The Red Cross is now holding boot camps to prepare volunteers to help Hurricane Helene victims. With Hurricane Milton on the way, the organization is looking for even more volunteers.

Paul Edwards, a Greenwich resident and veteran, has been waiting for this type of opportunity.

“It’s a big disaster… and if I can be there to help- I will,” he said.

As soon as news broke about Hurricane Helene’s devastating aftermath, Josh Moskowitz, Regional Disaster Officer for Eastern New York, said the organization immediately started its recruitment efforts for volunteers.

“We immediately tried to mobilize as many people as we possibly can,” Moskowitz said. “In Eastern New York, we got about 25 to 28 people out the door within the first two to three days.”

Volunteers come from various backgrounds, but all devote two weeks to help those affected by the storm.

“I definitely want to help people, I want to do what I can to save lives, and to make people’s lives better… And help them get through this,” Paul Edwards said.

Some retirees also decided to provide aid and attended the training. Laura Coleman, a Saratoga Springs resident, said her family is very proud of her decision to volunteer.

“I read about all the stuff online, and I just want to help the people,” Coleman said.

Anna Parisella, a Howes Cave resident, volunteered while she still felt healthy enough for the opportunity.

“I feel very lucky to be in the physical shape… I should utilize that,” Parisella said. “I should use my good health and good fortune to do something for other people in extreme need right now.”

For Parisella, helping those affected hits close to home, since she can still remember the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene. Which over a decade ago left businesses inoperable and homes uninhabitable…

“I remember the destruction and the hopelessness… and the surprise…and this is my time to do something about it,” she said.

The Red Cross will provide anyone interested in volunteering with free training and will pay for travel and expenses. However, organizers said they still need both virtual and local volunteers, and anyone interested can apply on their website.

“The Red Cross responds to a home fire in this region at least two or three per day,” Josh Moskowitz said. “So we still need folks who can respond to those home fires [and] do dispatching services.”

And once Hurricane Milton makes landfall, organizers said they are ready to help communities pick up the pieces and rebuild.