Diversifying volunteers

The director of the state Office of Black Affairs has called on his and other ethnic communities to receive American Red Cross training for Hurricane Katrina survivors — and help bridge a cultural gap at Camp Williams.

"We're trying to bring the African-American Community together, build a bridge with the American Red Cross and go out to Camp Williams and bridge the cultural divide," director Michael Styles said as more than 50 people began training Wednesday evening in downtown Salt Lake. "A lot of people from Louisiana are not used to the (Utah) population. We're awfully homogeneous, but we're awfully inclusive."

Styles is helping facilitate a Camp Williams barbershop and a beauty shop specializing in cutting and styling African-American hair. The shops are manned by volunteer professionals. Beauty-supply businesses also are donating hair-care products.

"The simplest thing — a haircut — just brings a smile to people," said Styles, who has been at Camp Williams every day.

Styles hopes volunteers will continue training, ultimately creating a more culturally diverse Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

"I am so humbled by you coming here today," Styles told the attendees. "I know this is going to mean a lot to our guests . . . at Camp Williams."