Red Cross offers 'Boot Camp' for volunteers

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Red Cross offers 'Boot Camp' for volunteers

By Tiffany Griffin

Story Created: Sep 1, 2008 at 4:10 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 1, 2008 at 5:49 PM EST

ELKHART — The Elkhart County chapter of the Red Cross has been keeping a close eye on Hurricane Gustav.

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It already has volunteer relief workers in place in the region and is making preparations to send a second team to the area this week.

All have completed a course called the "Red Cross Boot Camp."

“Basically it’s for mass care and sheltering. We've also put them through client assistance where they would interview a client to find out what their situation is. So it’s primarily to provide financial assistance and to provide mass care, feeding and shelter," said Linda Nelson, Director of the Elkhart County Red Cross.

The training is open to anybody who wants to lend a hand in local and national disaster.

"Anybody who has a very caring heart, who wants to help people … those are the people they want to do this and who come across as compassionate and caring," said Nelson.

The Red Cross says those who have taken the boot camp class in recent years and have been able to put those skills to good use have found it very rewarding.

Deb Moore from the Red Cross says the experience is worth the time and effort to help others.

"You can make a really big difference and you'll never know how wonderful a feeling it is until you've done it … until you've helped someone and until you've been able to see the devastation or to feel the feeling of wrapping your arms around someone who really needs that hug," said Moore.

The next Boot Camp is September 9th at the Red Cross office in Elkhart. Eight people have signed up so far. Those volunteers could also be sent to help.

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