The Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross is recruiting and training volunteers to respond to the multitude of disasters that are devastating the country. Area residents are calling asking how they can help. Here’s the answer, and a way to truly make a difference: “Give three weeks of your time, for an impact that will last a lifetime,” said Elaine Hansen, Executive Director of the Mower County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

New volunteers will be trained and prepared to work mass care feeding, sheltering and bulk distribution. Since late March more than 9,000 trained Red Cross disaster volunteers have been deployed to disaster responses in 22 states. The continued severe weather across the country is daily increasing the Red Cross response, which is lead by volunteers.

On Wednesday, June 1, from 1 to 4 p.m., a Disaster Services Overview course will be offered at the Mower County Chapter Office. The course will provide participants with information about how they can respond to disasters here in Mower County and across the country.

Volunteers choosing to serve will complete the volunteer application, Disaster Services Human Resources enrollment kits and a background check. Because of the potentially long hours and work in hardship conditions, the Red Cross requires that volunteers be in good physical health, as well as commit to service for a period of generally three weeks. For those who are not able to meet this project’s criteria, volunteer opportunities are available year-round through the Red Cross.