Daily Real Estate News  |  September 9, 2005  |   Ala.: An Appeal for Volunteers in Alabama The Alabama Association of REALTORSŪ has received an urgent appeal from the American Red Cross to help find volunteers who can commit to working for at least seven days in areas where Hurricane Katrina hit hardest. The Red Cross is looking for about 20 more case worker volunteers who can assess the needs of hurricane survivors and distribute debit cards and other assistance to those in need. J. Danny Cooper, AAR's executive vice president, says the volunteers will meet at the Montgomery Red Cross Hurricane Disaster headquarters at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday for the one-hour training class before heading out to the disaster sites. Cooper put out a plea to any and all able-bodied individuals who can lend their support during this time of crisis. "This is truly a very desperate situation," he says. Cooper says AAR's efforts have already attracted 50 people to the cause, but about 20 more are needed. Interested volunteers can call the Alabama Red Cross office at 800/283-0711. Volunteers must be prepared to be sent to a site in Alabama, Mississippi, or Florida. They must bring with them a flashlight, personal first aid kit, waterproof boots, snacks and water, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, and body wipes. In addition, they must have sunscreen, a hat that covers their ears, a sleeping bag, towels, and toiletries, plus any medications they take. Cooper says REALTORSŪ statewide have opened their hearts and their wallets to those in need. Efforts include 20 members donating $400 each for three months in order to place 20 families in temporary housing; transporting evacuees to areas where they can obtain food and supplies; and providing food to hotels where evacuees are staying. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help people," Cooper says. "And we hope to God that we'll never have an opportunity like this again." —By Bridget McCrea and Kelly Quigley for REALTORŪ Magazine Online