LOS ANGELES, APRIL 20, 2026— National Volunteer Week is being observed from April 19 through April 25 and the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Region, would like to honor those who are the heart of the organization ─ the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to make the Red Cross mission possible every day.

Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have helped and supported people in need since the organization was founded in 1881. Volunteers make up 90 percent of the Red Cross workforce, supporting blood drives, assisting veterans and military families, teaching lifesaving classes and providing comfort and support after disasters of all sizes. 

Here in Los Angeles, more than 6,000 people volunteer with the Red Cross by helping support blood collections, supporting our nation’s veterans through the Hero Care Network, responding to home fires in the middle of the night and so much more. Nationally, more than 325,000 individuals volunteer their time to support the mission of the American Red Cross. They join the more than 17 million Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers working for the good of humanity in more than 191 countries across the globe.

To show our appreciation to the more than 6,000 volunteers, the Los Angeles Region got together to celebrate and recognize our volunteers during the Volunteer Excellence Awards on April 11, 2026 at Sonesta LAX. Volunteers from across the region were awarded with the following awards:

·         Biomedical Achievement Award Jorge Soriano is a rising healthcare leader and became one of LA’s most dependable blood donor ambassadors. Not only is Jorge a reliable and committed volunteer, they also treat each shift as a learning opportunity. Jorge joined the donor ambassador program as an opportunity to grow their communication skills and customer service, and to gain valuable experience in the health field as they pursue their interest in phlebotomy and the health field. Their growth mindset and proactive engagement have made a noticeable impact on both staff, donors, and the blood supply collection.

·         International Services Award Meghana Srivatsa improved service delivery by handling sensitive Restoring Family Links cases with a thoughtful and adaptable approach. She adjusted her communication and case strategy to meet client needs in situations involving political, religious, and conflict-related sensitivities. Her ability to combine practical problem-solving with empathy helped clients feel heard and supported.

·         Service to the Armed Forces Award Sasha Semaan exemplifies outstanding leadership and cross department collaboration in her dual roles as a Youth Advisor with Youth Services and a dedicated SAF volunteer. Through her work with SAF, she strengthens the program by training new advocates, and within Youth Services, she partners with youth leaders to successfully advance and prepare five International Humanitarian Law campaigns for submission by May 2026.

·         Disaster Cycle Services Award Ken Takata exemplifies an extraordinary commitment to the mission and values of the Red Cross. As the Volunteer Partner for the Disaster Program Manager, he actively serves in numerous leadership and operational capacities, including Disaster Action Team (DAT) Coordinator and Hotshot/Sound The Alarm co-lead. His dedication is evident through his consistent efforts to onboard and mentor new DAT responders, strengthen team cohesion, and act as a liaison between DAT and Recovery. His willingness to respond beyond his assigned territory and support neighboring chapters demonstrates his reliability and passion for service. His leadership in co-facilitating DAT Matters meetings and hosting workshops further underscores his investment in volunteer engagement and operational excellence.

·         Youth Award Denis Bi stands out not only for his leadership and initiative but also for the compassion and humility he brings to every project. He leads by example, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring every volunteer feels appreciated, and every task is completed with care. Many volunteers who worked alongside him have continued to stay involved, inspired by his energy, organization, and kindness. His passion for helping others and his ability to unite people around a common goal truly exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that strengthens our community.

·         Volunteer Leadership Award Griselda Villalobos demonstrated extraordinary commitment by serving as Disability Integration Lead for the recent Los Angeles Wildfire Operation, remaining on standby from August to October to ensure readiness for wildfire response. During this time, they also continued their roles as Pet Ambassador securing donated pet supplies for clients and Disaster Action Team Supervisor. Their dedication to being available and prepared for months exemplifies exceptional commitment to the mission of the American Red Cross.

·         Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service Rajnita Jain puts in nearly 40 hours a week as a volunteer. She hardly ever turns a task down, opting to answer the call to serve. She has been on 4 local Disaster Responses since Fall 2025, and 13 total, spanning over 9 years. She handles nearly all the San Gabriel Valley Chapter’s new volunteer orientations and onboarding tasks on her own. She sets up scheduled emails for volunteers on their birthdays to send them a birthday message by hand, and she is always willing to do text downs and call downs for recruiting at any time, day or night.

·         Clara Barton Award Ann Baltz managed staffing for nine shelters while being personally evacuated from her home during the January 2025 wildfires. Alongside her small team, she was essential in developing an onboarding system for incoming workforce, ensuring smooth operations and positive volunteer experiences under extreme pressure. She consistently provides thoughtful, constructive guidance that helps volunteers succeed. She ensured volunteers understood the purpose behind their roles and felt confident in their contributions. Her ability to speak truthfully and with intention created an environment where ideas were refined into practical solutions, improving engagement and overall program success.

·         Communications Award Ricardo Alterno consistently embodies the American Red Cross mission through his unwavering commitment to helping communities in need and uplifting those around him. His dedication goes far beyond fulfilling a volunteer assignment he shows up with compassion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make a difference. He has demonstrated the core values of compassion, collaboration, creativity, and credibility. Ricardo also supports fellow volunteers by serving as a mentor, especially for Spanish speaking volunteers who benefit from his linguistic skills, cultural understanding, and patient guidance. He conducts mock interview trainings, offers constructive feedback, and helps prepare others to be confident spokespersons.

·         Rising Star Award Gabe Griswold has demonstrated extraordinary initiative and innovation in improving how client needs are met at the local level since joining the Western LA chapter in 2025. During the California Wildfire operation, he immediately stepped in to support Distribution of Emergency Supplies and quickly developed an understanding of bridge assistance, long-term recovery, and large-scale disaster operations. This adaptability and eagerness to learn made an immediate impact on client services. Later, in the role of Mass Care lead for the chapter, they set ambitious goals to strengthen and expand the Mass Care team. By introducing monthly meetings that include games and interactive activities, he created a fun and engaging environment that fosters connection and readiness among volunteers. These creative efforts have directly improved volunteer engagement, strengthened team cohesion, and enhanced the chapter’s ability to meet the needs of clients during disasters.

Check out photos from the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCQJUR

JOIN US As the Red Cross honors and recognizes our volunteers during National Volunteer Week, we invite people to join a team working together to make an impact.

“Generations of American Red Cross volunteers have come together to deliver care and hope in the face of emergencies,” said Jordan Rodgers, interim regional volunteer services officer. “Join this generation of volunteers working together to bring comfort and relief to people in need.”

Right now, there is a critical need for people to fill these roles. Free training will be provided.

·         DISASTER ACTION TEAM The vast majority of emergencies we respond to are local, personal crises like home fires. These events may not make headlines, but they shatter lives. For more than 60 years, our Disaster Action Team volunteers have been ready 24/7, 365 days a year — to deliver immediate relief, emotional support and long-term recovery resources. When disaster strikes, we make sure families never face it alone.

·         SHELTER RESIDENT TRANSITION ASSOCIATE The Shelter Resident Transition (SRT) Service Associate (SA) is part of the response to a larger disaster. These caseworkers work with shelter residents to help them create an action plan so that they can transition from the shelter to a more sustainable living solution, helping to jumpstart their recovery.

·         BLOOD DONOR AMBASSADOR If you enjoy connecting with people, consider becoming a Blood Donor Ambassador. Ambassadors help ensure every blood donor has a positive experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. You’ll greet donors, assist with registration, answer questions, share helpful information and offer refreshments after their donation. Whether you volunteer regularly or occasionally is up to you.

·         BLOOD TRANSPORTATION SPECIALISTS Our Blood Transportation Specialists bring lifesaving blood and blood products to local hospitals within their region. They choose when they want to help with either scheduled shifts or our on-demand opportunities. As an on-demand volunteer you can choose shifts that fit your schedule. You will receive real-time alerts when hospitals have a critical request for urgently needed blood and be on your way to the distribution site within 30-120 minutes. Your time driving could be the difference in helping save a patient’s life.

Your time and talents can make an impact. Find the best way for you to get involved by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. 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, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

# # #