Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org

STOCKTON, CA. July 30, 2024—— The American Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter honored local residents and community partners at their annual recognition event for chapter volunteers from Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties on May 29.

At the event, Susan Winters of Stanislaus County 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.  

Susan has been a Red Cross volunteer for over 16 years. She is a proficient Disaster Workforce Engagement Supervisor and an active Disaster Action Team (DAT) member. Susan is also an instructor in DAT Fundamentals and has volunteered at numerous Sound the Alarm installations throughout our county. No one works harder to recruit new volunteers than Susan and she is always ready to help in any aspect of the Red Cross. Susan works tirelessly in all her roles and is a valued leader at the Heart of the Valley Chapter.

In addition to this prestigious award, the following awards were given to local volunteers:

• Biomedical Services – Donor Ambassador Program: Ray Nipper (Stanislaus), Michael Hess (San Joaquin).
• Biomedical Services – Transportation Specialist Program: Rondy Scippio (Stanislaus), Lisa Roesch (Stanislaus).
• Community Engagement Award: Arron Hamlin (Stanislaus), Merced Fire Services.
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Commitment and Dedication Award: Betty Wong (Merced).
• Disaster Cycle Services – Extraordinary Leadership: April Thacker (Merced).
• Good Neighbor & Partnership Award: Michelle Meyers and the Eagles Lodge (San Joaquin), Adam Amaral with Office of Emergency Services (Merced), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Stanislaus).
• International Humanitarian Services Award: Sneha Doddapaneni (San Joaquin)
• New Volunteer Award: Donald Tyson (Merced), Linda Harkins (San Joaquin).
• Teamwork and Collaboration Award: Anna Cassioli (San Joaquin), Laura Galvez (Stanislaus), Sarah Wood, (Stanislaus), Merced Disaster Cycle Services Team
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Bev Bernhardson (San Joaquin)
• Youth Services Award: Sparsh Beedi (Stanislaus), Riley Smith (San Joaquin)

“We are deeply honored to have such passionate volunteers in the Heart of the Valley Chapter. Their contributions are essential to our mission,” said Felicia Woolfolk, Executive Director of the Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter. “Thank you all for your dedication to the American Red Cross and the people we support.”

Pictures from the event can be viewed here.

Become a Red Cross Volunteer: 

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% 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 Heart of the Valley

With local offices in Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus 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/hov or call us at (209) 645-1239. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.  

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