"If you can't feed a hundred people, Mother Teresa used to say, then feed just one. There are slow-motion disasters everywhere. The Red Cross is doing heroic work in Haiti, but it is also doing it around the corner, when a house burns down. It may not feel glorious, but often the greatest good is accomplished quietly, invisibly. The choice is not either-or. We can give globally and help locally.”  February 22, 2010 Time article by Nancy Gibbs.

On average, The National Capital Region of the American Red Cross RESPONDED TO A DISASTER EVERY 19.38 Hours in 2009. Our local Disaster Action Teams (DAT) stand ready to respond to emergencies throughout the National Capital Region 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and the majority of our calls come from home and apartment fires.  These disasters affect our neighbors and our communities.  With the support from local volunteers, partnerships with area businesses, and the generosity of local donors, the National Capital Region of the American Red Cross is able to provide emergency relief services to those in need of assistance.  Not only do we provide assistance for the individuals affected or displaced by the disaster, but the American Red Cross also supports first responders on scene with refreshments.

If you are interested in learning how to help in your community, please attend a New Volunteer Orientation (NVO).  This is required for all Red Cross volunteers. Click here to register for an NVO within the National Capital Area (Fairfax, Ft. Belvoir, D.C., Prince George’s Co., and Montgomery Co.).

Other New Volunteer Orientations may be available in Alexandria, Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun Counties. Information for these NVOs will be available through their websites.