It’s not a matter of if, but when disaster will strike our community – which means we must be prepared. While we can’t predict disaster, we know community members will respond to help. Unfortunately, without proper guidance and training, spontaneous volunteers can unintentionally interfere with response efforts, and even jeopardize their own safety.
United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) helps organize volunteers in disaster situations. The VRC provides a system to safely and efficiently turn a crowd of spontaneous volunteers into a screened and organized workforce assigned to specific jobs. Thanks to volunteers who participate in twice-annual training exercises, there is a team prepared to operate the VRC in the event of a disaster – but more help is needed!
Community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming training and informational session at McMillan Library on November 8th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. A brief training exercise & discussion will be provided by United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties in collaboration with Wood County Emergency Management. Only volunteers who attend training can be activated to the VRC in a disaster – those attending for the first time will have the opportunity to join the VRC team.
Questions? Contact Community Engagement Director Ben Eberlein at 715-421-0390 or ben@uwswac.org.
About United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ Volunteer Center
The Volunteer Center makes it easy to find volunteer opportunities that match your availability, skills, and interests at www.volunteerunitedway.org! Help with individual events & initiatives such as Day of Caring, Stuff the School Bus, Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count, and the Volunteer Reception Center – or find everyday opportunities to make a difference with our network of local agencies.
The Volunteer Center is a program of United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties. It’s goal is to mobilize and inspire people to utilize their talents to enhance our community.