Sussex County -Every day, the American Red Cross helps people in emergencies, whether it’s half a million disaster victims or one sick child who needs blood. This vital work is made possible by people in the local community, who learn how to lend a helping hand. Red Cross “everyday heroes” come from all walks of life. They’re all ages. The Red cross believes everyone has something special to offer. The Sussex County Chapter is holding a volunteer orientation from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5 for people interested in becoming Red Cross volunteers. Orientation will be held at chapter headquarters, located at 93 Spring Street in Newton. Attendees must register by calling 973-579-1600 ext. 13 or by e-mailing kyoung@sussexredcross.org. “Volunteers don’t have to travel across the country during hurricanes or earthquakes to make a difference. There is work to be done right here in Sussex County. Our volunteers are responding to residential fires, connecting military families and teaching lifesaving skills in our own backyard every day,” said Kristi Young, director of Programs and Services for the Sussex County Chapter. The American Red Cross depends on volunteers, who constitute 97 percent of the total work force, to carry on their humanitarian work: Every year, the Red Cross is there for hurricane, earthquake, and other disaster victims, including 150 families forced from their homes by fire every day. Some 175,000 volunteers worked to prevent, prepare for and respond to nearly 64,000 disaster incidents last year. Over 15 million Americans turn to the Red Cross to learn first aid, CPR, swimming, and other health and safety skills. Last year, more than 230,000 people volunteered to teach those courses. In addition, half the nation’s blood supply, six million pints annually, is collected by more than 190,000 Red Cross volunteers. Among the emergency services provided, the Red Cross delivers a family emergency message to a member of the armed forces every 22 seconds. Over 24,000 volunteers serve as chairs, members of boards of directors, or on advisory boards for local Red Cross units - chapters, Blood Services regions, and military stations. As part of the International Red Cross Movement, the American Red Cross works to ease human suffering on a global scale.