Pinal County’s Red Cross in need of volunteers

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking to recruit volunteers to help with disaster relief and other services in Pinal County.

Last year the Pinal County arm of the chapter responded to 57 disasters in the area, helping 103 families.

These disasters ranged from single-family residence fires to entire blocks of communities without electricity due to storms.

“Typically when fire responds to a call, they ask the family if they have a place to go and, if that answer is no, they call us to help them out,” said Tracey Kiest, communications manager for the chapter.

Currently the Pinal County arm of the chapter has only eight active volunteers and is in desperate need of help. Volunteers in the service provide their time availabilities and are put on assignments based on that information.

The normal assignments for a volunteer include responding to disasters and helping run shelters. Those that volunteer take five training classes, lasting up to four hours apiece, but they can start helping in the field after the completion of just two classes.

These classes are free, and the Pinal County Supervisor Judy Walp said she tries her best to host the class near a person’s home during hours they are available.

“If we get a bunch of volunteers signing up in Maricopa, then we will hold training there,” she said.

To provide interested persons with some additional information on volunteer opportunities, the organization will hold a meeting in Casa Grande on July 21, featuring four current volunteers who can answer questions.

If you go:

What: American Red Cross volunteer meeting
Where: Southwest Gas Bldg., 201 W. 4th St., Casa Grande
When: Tuesday, July 21, from 5:30-7 p.m.
More information: 602-321-2173 or [email protected]

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