By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
While the American Red Cross is probably most well-known for its blood drives, the local arm of the agency is looking for an infusion of its own life’s blood: volunteers.
“The volunteers are in charge with the Red Cross,” Mike Vance said. “They tell us what they want us to do, when they want us to do it and where.”
Vance is the American Red Cross regional director overseeing five counties. In addition to Crawford County Vance also takes care of American Red Cross offices in Delaware, Marion, Morrow and Union counties.
“Nancy McMurray is still serving here in Crawford County,” Vance said. “It has changed, but we are still committed to local volunteers.”
While Vance’s Crawford County responsibilities are new, he’s really not new to Crawford County.
“This is a relatively new assignment for me,” Vance said. “But I was the director at Galion for a number of years, so I’m familiar with Crawford County.”
Vance pointed out that the Red Cross’s activities and presence in Crawford County are somewhat unique within the organization with offices in Bucyrus, Crestline and Galion. All three offices have a long history in those communities that date back to World War I.
“We are committed to maintaining a presence in all three communities,” Vance said.
Towards that end, Vance said the American Red Cross here needs both volunteers and space, especially space in Galion.
“Donated space would be the best for us, especially in the Galion area,” Vance said.
The office at 134 North Union Street is a converted veterinarian’s office which is not handicapped accessible, is in immediate need of structural repairs and lacks the requisite space for classes and activities the Red Cross would like to provide.
Volunteers in all three locations in several capacities are also high on the list of priorities. Vance said they would discuss with anyone interested the opportunities at the Red Cross in the following areas:
Blood Services – blood service coordinator, blood donor recruiter, blood mobile worker, motor service volunteer;
Disaster Services – disaster service coordinator, volunteers for state and national disasters, disaster action team, disaster clerical;
Military and Veterans Services – coordinator;
Health and Safety Services – health and safety instructor, babysitting course instructor, lifeguard instructor, water safety instructor;
Community Education – presenters, information booth volunteers;
Special Events – chapter events coordinator, special projects volunteer;
General Office – reception and clerical, publicity coordinator, on-call volunteer, maintenance, friendly visitor program, grant research and writing;
Volunteer Services – chapter volunteer services coordinator, youth group liaison, youth team leader, youth volunteers programs.
The American Red Cross is currently trying to recruit through area churches to train and develop emergency assistance workers, people to serve on various local Red Cross committees and act as emergency shelters.
The other pressing need, Vance said, is help with the local agency’s annual fundraiser – The Power of the Purse.
“We’re looking for people to volunteer time, donate slightly used purses,” Vance said, noting the one-night event has raised $12,000 to $15,000 in the past. “This has been the most successful event we’ve had in Crawford County, ever.”
The Power of the Purse Ladies Night Out is slated for April 10 at the Crawford County Fairgrounds Youth Building.
Addresses and phone numbers for the American Red Cross in Crawford County are: Bucyrus at 110 East Mary Street, 419-562-4357; Crestline at 102 North Thoman Street, 419-683-3772; and Galion at 124 North Union Street, 419-468-5611.