Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org
SANTA ROSA, CA. July 5, 2023 —— The American Red Cross North Bay Chapter honored 26 local residents and 6 community partners at their annual recognition event for chapter volunteers from Napa, Sonoma, Marin and Solano Counties on June 4.
At the event, Lloyd “Bill” Eichhorn 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.
Bill is being recognized for his long-time leadership and service to the Red Cross. He has served as the Shelter Lead for our region, particularly managing several of the North Bay large shelters. He led the Marin territory's Disaster Action Team and chaired the Recovery Team, for a number of years, recruiting and training new team members. Bill is also an Emergency Response Vehicle driver and participates in Sound the Alarm events.
For the past three years, he has been a primary Disaster Spiritual Care Call Center responder to disaster responses across the country. This January 2023, he served as an unofficial responder for our Disaster Services team in making follow up calls and requests to support those affected by the California storms and floods. Bill’s friendliness, support and enthusiasm are examples of an outstanding, trained and willing Red Cross volunteer. He has gained the respect of those who work with him in whatever capacity he is supporting at the moment.
In addition to this prestigious leadership award, the following awards were given to local volunteers:
“Our volunteers dedication its remarkable. Without their selfless commitment we couldn’t help those in need when they need it most,” said Vincent Valenzuela, Red Cross North Bay Chapter Executive Director. “They turn their compassion into action and ensure families in our North Bay communities will not face the next emergency alone."
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.
Become a Red Cross Volunteer:
Community members can make a difference in Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties by becoming a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteers represent 90% of the Red Cross workforce, and as this year’s heightened wildfire outlook continues a years-long 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% 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.
About the American Red Cross of the North Bay
With local offices in Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties, 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, visit our website at redcross.org/northbay or call us at (707) 577-7600. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
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