The American Red Cross depends on volunteers with various backgrounds, talents, and skill levels to help those locally and worldwide. Volunteers constitute 94% of the total workforce that carry out humanitarian work for the Red Cross.
The South Plains Regional Chapter has many volunteers that help with disaster relief in the 15 counties it serves throughout West Texas. Many volunteers also deploy to different parts of the country to help those in need.
Judy Pevytoe has been a full-time volunteer for the South Plains Regional Chapter for over a year. She mainly volunteers with the Disaster Action Team and in the office assisting with administrative tasks.
“After I completed the application and orientation process I started helping out in the South Plains Region,” Pevytoe said. “I really just enjoy volunteering with the organization because we help those in need, so it is a great way to help within the American Red Cross.”
In the South Plains area there are over 100 volunteers who help with all branches of the Red Cross. These branches include disaster relief, supporting American’s and military families, health and safety training, lifesaving blood, and international services.
Pevytoe helps with sheltering, inventory in the office, preparing for health and safety classes, and fundraising within the community. She is also a DAT Captain under the disaster relief branch, responding to emergency calls, gathering all of the information on the disaster, and deciding what to provide for families that have been affected. Pevytoe is currently on call for any disaster relief for the North Texas Region, including assistance for the Colorado floods.
Over the past year, Pevytoe has seen mainly fires and floods impact families throughout the South Plains area. She has seen destruction around Lubbock, Muleshoe, Plains, and Plainview ruin homes and apartment complexes.
“During those disasters you see the devastation on those people’s faces,” Pevytoe said. “It’s just very rewarding to receive a hug or see some expression of relief when the Red Cross says they can help.”
Volunteering in the area can range from cleaning out the office supply closet to responding to major disasters around the world. Volunteers for the Red Cross understand our mission statement on preventing and alleviating human suffering and follow our fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Steps to become a volunteer in the South Plains region include: filling out a volunteer application, indicating areas of interest, completing a simple background check, and attending a two hour orientation.
For more information on how to become a volunteer for the South Plains Regional Chapter go to: http://www.redcross.org/tx/lubbock/volunteer
Written by: Mary McCormack, Public Affairs and Special Events Intern
No comments:
Post a Comment