As the school year begins and the buzz of new activities fills the air, it’s an ideal time to consider how you can contribute to your community and beyond. With the start of clubs, sports practices, and a myriad of opportunities, there are countless ways to get involved and make a positive impact, as every ounce of effort you put in is valuable.

The Red Cross is a great way to gain easy, accessible service hours while still catering to a diverse skillset. So where should you begin?

First, starting a Red Cross club at your school is always a great idea: It shows leadership, passion, and dedication to helping your community. Build a group of like-minded individuals who are committed to serving others right at your school! Not only will you get to participate in fundraisers, safety events, and blood drives, but you will also gain exclusive access to Red Cross club resources. It is the best way to begin your own initiatives regarding humanitarian services, and you will gain important leadership experiences. To start a chapter, email your region’s club coordinators. 

Second, volunteer for the Sound the Alarm project! Every year, the American Red Cross gathers volunteers to help install smoke alarms in homes all across America. These alarms reduce the risk of death by fire by more than 50%, and they help families recover from home fires as well. If you’re looking for a way to prevent disaster in your local community, this opportunity is absolutely perfect. 

Third, become a volunteer for the Armed Forces through the Red Cross! If you are an incredibly empathetic person who can connect easily with others, then this opportunity is perfect for you! However, if you don’t enjoy talking to people, you can always participate in the Red Cross’s Holidays for Heroes program: write cards for veterans and mail them to your local Red Cross. You can partner with school organizations to accomplish this as well. 

You may also want to start a Totes for Hope drive at your school or community, which is focused on creating care packages for homeless veterans across the country. Simply put together necessary items in a backpack or tote bag and distribute the kits through veterans’ hospitals or programs. You are going to need to get volunteers and ask for donations in order to achieve this, making it a perfect way to get involved. 

Finally, if you’re looking for knowledge on how to respond to spontaneous medical emergencies, consider getting CPR certified, or taking the ARC FAST course. The FAST course is a First Aid for Severe Trauma Course, which is intended to teach students how to respond to medical emergencies in their vicinity. The course is completely free for high school students under the age of 19, and it is a great way to further involve yourself in disaster preparation! 

There are an infinite number of ways you can become more involved with the Red Cross this year. Embrace these chances to lead, learn, and give back. By engaging with these initiatives, you not only enhance your own skills but also make a real difference in your community. Start today, and let your efforts pave the way for a brighter, more connected future!

To learn how you can get involved with the Red Cross visit redcross.org for more information and volunteer opportunities.

Story By: Emaan Farzeen