“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention,” is one of John Crepeau’s favorite quotes and reflects the way he embodies the Red Cross mission.

As a Blood Donor Ambassador, he is committed to providing excellent customer service to our blood donors in San Benito County. He tends to their needs throughout the donation process, always reminds them to come back to donate again and even invites them to join as volunteers as well.

John believes that being a Red Crosser is all about teamwork and camaraderie. “Working with people that share a common interest or need to help others, whether it’s helping with blood donations at a blood drive or deploying on a major disaster.  It’s the satisfaction of knowing that we can, as a team, do something that will provide relief for others in need”.
“This award is, in essence, a thank you from all my peers in the Red Cross.  It is a way of showing that the Red Cross does appreciate the time and effort that all volunteers devote to the Red Cross mission,” he shared.

“The opportunity to truly have an immediate effect on people affected by disasters has touched me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. From the first day I worked in a shelter as an Event-Based Volunteer I knew I’d found something special. I got so much more from it than what I felt I was giving,” Hillary said about her experience as a Red Cross volunteer.

She works as Workforce Engagement Coordinator in Marin County, a position that allows her to mentor new volunteers and support the Disaster Cycle Services team. She is a dedicated Red Crosser, often eager to find ways to help her community by installing smoke alarms, helping with community events or even training county employees. “I feel connected,” she said.

Mac is a valued member of the Disaster Cycle Services Team in Santa Clara County. He is passionate about helping others, and his teammates know they can always count on him. He was one of the first to sign up for shifts to support the Seven Trees Shelter in San Jose during the atmospheric river flooding in January 2023. He arrived in the first five days of the shelter opening and worked hard to meet residents’ needs.

Mac says that his motivations come in many and varied forms. “The first is to serve. I served in the military and in the Fire Service. The time I spent in both organizations have ingrained in me to help those that need help. I do not seek, nor do I require to be recognized. But it seems through my actions I get acknowledged. For that I am humbled. The time I’ve spent in local Red Cross missions and Disaster Response Operations provided me with several opportunities to help people in need. Being personable, with a constant smile welcoming them as they come through the door seeking shelter. Remembering their names so that they feel like they matter. Acknowledging that I am there not only to help them but also showing them that we care. It is the people that we serve that motivates me.”