Call to Action! Volunteers Needed in Jackson, Tennessee

Call to Action! Volunteers Needed  

Volunteers needed to support disaster response in Mid-West Tennessee Chapter 

JACKSON, Tenn., Sept. 18, 2023 — Volunteers in the Mid-West Tennessee Chapter for the American Red Cross responded to many historic disasters both locally and throughout the nation in the last twelve months. These dedicated volunteers have served communities dealing with floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires in back-to-back disasters.

Severe weather is part of a worsening national trend in which the American Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disasters across the country as it did a decade ago.

As rapidly intensifying, weather-related events pose serious challenges to its humanitarian work and the people it serves, the Red Cross has announced an ambitious national plan to take urgent action. With more climate-driven disasters upending lives and devastating communities, the organization is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country.

In the Tennessee Region, this includes training volunteers on how to respond to disasters locally and across the country.

The Mid-West Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to these disasters and many home fires weekly, sometimes daily. Volunteers make up about 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce, helping to make it possible to provide immediate support to our neighbors in time of need.

The Red Cross is asking for help. Disaster Volunteers receive training to respond to the scene of home fires and other disasters. Volunteers provide emotional support, safe shelter, vital supplies, emergency assistance, and information to help families begin recovery. The Mid-West Chapter is conducting a local volunteer recruitment and training for those looking to make a lasting impact for others. 

Upcoming informational session:   

Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023
10 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Mid-West Tennessee Red Cross Chapter Office, 19 Stonecreek Circle, Jackson, TN 38305

If you have questions about the need for volunteers or how the American Red Cross responds in your community, please contact Brandy Rhodes, Disaster Program Manager, brandy.rhodes@redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Tennessee or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossTN. The American Red Cross Tennessee Region serves all 95 counties in Tennessee, Crittenden County in Arkansas and Desoto and Tunica counties in Mississippi. The Tennessee Region – part of a nationwide network of locally supported chapters - is comprised of the following eight Red Cross chapters: East Tennessee, Heart of Tennessee, Mid-South, Mid-West Tennessee, Nashville Area, Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Tennessee and Tennessee River.