(PAYSON) June 2, 2010 - The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is holding a volunteer recruitment event on Wednesday, June 9 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Payson Police Department Conference Room located at 303 N. Beeline Highway.

In addition to discussing disaster response in the area, the Red Cross wants to introduce community members to the humanitarian organization and recruit more volunteers to strengthen the city’s disaster response team. Last year, Red Cross volunteers were on the scene of 13 disasters in Gila County helping 25 families.

Red Cross volunteers come together when it matters most. “Our volunteers are on the front lines helping people who’ve been impacted by a disaster,” said Paula Susmark, Grand Canyon Chapter emergency operations supervisor. “They are making sure victims have a safe place to sleep, food to eat and emotional support after losing so much.”

The biggest need in Gila County is disaster volunteers. “By recruiting and training more Red Cross disaster volunteers, we’ll be able to respond more quickly when we are activated to help our neighbors in need,” adds Susmark.

Right now there are 10 Red Cross responders in Payson. Some local volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and share experiences at the event. The Red Cross provides free training. To learn more about the Grand Canyon Chapter visit www.arizonaredcross.org or call 1-800-842-7349.

WHAT: American Red Cross Volunteer Recruitment

WHEN: Wednesday, June 9 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Payson Police Department (Conference Room) located at 303 N. Beeline Highway in Payson

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Paula Susmark psusmark@arizonaredcross.org or 602-722-7616 About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is where volunteers from across central, western and northern Arizona come together to help people in need every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 5.2 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the financial generosity of Arizona neighbors to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.arizonaredcross.org or call 1-800-842-7349. . To give blood, visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.