Give the gift of time. Volunteer.

The holiday season is a time for festivities and family. It’s also a time for giving. This year, you can give a meaningful gift that helps people through some of life’s toughest moments. Give the gift of your time. Whether helping people impacted by disasters, like home fires and floods, or supporting lifesaving blood donations, you can make a difference.

Our community’s need for volunteers remains critical and constant throughout the holiday season. Consider giving the gift of time by getting involved with the American Red Cross through one of our urgently needed volunteer opportunities in Baltimore:

Blood Donor Ambassador: Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. The need for blood is constant and so is the need for volunteers at our Blood Drives to help save lives. Volunteer Blood Donor Ambassadors ensure that blood donors have a pleasant and fulfilling experience, from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. During a blood drive, whether you’re greeting donors, answering questions, or thanking them for their donation, your courtesy and professionalism will create a favorable impression that encourages ongoing donor support.

Blood Transportation Specialist: Take the driver’s seat and volunteer as a Blood Transportation Specialist, delivering lifesaving blood this summer. Volunteer Transportation Specialists deliver life-saving blood products from Red Cross distribution facilities to hospitals, using a Red Cross-owned vehicle. We need you to commit to 2-4 shifts per month (or more if you can!). Typical shifts are about 4 hours.

Disaster Action Team: While big hurricanes and wildfires get the most news coverage, smaller disasters are no less devastating to the families affected. Most of the 60,000 emergencies that the Red Cross responds to each year are smaller disasters like home fires. As a Disaster Action Team volunteer, you can help comfort and support people in your community by meeting any immediate needs such as food, shelter, clothing or supplies and connecting them to long term recovery services. We supply all the training you need.

This holiday season, be part of something bigger by visiting: www.redcross.org/volunteertoday or contact your local Red Cross office: NCGCVolRecruitment@redcross.org .