SAN DIEGO (June 10, 2026) – San Diego and Imperial Counties are filled with everyday heroes — individuals who step up in extraordinary ways to help others, save lives or strengthen their communities. From bold, lifesaving acts to quiet moments of courage, countless residents are making a difference across the region each day. Do you know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage or compassion? The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties is asking the public to help shine a light on these individuals by nominating them for recognition at the organization’s 24th Annual Real Heroes Awards.

“Every day, people in our communities step up in incredible ways, and we’re asking the public to help us celebrate their stories,” says Sean Mahoney, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Southern California Region. “We rely on the community to identify local heroes whose actions make a lasting impact in San Diego and Imperial Counties.”

Nominating a hero is free and can be done online. Nominations are due by Friday, July 24, 2026. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit redcross.org/sandiego/realheroes.  

Honorees will be celebrated across eight categories: Animal Welfare Hero, Corporate Hero, Disaster Services Hero, First Responder Hero, Gift of Life Hero, Good Samaritan Hero, Service to the Armed Forces Hero and Youth Hero. For complete category descriptions, visit redcross.org/sandiego/realheroes.

Since the event’s inception, hundreds of local heroes have been recognized. This year’s award recipients will be honored during an awards event and breakfast on Friday, October 2, 2026, aboard the USS Midway Museum.

Heroes are nominated by the public and are chosen by an awards selection committee. Honorees are selected based on the degree to which their actions uphold the values of the Red Cross humanitarian mission and leave a lasting and positive impact on the community. For more information about the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties, please visit redcross.org/SoCal.

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/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with the Southern California Region on X, Instagram, YouTube or Facebook.

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