Franklin County Presenter of Youth Programs with the American Red Cross

Help save lives and prevent injury by providing leadership and/or support to the American Red Cross Disaster Cycle Services team members through The Pillowcase Project or the Prepare with Pedro program.

The Pillowcase Project is a national youth preparedness program offered by Red Cross regions across the country. The 40- or 60-minute presentation provides emergency preparedness education to youth in grades 3-5 (ages 8-11) in school classrooms and other settings. The highly interactive presentation addresses home fire safety, a local natural hazard, psycho-social coping skills and household preparedness steps like making a plan and a kit.

The Prepare with Pedro program is 30-45-minute presentation that provides emergency preparedness education to youth in grades K-2 (ages 4-7) in school classrooms and other settings by following Pedro the Penguin as he learns how to be prepared and take action during an emergency. Team member roles include either being a presenter, presentation assistant, administrative support, or presenter trainer.

To volunteer in one of these opportunities, join the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) a volunteer program exclusive to Ohio residents in Franklin County ages 55 years and older. We match volunteers ages 55+ with nonprofits in their community that either need or rely on volunteers to be able to provide their services. Funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and part of AmeriCorps Seniors, VANTAGE Aging’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 years and over. We partner with nonprofit agencies to match these older adults to their volunteer opportunities. RSVP projects link the skills of the volunteers with the identified needs of the community. We think of ourselves as the 'center hub' for our volunteers looking for opportunities. We offer many wonderful incentives and perks to our team of RSVP volunteers, this program is free and so rewarding to be a part of.