Volunteer Opportunities: Disaster Relief & Military Services
Local Disaster Volunteers
More than 140 disasters a year strike Central Illinois and volunteers are always needed to help in times of disaster. Disaster volunteers in the Central Illinois Chapter receive hours of on-the-job training in Central Illinois. Opportunities can include but are not limited to disaster casework, mass care feeding and shelter, or disaster assessment. Volunteers can train to be on-call 24 hours a day as part of a larger disaster team or be trained to respond when larger disasters strike the Central Illinois Area.
To find out how you can help, contact Volunteer Coordinator Sue Barlow at (309) 677-7272.
Donations or Fundraisers
The Central Illinois Chapter strives to provide each and every disaster victim with the utmost care. In doing so we provide every disaster victim with a new blanket, free of fire or smoke damage, and comfort kits filled with essential supplies like toiletries and personal hygiene items. These goods are provided at no charge to our clients. American Red Cross disaster assistance is all free of charge. In an average year the Central Illinois Chapter hands out more than 400 blankets and comfort kits to disaster victims in Central Illinois; we couldn't do it without your support.
Blankets: The chapter hands out new blankets -- collected or donated -- or purchases Red Cross blankets using donated funds for $4.95 a piece.
Comfort Kits: Comfort kits provide each client with goods they may need immediately following a disaster. Comfort kits can include but are not limited to tissues, shampoo, soap, toothbrush, washcloth, comb, lotion and razor.
If you, your social service group or church would like to hold a blanket drive or raise money to purchase blankets and/or comfort kits for disaster victims please contact Emergency Services Director Harley Jones at (309) 677-7272.
Military/Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) Volunteers
When war or peace-keeping operations send members of our armed forces away from home, the Red Cross, under Congressional Charter, is there. We share good news, solve family crises and connect loved ones thousands of miles apart. Emergency communications are handled 24 hours a day by Red Cross caseworkers. Volunteers are needed to communicate with local military families to ensure effective service and make initial contact with new military recruits and their families. Volunteers are also needed to work within the community with local military groups coordinating services and goods for military members and their families.
AFES Committee: We are always looking for volunteers or organizations that work with the military to join our Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) Committee. This committee meets quarterly to discuss military needs and acts as a central communication point for military members in the community and various support groups. Through the AFES Committee we have helped send care packages, hand out calling cards, raised money, and worked on various military projects throughout Central Illinois.
Donations: If you, your local social service or church group would like to make a donation to the AFES program, those donations can be used to purchase calling cards or they can be used through out AFES committee to help collect items or funds for postage in the sending of care packages to soldiers overseas.
To volunteer or learn any more about the AFES program, contact Emergency Services Director Harley Jones at (309) 677-7272.