Salvation Army seeks volunteers for emergencies, disasters

Looking for a way to help first responders and others during a flood, wildfire or other disaster?

Then you may want to consider volunteering for the Salvation Army Modesto Citadel’s emergency disaster services team. The volunteers prepare and serve meals and beverages to first responders and help and comfort those affected by disasters and emergencies.

Steve Madison – who serves on the group’s advisory board and is chairman of the emergency disaster services committee – said this may be a very busy time for the team if the El Niño weather system brings lots of winter rain and snow to the region.

Madison said he hopes 12 to 24 people volunteer to supplement the five volunteers who now serve on the team. It responds to local and regional disasters and emergencies. Madison said it complements services provided by the American Red Cross. For instance, he said, while the Red Cross may set up a shelter for people displaced by a wildfire, the Salvation Army team would provide them with meals.

The Salvation Army will train the volunteers, who will not be compensated except in cases in which their travel expenses for a deployment have been approved and funded by the group. Volunteers may work long hours without rest in the outdoors and may be required to carry supplies, cots, tents and other heavy items.

All applications will be considered, but people with prior military service, retired public safety workers or medical professionals are ideally suited for the team, according to a news release.

Those interested in applying to the team are asked to submit a cover letter expressing their interest and reasons for volunteering, a résumé, statement of qualifications and a brief history of their work experience. The information can be mailed to the Salvation Army Modesto Citadel, P.O. Box 1663, Modesto, 95354, attention: EDS committee.

This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Salvation Army seeks volunteers for emergencies, disasters."