By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/ Staff Writer

The American Red Cross of Chilton County is looking for volunteers to join its Disasters Action Team serving the people of Chilton County.

“We are a 94 percent volunteer-driven organization, so we rely on our volunteers to help their neighbors during an emergency,” Volunteer Specialist Kelly Ford of the American Red Cross of Central and East Alabama Chapters, said.

Just last year, 28 home fires occurred in Chilton County.

The American Red Cross aims to serve individuals experiencing such critical times by providing through its DAT volunteers the assistance needed to supply next-step options and even financial assistance for physical needs, such as grocery or clothing items and hotel accommodations.

“And we can connect them to mental health care workers and spiritual care workers if they need a little more assistance in that area,” Ford said.

“Something that we always say is that as a Red Cross volunteer, you can be the best part of someone’s worst day,” Ford said. “And I think that’s particularly truthful when it comes to being a Disaster Action Team volunteer, because you’re working with people at their most vulnerable time, and you can be their saving grace.”

According to the American Red Cross, qualifications for becoming a volunteer are:

• Willingness to train and learn new skills while assisting clients
• Commitment to respond to clients’ needs
• Flexible schedule based on volunteers
• Pass background and motor vehicle record check
• Basic computer skills preferred, but not required

Volunteers will also need reliable transportation, Ford said.

“Although there are requirements, and there’s training, anybody and everybody can be a Disaster Action Team volunteer, and we can work with each volunteer individually to help them complete their training and feel comfortable enough to do this on their own,” Ford said.

Ford said training is provided online.

“So if you’re not comfortable with computers, that doesn’t exclude you. If you’re nervous about working with people, we can work with you. So anybody who has a passion for it, we’d love to work with you to make you the newest Red Cross volunteer.”

A Meet and Greet event for those interested in volunteering is scheduled for Aug. 31, between noon and 1 p.m., at the Clanton Community Center on Lay Dam Road.

For more information about volunteering, contact Kelly Ford at (334) 235-4758 or kelly.ford@redcross.org, or sign up online at redcross.org/become-a-volunteer.