ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – Both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have had devastating impact on many states in the south. The American Red Cross has initiated disaster relief operations in response to this while searching for volunteers to join the cause. Rochester has had many people express interest in volunteering to help those in need, and it showed at today's training event. Over a dozen people came to learn more about what they can do to in others' time of need. Mass Care Manager for the Western New York Red Cross chapter Julian Buttitta taught at Saturday's session and appreciated the community's willingness to take part. “It's incredibly heartwarming to see so many people that are Red Cross volunteers or members of the community wanting to take this training and wanting to take those first steps," Buttitta said. Those who attended the bootcamp learned about what their responsibilities would be should they be deployed to a disaster relief shelter. The instructors covered several important topics, from food safety to shelter cleanliness. There was also a heavy emphasis on how to comfort and show empathy towards those whose lives have forever been changed by these natural disasters. “The response to hurricane Helene and Milton has been absolutely massive, and we want to make sure that individuals are best prepared as possible," Buttitta said. "We want to send people down that are going to do their absolute best and feel they prepared the best they are able to be." Aside from the impact trainings like these have on shelter operations, they can also be useful when considering getting involved with the Red Cross in other ways. “It's not easy work, but it really does open doors for people to find their place at the Red Cross to support,” Buttitta said. “Our job is to be a humanitarian organization that provides support and human connection”. With many people already stepping up, the Red Cross continues to ask for more people interested in volunteering. There are opportunities in both disaster relief operations and locally to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. More information on how to get involved can be found on the American Red Cross' website.