DENVER — National Volunteer Week is April 19 through 25, and the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming honor its volunteers who are helping people in need, even during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergencies don’t stop, and neither do local Red Cross volunteers, who are still providing care and comfort after disasters of all sizes, including home fires. In April alone, the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming volunteers helped 52 people affected by these crises, even while the pandemic continues.

Due to this coronavirus outbreak, volunteers are providing relief services after home fires virtually, in coordination with local fire departments. Connecting with families by phone or video calls, we’re helping to provide support like lodging, health and mental health services and emergency financial assistance, as well as link people to available recovery resources.

Here in Colorado and Wyoming, more than 2,700 people volunteer with the Red Cross by providing emergency assistance to military families, responding to home fires in the middle of the night, teaching children and adults preparedness classes and so much more. These individuals are also among the more than 300,000 volunteers who comprise more than 90 percent of the national Red Cross workforce.

“Red Cross volunteers keep our communities strong,” said Andrea Carlson, Communications Officer for the Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming. “We honor these true heroes who give their time to help people in need.”

Last year, Colorado and Wyoming Red Cross volunteers provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to 2,067 people affected by home fires and other disasters in our two-state region, they also helped train 64,124 people in lifesaving skills and provided 3,156 services to military members, veterans and their families.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER
Our need for volunteers is constant and continues to evolve as we navigate this coronavirus health crisis. Volunteer opportunities include supporting blood donations and delivering much-needed disaster services to your community. We even have a wide variety of volunteer-from home opportunities available. Find out more.

Interested in serving? Everyone’s safety is our top priority. Please review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for people who are at higher risk for severe illness, consult your healthcare provider and follow local guidance.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.