The American Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter honored 19 local residents and a community partner at their recent annual recognition event for chapter volunteers from Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.
At the event, Nancy Reeves received the chapter’s top honor, the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Leadership. Named after the founder of the Red Cross, the award recognizes a volunteer for their years of service in various leadership positions.
Reeves is a dedicated volunteer with more than 16 years of experience as a Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. She is always there when the Red Cross calls, officials said in announcing the award. She often serves as DAT Duty Officer, Disaster Responder and Supervisor. She is also a remarkable trainer and a mentor for new DAT volunteers. After working with Community Partners and being a Shelter Supervisor, Reeves now also oversees and approves the facilities that could be used as Red Cross centers and shelters.
“Her dedication as a Red Cross Volunteer is worthy of extreme gratefulness and appreciation for everyone at the Heart of the Valley Chapter,” said officials.
In addition to this prestigious award, the following awards were given to local volunteers.
Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Program: Arron Hamlin (Stanislaus), Luz Jaramillo (San Joaquin)
Biomedical Services – Transportation Specialist Program: Gary Walker (San Joaquin)
Board Visionary – Jim Horning (Stanislaus County)
Community Engagement Award – Filadelfo ‘Fito’ Ruano (Stanislaus)
Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication Award: Susan Winters (Stanislaus), Sharon Spolnick (San Joaquin)
Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: Irene Johnson (Merced)
Good Neighbor & Partnership Award: Salvation Army of Stockton and Modesto (San Joaquin/Stanislaus)
International Humanitarian Services Award – Dan Hardesty (Stanislaus County)
New Volunteer Award – Robyn Miller (San Joaquin)
Teamwork and Collaboration Award – Lucinda Leite (San Joaquin), Birdie Winters (San Joaquin), Olga Iseri (San Joaquin), Kit Oase (San Joaquin), Cynthia Killough (San Joaquin), David Strait (San Joaquin), Catherine Fatzer (San Joaquin).
Volunteer of the Year Award – Michael McGar (Stanislaus)
“We are extremely proud of having such dedicated volunteers in the Heart of the Valley Chapter. We simply could not do the work we do without them,” said Felicia Woolfolk, Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter Executive Director. “I’d like to thank you all for your profound commitment to the American Red Cross and those we serve.”
While the annual recognition event spotlights several key Red Cross volunteers, it serves as a celebration to honor the work of all local volunteers who dedicate many hours of service to the Red Cross and their local communities.
Community members can make a difference in Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. As this year’s storms and floods continues a trend of more frequent and intense climate disasters, volunteers are continually trained to meet the needs of those affected by disasters – providing food, shelter, and comfort to families; and they help local residents prepare for and recover from emergencies of all kinds. Red Cross volunteers also provide assistance to military members, veterans and their families; support the collection of 40 percent of the nation’s blood; and provide humanitarian aid across the globe. Those interested in finding the right position for their specific skills and talents can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit the website at redcross.org/hov or call (209) 645-1239.
