Each year, more than one million Americans work with the Red Cross as volunteers serving local community needs. Every day, Red Cross volunteers – your neighbors – provide a broad array of vital services to people in need in the Greater Chesapeake Region which includes all Maryland counties, except Montgomery and Prince Georges, the state of Delaware, and Accomack and Northampton Counties in Virginia.
The Red Cross can work with you to provide a rewarding experience to utilize your talents and help you serve your community.
Voluntary service is a fundamental principle of the American Red Cross, and we are grateful for your interest in helping us to serve the people of the Greater Chesapeake Region.
Already an American Red Cross volunteer? Click here to access your volunteer profile, manage opportunities and more.
Is volunteering at the American Red Cross right for you?
Red Cross volunteers touch lives every day. They are as diverse as the people receiving Red Cross services. It takes all kinds of people to make this organization work – different ages, different backgrounds, and different skills. Our needs are often specific, based on current incidents and levels of needed support, and require an ongoing commitment. Most volunteers work for a few hours per week, but we’ll do our best to help you get involved!
Disaster Response – The largest percentage of our volunteers work on a Disaster Action Team (link to that page in Disaster Services) where they help people affected by disasters ranging from home fires to hurricanes by providing food, shelter, essential relief supplies, and comfort and hope.
Preparedness Education – Volunteers teach families, classroom groups, organizations, and corporations how to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and emergencies.
Health and Safety Training – Volunteers enrich and protect our community by teaching the vital lifesaving skills of First Aid, CPR and the use of an AED, Babysitting, Water Safety, and Pet First Aid.
Service to the Armed Forces – The Red Cross has supported our men and women serving in the military for more than 100 years. Volunteers connect families and veterans with resources to respond to emergencies, teach coping and resilience skills, and provide recreational and therapeutic support at local military hospitals.
International Humanitarian Services – Volunteers coordinate fundraising for measles vaccines, educate youth about the Geneva Conventions, and provide international tracing and messaging.
Fundraising – Volunteers make it financially possible for the Red Cross to deliver its lifesaving services. The Red Cross relies on volunteers and the generosity of the American public.
Leadership – Volunteers serve on a Board of Directors, local leadership councils, and other decision-making committees, manage programs, and chair activities.
Blood Services – Volunteers coordinate blood drives and serve as blood drive volunteers to register blood donors and staff the refreshment area.
Once your application and background check are received, you will be contacted by a volunteer recruiter to discuss next steps.
If you have any questions, please email GCRVolunteerServices@redcross.org or call your local chapter.
The American Red Cross of the Greater Chesapeake Region youth program provides youth and young adults with opportunities to learn and serve while supporting the Red Cross mission. Our goal is to provide youth with meaningful opportunities for training, leadership, and community service. Follow us on Facebook!
The American Red Cross Blood Services Leadership Program is a meaningful reward and recognition program designed specifically for high school students who support the American Red Cross Youth Program. Using a three tiered system, the program recognizes and rewards students who have completed specific requirements outlined by blood services. The rewards for these achievements range from Red Cross honor cords to scholarship opportunities and letters of recommendation from an American Red Cross executive.
Download the Chesapeake High School Leadership form.