The North Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross has the mission of helping residents prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Contact: (352) 376-4669
Address: 1425 NW 6th St., Gainesville, FL, 32601
Who they are: The American Red Cross is a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement. The American Red Cross International Services has six main program priorities: emergency response, food security, organizational development, primary health care, tracing and Red Cross messages, and dissemination of international humanitarian law.
What they do: The North Florida Chapter of the American Red Cross provides help and services when natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes strike. They also provide a long list of services, programs, and activities.
What YOU can do to help: Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
Disaster Services: After taking classes to become a disaster volunteer, you will be ready to help when natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.) strike. Volunteers work at feeding stations and shelters, verify family and individual needs arising from the natural disaster, help respond to health care needs, and help enable victims of disasters to live independently by providing funds to pay for clothing and home repairs for example. Disaster volunteers can also be on committees that create disaster plans and recruit resources in the community. Some volunteers serve on the Disaster Action Team (DAT). These volunteers respond immediately to fires and are trained to assist people with housing and clothing needs after a fire.
Teaching Courses: Volunteers are needed to teach CPR, first aid, swimming, and various safety and health courses to people in the community. They teach these courses in workplaces, community centers, schools, and offices at the Red Cross. If you need training before you become an instructor, the Red Cross will provide it.
Marketing/Public Affairs: Volunteers are needed to make presentations about Red Cross services and programs, write articles, and help research information. Volunteers also assist with invitations, bulk mailings, and data entry.
General Office: Volunteers are needed for various office tasks such as typing, filing, data entry, record-keeping, switchboard, and copying. The office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General Help: Volunteers are needed to help arrange various stock items, keep inventory of these items, stock these items, and clean the place.
Special Events: Volunteers are needed to help with special events and marketing these events, including CPR Saturday. Volunteers distribute brochures with “life-saving” information in them at tradeshows, health fairs, and various events.