United Way looking for disaster assistance volunteers

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United Way of Palm Beach County is seeking volunteers to help in disaster assistance should a hurricane or other disaster strike the area.

Dianne Laubert, United Way spokeswoman, said a training class is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 3 at United Way’s office in Boynton Beach, 2600 Quantum Blvd.

New volunteers as well as previously registered United Way disaster volunteers can attend. Volunteers must be 16 or older.

To volunteer as a disaster assistance volunteer, call 561-375-6683. Volunteers may also register for the training session by visiting www.unitedwaypbc.org.

United Way of Palm Beach County is the lead agency for Palm Beach County Emergency Management ESF-15.

Laubert said United Way coordinates voluntary goods and services to support the relief effort in the county before and after a disaster.

The efforts include operating a Volunteer Reception Center to mobilize volunteers, and to assist in relief and recovery efforts. The VRC opens within 72 hours after a disaster strikes.

During the training session, volunteers will learn how to staff a VRC. There are a variety of assigned jobs, including greeters, data entry, phone bank, safety trainers and volunteer coordinators.

During the hurricane seasons of 2004 through 2006, United Way of Palm Beach County recruited more than 3,000 volunteers who worked close to 20,000 hours in relief efforts, and in distributing ice, water and food at various distribution sites throughout the county.

Mike Rothman can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com.

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About This Blog

Mike Rothman
Mike Rothman graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Management. He grew up in South Florida and has been back working here since July 2006. Mike wrote for numerous publications previously including the Gainesville Sun, GatorBait Magazine and Inspin.com, where he was the NBA Expert.

When Mike is not hitting the streets of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach looking for stories, he can be found playing sports or spending time with friends.

He also enjoys provoking his fellow Hometown Downtown columnist, Dave DiPino, for the sake of good stories, of course. He can be reached at mkrothman@tribune.com or at 954-871-1233.