"Here’s to all volunteers, those dedicated people who believe in all work and no pay," penned speechwriter Robert Orben.

This National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, the American Red Cross is celebrating our own dedicated volunteers and partners, the people who make the American Red Cross run.

Our volunteers bring food, shelter, comfort and hope to thousands of families affected by local disasters – mostly residential fires and many support national disasters including tornados, hurricanes and wildfires. You help families faced with rebuilding after every day of the year – around the clock.

Volunteers provide services to members of the military, veterans and their families, including communications linking military members to their loved ones during an emergency.

Red Cross volunteers teach first aid, CPR, swimming, babysitting, and other health and safety courses. They staff community fairs to encourage their neighbors to learn these lifesaving skills and organize celebrations to recognize people who use their Red Cross training to save lives.

If you’re looking to serve your community, become a Red Cross volunteer. Right now, we need people with skills just like yours. The most important asset is that you are caring and compassionate. To start the volunteer process please contact Leslie Luther, Volunteer Director at 414-345-8698 or Contact us.

United Way Partnership Makes Our Community Events Safer

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin, along with United Way of Greater Milwaukee, is proud to announce the First Aid Service Team (FAST) collaboration. This partnership will help enable trained Red Cross personnel to be at hand to provide emergency first aid care to sick or injured people at community events. Often this quick action can save a fun-filled family activity from becoming a heartache or provide an emergency link to more advanced medical care when needed.

Program Manager, Ms. Jerry Putnam, commented "United Way's partnership enables us to continue this community program. It's life-saving for some." She recalls a recent New Years Eve example, "One moment, people are enjoying the evening and the next, a person entered with signs of cardiac distress. We were at her side immediately. The symptoms of a possible heart attack were identified, 911 was notified, and she was given stabilizing care until the ambulance arrived. It's essential for the community to have some type of coverage; this is an affordable way for churches, civic events, festivals, non-profits, etc. We couldn't do this without United Way's support." The United Way grant helps to underwrite items such as first aid supplies, training programs and the building of leaders. Therefore, the community is given significantly reduced rates for First Aid Service coverage at their events.

"We are pleased to partner with the Red Cross on this life-saving program," said Nicole Angresano, vice president of Community Impact, United Way of Greater Milwaukee. "It's imperative that trained first aid teams can respond to life threatening situations quickly and this funding will help prepare FAST team members to prevent or respond to emergency situations.

First Aid Service Teams were present at over 60 events last year: they ranged from community festivals, sports competitions, youth activities in conjunction with civic, church and youth organizations. In 2011, over 5,000 victims were treated at venues ranging from the Frontier Airlines Center, US Cellular Arena, Special Olympics competitions, church festivals, community parks to the public school system. Many of the events are multiple days and may require a number of stations such as the Miller Ride for the Arts where 10 first aid stations are set-up in various locations.

FAST teams include all types of volunteers including students, homemakers, teachers, business and medical professionals, engineers and retirees. High school youth volunteers are welcomed and mentored by experienced team members. 20-25 hours of training is required before working at a station. Training and volunteer opportunities are available and you can contact Jerry Putnam at 414-345-8671 or Contact us for details.

About United Way of Greater Milwaukee: United Way of Greater Milwaukee advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. Our focus is on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality of life.