By Staff Reports

(WAILUKU)– The American Red Cross is recruiting disaster volunteers on the Island of Maui. “One critical piece in preparing our communities for disasters before they occur is having trained volunteers on standby and ready to respond,” said Michele Liberty, Maui County Director, Hawaii Red Cross. “We encourage new volunteers to join the Red Cross ohana and support our mission of helping those in need.” All disaster training is provided free of charge.

If interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, the first step is to register online at redcross.org/hawaii.

To register, 1) click on ‘Volunteer’ and then 2) click on ‘Becoming a Volunteer’. Once applications are completed through the Volunteer Connection system, the Red Cross will contact interested individuals about signing up for basic disaster classes.

All new disaster volunteers must take a series of free disaster trainings; the entire series must be attended. The next series of volunteer trainings will be held at ILWU Local 142, Wailuku Union Hall, 896 Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793 on the following dates:

Disaster Services: An Overview Thursday, 4/10/14, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Shelter Fundamentals Friday, 4/11/14, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Disaster Assessment Basics Saturday, 4/12/14, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Disaster Action Team: An Orientation Saturday, 4/12/14, 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For assistance please call the Maui office at 244-0051.

The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others.

Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to:

American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter

4155 Diamond Head Road

Honolulu, HI 96816

Make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call: (808) 739-8109.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.