CHENANGO COUNTY — By now, most of Chenango County has at least heard of the Greater Chenango Cares Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) slated for July 13–22; but beginning Monday, organizers are calling on the county's volunteer base to assist in the operation.

Starting June 1, the Chenango United Way is handling all volunteer efforts and has even established a website designed to streamline the process of acquiring all needed personnel. Community members who wish to be a part of the collaborative by donating their time should visit http://volunteer.chenangouw.org to sign up for a slot.

“I am so excited and proud that the Chenango United Way is serving as the volunteer coordinator for this amazing event,” said Elizabeth Monaco, Director of the Chenango United Way. Monaco went on to say that the program will need to enlist the services of approximately 900 volunteers from surrounding communities to assist IRT personnel in delivering services.

Volunteers will not be providing any direct patient care, but will play an ancillary role in the success of the IRT.

“We anticipate that the IRT will be serving between 5,000-7,000 patients from in and around the Chenango County area, and volunteers will be critical to the success of this event,” added Monaco.