It is National Volunteer Week (April 27-May 3), a time to recognize volunteers and celebrate the spirit of volunteerism.

We all know a volunteer. Many of us are ourselves volunteers. We know first-hand the selfless nature of people who give with no expectation of being paid for their time.

Volunteers do work for free, but volunteers will tell you that they are well-paid. They contend that the reward for their work is not money but is, instead, the satisfaction of helping others, active involvement in the community and the friendships that form through volunteer work.

The theme of National Volunteer Week is “Change the World,” and that is just what Red Cross volunteers do. Without volunteers, the American Red Cross could not complete its mission to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

At the Palo Alto Area chapter of the American Red Cross, more than 250 volunteers help people affected by domestic and international disasters, teach lifesaving skills and serve members of the military and their families. On March 8 of this year, more than 300 community members were trained by volunteer instructors in CPR and First Aid in Spanish, English and Mandarin — for free. Last year, our Safe Ride program provided more than 570 free, completely confidential safe rides home to our local youth, by our youth volunteers. The Red Cross “Be Prepared, Make a Plan, Get a Kit” preparedness presentation has been heard by more than 1000 community members, taught by volunteers. Our Red Cross volunteers have responded to nine local fires in the past year, and about 20 local volunteers have been deployed to support national disasters, including the San Diego wild fires and Pacific Northwest, Midwest and east coast floods.

The Palo Alto Area chapter welcomes volunteers of all ages and skills — from seventh grade to 70-plus! Right now, we especially need people who are interested in teaching CPR in Spanish and English, can provide data entry and special event support in our office, be trained to lead emergency preparedness presentations in our community and support our youth programs, in particular Safe Ride and Safe Kids. To volunteer, contact Margot Harrigan at mharrigan "at" paarc.org.

Margot Harrigan is the Director of Volunteer Services at the Palo Alto Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.