BOISE — During National Volunteer Week, April 19–25, the American Red Cross of Idaho and East Oregon celebrates the volunteers who are the heart of the organization — delivering help and hope to communities across the state when it matters most.

Volunteers make up 90% of the Red Cross workforce, supporting blood drives, assisting military families, teaching preparedness skills and providing comfort and support after disasters of all sizes.

“There are almost an overwhelming number of ways to be involved with the Red Cross, but however you want to be involved, you can find something that fits your life and the stage you’re at,” said Eagle 18-year-old Carson Konop, who helps volunteers younger than 16 get their start with the Red Cross.

Here in Idaho and East Oregon, about 600 volunteers power the Red Cross mission by supporting blood collections, responding to home fires in the middle of the night and so much more. Nationally, more than 325,000 volunteers give their time to the American Red Cross, joining more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers serving communities in more than 191 countries worldwide.

As the Red Cross honors and recognizes volunteers during National Volunteer Week, the humanitarian organization invites people across Idaho and East Oregon to join a team working together to make an impact.

“There’s nothing like being first on the scene when someone’s experienced a traumatic event, like a home fire,” said Sherry Israel, a Red Cross disaster volunteer from Boise. “You get to say, ‘We’re with the American Red Cross, and we’re here to help.’”

The Red Cross currently has an urgent need for volunteers. All positions include free training and ongoing support.

Disaster Action Team  — The vast majority of emergencies the Red Cross responds to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, these volunteers make sure families never face it alone.

Blood donor ambassador — Those who enjoy connecting with people can consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. They greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation.

Blood Transportation Specialists — Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer, they can choose shifts that fit their schedule. Volunteers will receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood products. Their time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.

Find the best way to get involved by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.