Every day, Red Cross volunteers answer the call to help others, providing comfort, care, and support when it matters most. We are honored to celebrate this year's Clara Barton Award recipients, whose exceptional dedication and tireless service embody the spirit of the Red Cross and inspire us all.
Named in honor of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross and a pioneering humanitarian, this award recognizes volunteers who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to serving others and strengthening their communities throughout the year.
Volunteer since: March 2010
“I was part of the Restoring Family Links team, helping reconnect families separated by war or disaster. My first case was to meet with a woman who came to the US during the Bosnian conflict. Her deceased husband had been detained during the war, and she needed documents for some legal matters… When I got to her house, she was clearly happy to see me. She and her daughter served tea and when I gave them the document they were crying and said they were going to frame it. That experience made me realize how important it was for them to have the document and someone to share it with. It is a privilege to support the global mission of American and International Red Cross and human connection we all have.”
Volunteer since: October 2018
“After retiring from full time for 43 years as a registered nurse, service with the Red Cross directly aligns me with my ‘Code for Nurses’. One of these codes is the nurse collaborates with health care professionals and other citizens promoting community and national efforts to meet the health of the public. There is no other volunteer organization that encompasses this so completely.”
Volunteer since: December 2021
“My first deployment with the Red Cross was to Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers 2022. Our shelter housed over 800 people at the HERTZ Hockey Arena. I was amazed with the Red Cross preparedness and response. Especially with the professionalism and dedication of volunteers. Many people lost everything they owned in a heartbeat. The Red Cross and FEMA worked together to provide folks with their immediate and long term needs. We all served a common goal. This experience fulfills a personal need of helping others.”
Volunteer since: December 2024
“I joined the Red Cross looking to serve my community, be there when a disaster hits, and help when needed. People on every call are so thankful for the help they get. They say thank you and they even hug you. What people experience in any disaster is tough, but the Red Cross is rewarding because of how we are able to help people through some of their worst days.”
Volunteer since: October 2023
“After I left the last corporation and took a break from my previous role as a Chief Technology Officer, I wanted a new challenge, something completely different from the for-profit world. When I was looking for a non-profit organization to join, I remembered back to when I was a refugee in Malaysia, and how the UN (United Nations) was there for me and the Red Cross came close to it given its mission in international involvement. Only after I signed up online to volunteer did I learn how many opportunities there are at the Red Cross… I thought I could help the Red Cross educate others about volunteer opportunities, hence assuming a role in Volunteer Services.”
Volunteer since: February 2025
“I have been giving blood for over 25 years and always noticed the dedicated volunteers who would greet me with a smile on their face. So I thought maybe I can do more. As a Blood Transportation Specialist, I was on a ‘stat’ blood delivery out on Long Island at Stony Brook Medical Center and there was someone literally standing in the blood bank waiting for our delivery and they whisked it away to be used. That day I felt the human connection. It changed the way I think. We are not just making deliveries, these are real people in need.”
Volunteer since: December 2027
“I'm committed to the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering by helping people affected by disasters. With American Red Cross service I feel that I really make a difference working as a team member behind the scenes as a volunteer, looking for nothing in return.”
Volunteer since: August 2025
“Being one of a few recovery volunteers in RI that is fluent in Spanish, I am able to communicate with clients in their native language. Many times, these clients whose first language is not English, are able to breathe a sigh of relief believing that they are truly being heard and understood in the message they are trying to convey and in what their needs are. I am also able to deliver messages to them in a more respectful manner by understanding their culture. Being part of an organization that provides support and guidance for those in distress during an emergency is truly both an honor and a blessing.”
Volunteer since: October 2022
“To me, service means helping our neighbors. For my professional life, I worked and took care of my family. There was no time for anything else. Now, giving back to my community through the Red Cross inspires me.”
Volunteer since: September 2023
“Upon retirement in 2023, I knew that the Red Cross, an organization which I’ve admired my whole life, was a good place for me to volunteer. I can no longer donate blood, but I can donate my time. For me, the distinctive red cross is a true symbol of hope and comfort in the midst of many disasters and is a symbol known the world over, so I am proud to be even a small part of it.”
Volunteer since: June 2017
“My original reasons for joining the Red Cross were both to help others and to do something for me. I wanted to do something that could be useful to such an amazing organization as the American Red Cross and I thought I could contribute by using my math degree and background. The Red Cross was the answer. Being a volunteer with the Red Cross is so rewarding. It is wonderful to be a very small part of such a service-providing organization. With gift processing, I see the amazing generosity and warm spirit of our donors. Thank you Red Cross!”
Volunteer for: 11 years
“I had just gone through a difficult time in my life and found myself very grateful for all the support that I received. My family, friends and coworkers helped me to see that I was not alone in my experience. Early in 2009 I heard a Public Service Announcement calling for community volunteerism. Through the Red Cross, I found a way to pay it forward. I am honored to be part of a team that provides a safety net for those in need of immediate assistance.”
Volunteer since: June 2011
“In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, when my home state of Connecticut experienced widespread devastation not seen in my lifetime beforehand, I knew I had a call to help those impacted by these storms. I knew I was not up to participating in disaster relief efforts on the front lines, so a Red Cross Development Coordinator at the time recommended I do some meaningful online, behind-the-scenes work instead. I knew that I was making a difference in the lives of not just those who received help, but those who consistently gave back in times of great need as well.”
Volunteer since: April 2025
“I originally joined my school's Red Cross Club to gain new experiences knowing the organization offered incredible opportunities. I had also applied to be a Youth Ambassador knowing that I would work towards increasing engagement and opportunities for my peers and fellow leaders. The most rewarding part of being a youth volunteer is knowing that my time is always dedicated to a meaningful cause, whether I am connecting with other youth, assisting at blood drives, or working to improve our chapter and region as a whole.”
Volunteer since: October 2016
“As a blog writer with the Communication Department, several stories have struck home. One of the first was about a woman who was a fire victim the Red Cross helped after the fire department rescued her from her porch roof. It was what made me think, ‘This is why I do this.’”
Volunteer since: April 2025
“Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of being a Red Cross volunteer is watching small efforts grow into something much bigger. As a Youth Ambassador, a lot of my work involves building initiatives for youth, which almost always starts small. But getting to watch others take those first steps, grow into their own leadership roles, and build something even bigger than what we started with, that's been the most fulfilling part of this experience.”
Volunteer since: February 2023
“There was a multi-family fire in Bridgeport that impacted three families with small children. The Red Cross team worked closely to address the needs of the residents, including overcoming a language barrier. We distributed aid, blankets, comfort kits, water, snacks, and stuffed animals. As we walked back to our cars a young father ran to catch up. With a big smile he thanked us for the help we had provided to him and his family. It is a blessing to be given the opportunity to help those in need. I have received more than I have ever given.”
Volunteer since: May 2025
“In September of 2025, I was involved in a Home Fire Campaign in Hartford, CT, where we installed smoke alarms in the community. The event takes place yearly on 9/11. This was my first experience with the event and I absolutely was hooked. Everyone involved in the event was very motivated and committed to the cause. That left a lasting impression on me. I would describe the Red Cross as a large family of humanitarians who are willing and able to give of themselves. Everyone I meet is friendly and helpful. Over time, I have been able to attain additional training and expand my personal horizons. I look forward to the opportunities and involvement that the Red Cross has to offer.”
Volunteer since: April 2022
“At a Providence fire on a beautiful afternoon last spring, we were in the street assisting the displaced household. The family of four had lost everything, though they all thankfully still had each other. When we were issuing financial assistance, the father, who had been holding everything in, started sobbing. We were close in age, and it was the first time after about three dozen response calls that I'd ever witnessed such emotion. He simply needed our help and likely realized how fortunate his family was to be alive. I realized at that moment the importance of American Red Cross disaster relief.Volunteering for the local fire department was a rite of passage in my family. It's all now come full circle, and the American Red Cross humanitarian mission makes my volunteer life complete.”
