Volunteers are the <3 of the Red Cross

Every year in Tri-County Red Cross communities more than 150 families need our assistance after a residential fire.  These families stand on the sidewalk watching their homes and possessions go up in smoke, not knowing where they would sleep that night or how they would clothe their children.  What isn't destroyed by the fire itself is usually made unusable by the battle to arrest the flames. 

Whether it is the single family on Craig Place in North Plainfield who needed our assistance last week, or the 12 families who spent New Year's Eve outside in the cold instead of at a party, these families feel like they have nowhere to turn.

The parents worry about the basics of finding a place for their children to sleep that night, of caring for their families when all their clothing and food is destroyed.   Tasks that were simple the night before become daunting, the ability to focus and concentrate is practically impossible.  They are being pulled in different directions all at once - the emergency responders asking questions about the start of the fire, their kids crying about losing their favorite toy, neighbors inquiring to what they are going to do - it's overwhelming.

This is where Tri-County Red Cross volunteers step in; arriving during the disaster to offer the fundamental necessities at a time when looking ahead to tomorrow seems impossible.

Our volunteers provide the support and strength for these victims to begin to address the daunting task of life after a disaster.  From the moment they arrive at the disaster scene, they address the immediate needs of the victims - food, clothing and shelter.  The parents' relief shows as they are taken through the process.  They will have a place to stay; they will be able to provide food and clothing for their family and can now focus on the details of putting their life back together.

Volunteers are special people; they offer their time and support to neighbors in need. They come from different backgrounds, jobs, education levels, wealth, countries and age groups.  Our volunteers have different reasons for donating their time and focus on different areas of volunteer opportunities, but all receive their training free of cost from the Red Cross.

Regardless of the background, volunteering is a small investment that creates lasting results for anyone desiring to make a difference.  To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit our page on Volunteers or call Victor Webb at 908-756-6414.