Stockton, California, May 22, 2025 — The American Red Cross Heart of the Valley Chapter honored 11 residents and two community partners on May 15 at their annual recognition event celebrating volunteers from Merced, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties.
Betty Wong of Los Banos received the chapter’s top honor, the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Leadership. Named after the founder of the American Red Cross, this one-in-a-lifetime award aims to recognize volunteer leaders who have made significant contributions in leadership roles throughout their years of service.
Betty has been with the Red Cross for more than 10 years and made a profound impact in both the Northern California Coastal Region (NCCR) and beyond.
She has been a cornerstone of our NCCR disaster response efforts through her work in pet sheltering and Disaster Action Team (DAT) calls. She consistently provides care and support to pets and families affected by disasters, ensuring their needs are met during critical times. Her compassionate and efficient service during DAT calls has been invaluable, offering immediate relief and comfort to those in need. Betty also supports the community disaster program managers (CDPMs) in both the NCCR and neighboring Central California Region. She provides essential assistance, helping to ensure that the CDPMs have the resources and support necessary to manage disaster programs effectively.
Betty also served as a Duty Officer for the Central California Region where she oversaw operations, coordinated teams, and made vital decisions during disaster response efforts. Sshe is a dedicated mentor to new volunteers, guiding them as they integrate into the Red Cross community and preparing them for future challenges.
She actively participates in partner meetings and training, strengthening relationships with local organizations and enhancing community response efforts. She helps ensure that Red Cross operations remain aligned with the needs of the communities we serve. Betty’s selflessness, reliability and exceptional service make her an invaluable asset to the Red Cross. Her contributions to the NCCR and beyond reflect the highest standards of volunteerism.
David Matsuyama of Manteca was also recognized as the Heart of the Valley Chapter’s Volunteer of the Year Award winner, given annually to individuals at the chapter level that best exemplified the spirit of volunteerism.
David has been so engaged as a transportation specialist, his supervisor did not realize he had only just started his volunteer journey as a Transportation Specialist in January of 2024. In his rookie year, David logged more than 90 shifts. He is solid, dependable and always willing to give his time and energy. He volunteers for multiple shifts on multiple days of the week. He does not ask for accolades; he gives his time and energy freely to the Red Cross without fanfare.
In addition to recognizing Betty and David, the chapter also celebrated the following local volunteers:
“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 continue a trend of more frequent and intense climate-related disasters, volunteers are continually trained to meet the needs of those affected by disasters and helping communities prepare for and recover from emergencies. 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. Learn more and start your volunteer journey by visiting redcross.org/volunteertoday.
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.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
