Red Cross celebrates National Volunteer Week

Every year, over 1,200 Red Cross volunteers touch the lives of thousands of people in communities throughout Monroe and West Ontario counties. Red Cross volunteers help train almost 65,000 people in life-saving courses like CPR, First Aid and defibrillation. Blood Unit Volunteers greet and register much needed blood donors with a comforting and assuring smile. Red Cross volunteers are professionals who hold down full-time jobs during the day and then take the time out of their busy schedules to mentor a youth in the evening. Some volunteers facilitate youth leadership workshops or check in on the elderly in the "I'M OK" program, or volunteer during their lunch hour to work in the Red Cross kitchen preparing food for the Meals on Wheels program.

Regardless of the program or activity, these men and women give tirelessly of their time, monies and talent.

During the April 18-24 National Volunteer Week, the American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter salutes those individuals who have given diligently to help fulfill the Red Cross mission; to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

This year's National Volunteer Week theme, "Volunteers Inspire By Example," sets the stage not only for the Red Cross to applaud the efforts of its volunteers, but for other organizations throughout our region and nation to do the same. Sheryl Karch, director of the Office of Volunteer Development for the Greater Rochester Red Cross, said, "Make a commitment this week to bring joy and satisfaction into your life by becoming a volunteer."

National Volunteer Week began in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every president since has signed a proclamation promoting the week. The Greater Rochester Red Cross is dedicated to preventing, preparing for and responding to personal and community emergencies. Chapter services to the community include disaster relief, health and safety training, (CPR, First Aid, Water Safety), Community Outreach, Food and Nutrition Services, Armed Forces Emergency Services, Youth Services, and Hispanic and African-American initiatives. Visit online at www.RochesterRedCross.org for information.