SANFORD, N.C. — The Salvation Army is looking to recruit volunteers to make sure that plenty of people are ready to respond when disaster strikes. 

The Salvation Army needs help as we head into the peak of hurricane season in September. The organization hosted an open house for its disaster team Wednesday in Sanford, giving the community an opportunity to learn more about how to get involved when disasters happen. 

When initiating disaster relief, the organization’s first aim is to meet the basic needs of survivors and first responders.

“The bigger the need, the more help we’re going to need,” said Thomas Harrison, a volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army in Wake County. “And I’ve learned … the more you do for people, the better you get blessed.”

The Salvation Army is also looking for volunteers for their service centers, family stores, food pantry and Christmas bell ringers.

If you’re interested in lending a helping hand, you can go to wakearmy.org. Once on the website click on “get involved,” and you’ll see “volunteer opportunities” in the drop-down menu.