Volunteering to help

The American Red Cross was at Farmers Market in Manila Friday afternoon offering the opportunity for area citizens to sign up to be Disaster Team volunteers.

The Disaster Team drive was open to anyone 17 and older who is interested in responding to disasters such as home fires in the Manila and Leachville area, as well as other responses throughout Mississippi County.

Anyone wanting more information should contact Penny Sanders through the Blytheville office of the American Red Cross Northeast Arkansas Chapter at (870) 763-4481, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sanders said people realize the Red Cross is there when a disaster hits but many do not realize The Red Cross is there after a home fire to help the family.

Volunteer Charles Wells who was working with the recruitment day said he got involved with the Red Cross after the ice storm in 2009.

"It was a life changing experience for me," Wells said.

Sherry Bunch Pratt recently retired from the Highway Department and returned to Manila. She was volunteering and said she would be willing to serve where she could be the most help.

Red Cross volunteers are trained to respond to a variety of areas needed to help during a disaster.