Despite March being Red Cross Month, there is still a great need for the people of DeKalb and NIU students to volunteer.

“We have several hundred volunteers and are always looking for more,” said Karen Remen, director of the local Red Cross Chapter, 2727 Sycamore Road.

On March 25 and 26, the Red Cross will have locations all over the DeKalb and Sycamore area to distribute information about programs and fund raisers, Remen said. Each location will be open for two hours.

“We still need more volunteers to work at each location, and we hope the NIU community can help by getting involved in any way possible,” Remen said.

Todd Mikesell has worked for the Red Cross’s services department for more than a year, teaching life-saving CPR.

“My job is very fulfilling,” Mikesell said. “The work we do here is very valuable to our community.”

Remen said the Red Cross is not funded by or in any way a part of the U.S. government.

“Fund raising is a vital part of this organization and it has always been that way,” Remen said. “All the services we provide are paid for by donations.”

The local chapter was chartered in 1917 and became the DeKalb County Chapter in 1990, Remen said.

To volunteer, either visit the chapter or call 815-756-7339.