Volunteering: The Heart and Soul of the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross relies on volunteers to fulfill our mission of providing care and comfort to those in need. We serve to relieve human suffering by preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies. These tasks could not be accomplished without the help of our volunteers. The Red Cross offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to fit many interests. Whatever your availability, the Red Cross needs you. Sign up today and begin a rewarding volunteer career with the American Red Cross.
What’s holding you back?
(Common worries about volunteering)
I’d love to volunteer, but I don’t have the time
We understand that our volunteers have busy schedules and work hard to accommodate them. Our Services to the Armed Forces and Speaker’s Bureau departments both offer flexible schedules perfect for the working adult or student.
I don’t have any specialized skills to offer
You’ll be surprised by what you can do! The most important thing to us is your willingness to volunteer, we are happy to provide any necessary training.
I want to help, but don’t know where to start
Below are some of our programs in which you can volunteer. If you have questions or want to get started call us directly at 858-309-1261, email us at redcross.volunteer@sdarc.org or browse a list of volunteer opportunities.
1. Services to the Armed Forces (SAF)
The American Red Cross provides essential reporting and communication services between military personnel and their loved ones worldwide. In addition to providing military families international connection and financial aid services, our chapter also provides support for local military installations. Professional and clerical volunteers help facilitate local military hospitals and branch medical clinics.
2. Blood Services
The Red Cross’s Blood Services conducts research and provides collection, testing, processing and distribution of blood and blood products for nearly 40 percent of the American public.
3. Disaster Services
Each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 70,000 disasters. The San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter responds to local disasters, statistically, every 28 hours.
Our disaster relief efforts focus on meeting people’s immediate needs which include shelter, food, health and mental health services. The core of the Red Cross disaster relief is to enable individuals and families to independently resume their normal daily activities. Red Cross disaster relief services are free, a donated gift of the American people.
4. Health and Safety
Health and Safety Services educate our communities about disasters and how to prepare for them. The American Red Cross teaches numerous classes such as CPR/First Aid, aquatic courses, care giving classes (i.e. babysitting training), and HIV/AIDS education.
5. International Services
International Services works with a global network of the Red Cross to provide emergency response, food programming, primary health care, water, and sanitation services.
In addition, our Red Cross tracing services and Red Cross messages help families separated by war or disaster to locate each other and relay messages.
6. Woman, Infants and Children (WIC)
Unique to our San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter, the WIC program strives to help pregnant woman, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy.
The WIC program provides vouchers for nutritious foods, at no cost. Our nutrition counselors and Registered Dieticians offer nutrition education, and our Certified Lactation Educators provide breastfeeding support. We also offer referrals to help clients find other services in the community.
So Now What?
(How to become a volunteer)
Download a volunteer application, submit a background check and attend the New Employee and Volunteer Orientation (NEVO)
Email: redcross.volunteer@sdarc.org
Phone: 858-309-1261
Fax: 858-309-1284