Volunteers unload supplies at Johnson Elementary school in Wilmington. The school served as an evacuation shelter for more than 100 people.

As Hurricane Irene made it's way toward the U.S., the Red Cross jumped into action securing human and material resources around the country in preparation of and in response to the storms.  The Cape Fear Chapter had nealry 100 volunteers and staff that supported the response efforts.

The Red Cross is contintuing to support the relief efforts along the East Coast. Meanwhile, there are other storms on the horizon with the potential to impact the United States in the coming days and weeks ahead.

It is always better to be prepared than not!  Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.  For helpful preparedness resources, please visit www.redcross.org.

Read more about the Hurricane Irene Response. 

Dedicated Red Cross volunteers Bob Glasgow (left) and Charlie Wilson help clean cots.

Like many nonprofit agencies, the Red Cross depends on volunteers;  97% of our workforce are volunteers.We rely on volunteers to help us carry out our humanitarian mission. Whether you are a brand new volunteer or a seasoned veteran, the tips below will assist you in becoming more successful in your volunteer position and help the organization operate more efficiently. 

1. Flexibility- It's hard to find the perfect fit right away, you will need to be flexible.
2. Persistence- You will need to be persistent. Volunteer coordinators can be very busy people. Call or e-mail back if you don't get a quick response to a query.
3. Commitment- It's important not to over-commit your schedule. Make sure the volunteer hours you want to give fit into your busy life.
4. Responsibility- Your volunteer organization needs you to be responsible. Show up on time; follow-through with given assignments, and call if you have a conflict with a scheduled assignment, and your volunteer coordinator will consider you a model volunteer.
5. Preparation- It's important to attend training classes when they are offered. You will feel and be more prepared.
6. Patience- You will need to be patient. You may have to work your way through several volunteer jobs before you get to the one you really want.

• 9/9 Kohl's Cares for Kids Back to School Safety Extravaganza (4-7pm)
• 9/10 Brunswick County Intercultural Festival at Brunswick Community College (10am-4pm)
• 9/17 Costco Safety Day (10am-3pm)
• 9/22 UNCW's Community Service Fair (11am-1:30pm)
• 9/24 Brunswick Volunteer Recruitment at Shallotte Library (9am-12:45pm)
• 9/27 Bald Head Island United Way Agency Fair at the Observation Deck in Southport (11:30am-4:30pm)

If you are a current volunteer and can help out with any of the events above, please email Wendy Flynn.

If you are a prospective volunteer and would like to learn more, please visit our table at one of these events or click here to fill out your volunteer application online.