont Blvd., Rock Hill, SC 29732
Spartanburg
Thursday, January 22, 6-9:30 p.m.
Piedmont Red Cross Office
131 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306
Pickens
Tuesday, January 27, 6-9:30 p.m.
Pickens Red Cross Office
509 South Lewis Street, Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-0131
Camden
Saturday, January 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
2671 Jamestown Road
Camden, SC
(803) 428-5760
Sumter
Saturday, January 17, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
1155-2 N. Guignard Drive
Sumter SC 29150
(803) 775-2363
In South Carolina, the American Red Cross, on average, responds to a disaster every four hours. Because of volunteers and financial assistance from the community, the Red Cross was able to help over 7,000 individuals affected by disasters in SC last year.
About the American Red Cross:
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 Redcross.org.
