The American Red Cross American Red Cross Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties is celebrating its volunteers and the work they do in the community during National Volunteer Week, April 6 to 12.

Last year, Red Cross volunteers in the Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties chapter provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to 112 local families who faced home fires and other disaster situations. They trained 5,640 people in lifesaving skills and provided services to military members, veterans and their families in 99 cases.

We want to invite the public to sign up to volunteer and be a part of our lifesaving work. We’re looking for diverse volunteers of all ages and skill levels.

Go to www.redcross.org/SML to learn more about volunteering with us and how to submit a volunteer application.

If you want to volunteer to help when a disaster strikes our community, download the Team Red Cross app for your smart phone. You’ll receive notifications when Red Cross volunteers are needed in the area.

The app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to www.redcross.org/mobileapps .

I want to extend my sincerest thanks to the 578 local Red Cross volunteers who help us fulfill our mission 365 days a year, 24 hours a day in Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties.

Nicole Massey is regional volunteer director for the American Red Cross' California Northwest Region, based in Santa Rosa, Calif.