April 18, 2022 10:20 a.m.

National Volunteer Week runs through Saturday, and the American Red Cross, Cascades Region is honoring the work of its volunteers who give their time to help people in need.

A release said across the country, more than 300,000 Red Cross volunteers serve their communities by responding to thousands of disasters, supporting the collection of blood to help patients receive critical care they need, aiding members of the military and their families, helping communities prepare for emergencies around the globe and much more.

In the Cascades Region, there are more than 2,500 volunteers. Last year those volunteers responded to nearly 700 emergencies by providing food, shelter, comfort and hope to local families. The release said they trained more than 50,000 people in lifesaving skills and provided services to those in need an average of eight times per day.

Those interesting in becoming a Red Cross volunteer can go to: https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer/urgent-need-for-volunteers.html