(PHOENIX) June 7, 2010 - The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is holding a volunteer recruitment event on Tuesday, June 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Gas building located at 201 W. 4th Street in Casa Grande (across from Domino’s). 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 32 disasters in Pinal County helping 146 individuals including 57 children. 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 Pinal 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. Community event volunteers are also needed in the area.

Right now there are 3 Red Cross on-call disaster responders in Pinal County. There are a few others who can support a local shelter. 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.

WHAT: American Red Cross Volunteer Recruitment

WHEN: Tuesday, June 15 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Southwest Gas building located at 201 W. 4th Street in Casa Grande (across from Domino’s)

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.