The American Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains is looking to grow the number of volunteers in and around Carbon County. A Volunteer Open House is scheduled for Monday.

Every day, the American Red Cross helps people in emergencies. Whether it's one displaced family, thousands of disaster victims, or providing care and comfort to an ill or injured service member or veteran or support to a military family member, our vital work is made possible by volunteers. The Red Cross is always looking for people with various backgrounds, talents and skill levels."We have precious few volunteers in Carbon County currently. Right now we rely mainly on volunteers from surrounding counties that answer the call when we need it into Carbon County. We would like to get more Carbon County residents involved. We're in particular looking for disaster volunteers who respond to house fires, floods and other emergencies to give out assistance and also volunteers to help staff blood drives that occur in the county," Dave Skutnik, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania.That's why the Red Cross will host a Volunteer Open House from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Office at 137 South St. in Lehighton. New and existing volunteers are welcome to find out about the many volunteer opportunities available with the Red Cross.The community will have the chance to meet and talk with the staff and volunteers of the Pocono Mountains chapter, including Executive Director Michele Baehr. Representatives from Volunteer Services, Disaster Services, and Blood Services will also be on hand.The Red Cross invites members of the community to join them on Friday in Lehighton and become a Red Cross volunteer.