County seeks to strengthen volunteer base as hurricane season continues

Sarasota County Health and Human Services is recruiting a team of volunteers to run Volunteer Reception Centers (VRCs) during a disaster. The VRCs are community locations where people who step forward to help during a time of disaster get their volunteer assignments. This is part of Sarasota County's effort to strengthen the volunteer base for the hurricane season which continues until the end of November.

Those interested in running a VRC should attend the VRC Recruitment and Training Workshop on Tuesday, July 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 at the Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road in Sarasota. Participants will gain experience to set up and run a Volunteer Reception Center.

Officials say it is a challenge to register everyone who volunteers following a disaster. Sarasota County has adopted VRCs as a best-practice model to help ensure volunteers work in meaningful and constructive roles during the disaster response and recovery process.

"We look forward to strengthening our community's capabilities in placing volunteers during a time of disaster," said Bridget Sims, VRC Volunteer Coordinator. "This workshop provides disaster volunteers an opportunity to practice the process while training new volunteers who will serve in the Volunteer Reception Center."

To reserve your place at the workshop, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VolunteerSRQ or call Bridget Sims at (941) 861-2562. If you have questions, please contact Bridget for more information.

Those who are unable to attend the training session can register to become a HS-Disaster Recovery Team member through www.scgov.net/Volunteer/Pages/.