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Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak with Roosevelt Hayes—a member of the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity alumni chapter of Alabama A&M University—to learn more about his organization’s involvement in the American Red Cross. Keep reading to learn more and find out how you can volunteer.

About the Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity

Founded in 1925, Alpha Phi Omega is a national co-ed service fraternity dedicated to, “developing leaders, uniting members through friendship and rendering service to all.” With over 25,000 student members and 500,000 alumni members, Alpha Phi Omega is the largest collegiate service fraternity in the United States, and has chapters at over 350 college campuses—including Alabama A&M University.

Roosevelt Hayes was a member of the Alabama A&M chapter of Alpha Phi Omega during his college career in the 1970s. Since graduation, Roosevelt and other members of the chapter have maintained a life of service—volunteering their time and efforts with organizations in the community.

“One of the requirements that we have as a member of our service fraternity is to be actively involved in some sort of service organization. I’d known about the Red Cross for a long time, but we didn’t start working hand-in-hand with the organization until a few years ago.”
Roosevelt Hayes, Alpha Phi Omega

Roosevelt Hayes—along The Alabama A&M alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Omega—began volunteering with the Red Cross in 2017.

Getting involved with the American Red Cross

Roosevelt and his fellow Alpha Phi Omega members are regular volunteers for the Red Cross’ “Sound the Alarm” events.

“I would say we have about 28 brothers and sisters involved in our Red Cross service projects. The Red Cross is one of the best organizations we’ve worked with, because they make sure we have all the tools and knowledge we need to complete the service.”
Roosevelt Hayes, Alpha Phi Omega

A critical part of the Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign, Sound the Alarm volunteers install free smoke alarms and offer education on home fire safety. Over the years, Sound the Alarm volunteers have installed more than 2.5 million free smoke alarms, saving countless lives.

“We’ve installed a lot of alarms in the Huntsville and Harvest areas, and we’ve found that people in older homes are the ones that really need the smoke alarms. We’re involved in all aspects of Sound the Alarm, from calling people to get them to sign up for the service to actually installing the smoke alarms on-site. The Red Cross provides all of the smoke alarms and installation equipment, and we provide the labor.”
Roosevelt Hayes, Alpha Phi Omega

Learn more about the upcoming Sound the Alarm events in your area.

How you can volunteer with the Red Cross

No matter your interests, skills or schedule, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in a volunteer project with the American Red Cross.

“My favorite part is just being involved and giving back to the community. Being involved in service projects was important to our chapter while we were in college, and now that we’ve graduated we’re still contributing and working on projects that need our support.”
Roosevelt Hayes

Learn more about Volunteer Opportunities with the Alabama Red Cross.

Have you volunteered with the Alabama Red Cross? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!

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