News Archives 2004
Contact: Mary Miller
American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter
(503) 528-5633 or (503) 705-2584
Columbia County Needs Red Cross Disaster Volunteers
Orientation scheduled to attract new recruits
PORTLAND, Ore. – March 25, 2004 – Volunteer recruitment
will be at the top of the agenda for the next American Red Cross
Oregon Trail Chapter quarterly meeting in Columbia County. Volunteers
will provide an orientation to new recruits while discussing their
latest disaster response efforts in the county.
This meeting is open to the public and will take place at the
St. Helens Fire Department on Tuesday, April 27 from 6:30 p.m.
to 8:00 p.m.
When disaster strikes in Columbia County, Red Cross responders
are there to provide cash assistance for lodging, food and clothing
as well as health and mental health services. In the past year
Red Cross volunteers provided relief from residential fires in
almost every town throughout the County, from Clatskanie to Scappoose.
“We have a great group of Columbia County volunteers who
make every effort to respond at a moment’s notice when disasters
occur. But our volunteers have busy lives, jobs, and family responsibilities,
so we are hoping for a good turnout of prospective volunteers
at our next meeting,” said Lynelle Gamage, volunteer outreach
coordinator for the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter.
In addition to disaster response, Red Cross volunteers engage
in a variety of activities to prepare for disasters. These activities
include partaking in Red Cross disaster training; conducting disaster
response exercises; working with local schools, churches, businesses,
and other organizations to ensure the capacity to open shelters;
and networking with emergency management and other local public
safety officials.
“Volunteering with the Red Cross gives you a feeling of
accomplishment that what you do is important,” said volunteer
Marge Murphy of Deer Island. “Plus, it’s a great way
to meet people and to serve the community.”
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