In Numbers : Central Appalachia Region
90 %
319 24 97 750
1,994
Percentage of workforce that is volunteer
Number of disaster deployments supported by Central Appalachia in 2020-2021
Number of states served by Central Appalachia in 2020-2021
Number of Central Appalachia volunteers deployed in 2020-2021
Number of home fires Red Cross responded to in Central Appalachia in 2021
Number of free smoke alarms installed in homes in 2021
Source : American Red Cross of Central Appalachia Region
Serving West Virginia
An individual doesn ’ t have to deploy across the country to be a Red Cross disaster volunteer . In fact , there is plenty of need for local volunteers right here in the Mountain State . Disaster doesn ’ t stop at the West Virginia state line ; the state has its own disasters , particularly with flooding and winter weather . Sometimes the Mountain State can even be impacted by hurricanes . All of these events can result in the need for shelter , food , disaster assessment and recovery planning .
On a daily basis , the Red Cross responds to residential fires reported from local fire departments by deploying a Disaster Action Team ( DAT ) to assist the occupants with immediate needs like overnight housing . DAT volunteers are a pivotal part of the local disaster response plan , and having volunteers willing to respond to fires within their communities to offer help , hope and assistance is critical to the Red Cross ’ mission delivery . Being a DAT volunteer is just one of many local opportunities where West Virginians can make a difference without leaving their own community .
Becoming a volunteer is simple . Individuals can visit redcross . org to apply , and once their specialized training is complete , they ’ ll be on the way to changing lives , whether locally or throughout the country .
“ If anyone has a desire to give back or help others , volunteering for the Red Cross is the way to do it ,” says Brothers . “ With the Red Cross , I am doing what I was put on this earth to do : serve my fellow man .” •
A Red Cross volunteer consoles a client after fire destroyed his home . Photo by American Red Cross .
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