RI Disaster Action Team Members Honored
as 2008 Outstanding Volunteers

The Volunteer Center of Rhode Island (VCRI) is pleased to announce that the Rhode Island Disaster Action Team (DAT) Members will be honored for commendable service in their community through the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter.

The Outstanding Volunteer Award, sponsored this year by The Washington Trust Company, is presented annually to several individuals and groups who have made a visible impact in their communities through focused and selfless volunteer work. These awards serve to emphasize the important role volunteers play in Rhode Island and to recognize the time and talent invested by the honorees, such as the members of the RI DAT, in service to nonprofit organizations throughout the state.  

DAT members respond to local disasters  24 hours per day, 365 days a year. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year, DAT members responded to 116 incidents, providing assessment and assistance for 756 clients, including 116 children.

In addition to daily disaster call duties, and mandatory monthly refresher trainings and meetings, the members also participated in a statewide drill at T. F. Green Airport, hosted a fundraiser and volunteered at numerous Red Cross special events.

 Marisa Albanese, of the American Red Cross Rhode Island Chapter, praises the DAT team members as “the unsung heroes of the Rhode Island Chapter. With a staff of only nine full-time employees, it would not be possible for us to respond to every incident in a timely manner. Furthermore, they provide wonderful care for people in their greatest time of need.”

 VCRI is proud to acknowledge DAT for all of their achievements as an Outstanding Volunteer during "VolunCheers 2008!" on Tuesday, April 29th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, RI.