DENISON, TX - Nearly every week, dozens of volunteers from across Texoma help people who have lost their home or belongings to a fire or natural disaster. But now the organization that helps so many is in desperate need of volunteers.

In just the past three weeks, Texoma Area Red Cross has helped more than 50 People who were displaced by house or apartment fires. But in order to continue their mission in serving the people who need it most, they need many many more volunteers.

The start of 2012 bought tragedy for many people across the Texoma as fire ripped through homes and apartment complexes, leaving several families homeless.

"We lost a lot of clothes, we lost a lot of furniture what you see right here is just the start," said Tera Groner of Sherman.

Earlier this month, Groner and her family lost everything they owned after a fire destroyed 16 units at Post Oak apartments in Sherman.
But with the help of the Red Cross, they were able to get back on their feet.

"I've signed up with Red Cross, they've got my name and their setting us in a hotel room tonight and tomorrow night so if we need any more help they are glad to help us," said Groner.

That's the simple mission of the organization that provides aide to millions around the world. From house fires to natural disasters, they work around the clock to help those in need. But that wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers.

"When you're doing a fire like that 8, 10, 20 units it takes a lot of volunteers to talk to these people," said Sara Jerome of the Red Cross.

Since the beginning of the month,volunteers from the Texoma Area Red Cross have helped more than 60 people who lost their homes during a fire. But now the organization is stretched thin and in desperate need of more volunteers.

"We cover Fannin, Grayson and Cooke county and we need people in each of those counties that would like to train to be volunteers," said Jerome.

The average volunteer is trained in everything from clerical work to responding to natural disasters. Most importantly, the Red Cross wants people who simply want to help their neighbors in need.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Texoma Area Red Cross call 903-465-1330.