By MICHAEL BELLIZZI
Contributing Writer
Published September 7, 2011
In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene, The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York is asking for volunteers to assist in the response to unprecedented flooding,
evacuations and power outages. As of August 31st, more than 35 shelters have been opened across New York due to Irene’s effects with the potential for additional shelters to open soon.
“You name it. We need all the help we can get,” said Skip Zimmerman, Regional Director of Volunteer and Community Services at The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York.
Volunteers are being asked to help in the assistance of shelter operations; feeding evacuees and distributing supplies such as clean-up and comfort kits. Volunteers may also be asked to help those affected by Hurricane Irene with counseling, emotional support and disaster nursing.
As Chief Executive Officer Gary Striar of The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York explains, “Volunteers are always needed for disaster responses; to help provide training, work at blood drives and for many other functions.”
Blood donations are also in high demand as well. Irene has already caused the cancellation of more than 50 blood drives along the East Coast at a time when the blood supply is already
low.
Those who wish to become a volunteer are asked to come straight to The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York’s headquarters located at 33 Everett Road in Albany. Volunteers must be over the age of 18, be able to lift at least 35 pounds, and have a valid driver’s license.
Added Striar: “The American Red Cross volunteers make up 96 percent of our work. As a result of the hurricane and resulting flooding, we have an urgent need for volunteers at this time.”
