During National Volunteer Month, the American Red Cross is celebrating community heroes whose daily support and hard work embody the organization’s lifesaving mission to help people in need.

In 2023, more than 3,200 regional Red Cross volunteers contributed over 167,000 hours preparing for and responding to disasters, assisting veterans and military families, and providing compassion and comfort when it was needed most. 

RECOGNIZING EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE  From April 15-30, the region is hosting appreciation events in each of its Chapters and the USVI territory to show appreciation and gratitude for volunteer contributions. Please help us congratulate these members of our Red Cross family who have given the best of themselves to help others!

• Greater Orlando Chapter held April 15: Volunteer of the Year – Erica Santella of Sorrento (serves two Chapters); Clara Barton Award – Sammi Conneen of Orlando; Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service – John Lanzetti of Oviedo; Volunteer Spirit Award – James Ravenell of Orlando; Rookie of the Year – Danny Zeidan of Altamonte Springs; Youth and Young Adults – Jesse Martin of Lake Nona High School in Orlando.
• Mid-Florida Chapter held April 16: Volunteer of the Year – Erica Santella of Sorrento (serves two Chapters); Clara Barton Award – Richard "Bear" Haskins of Winter Haven; Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service – Cliff Bibb of Odessa; Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service – Ted Dimitt of The Villages; Volunteer Spirit Award – Hiep Tang of New Port Richey; Rookie of the Year – Jerome Rabess of Tavares.
• Florida's Space Coast Chapter held April 23: Volunteer of the Year – John Eggers of Rockledge; Clara Barton Award – Carol Becker of Melbourne; Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service – Dan Dvorak of Merritt Island; Volunteer Spirit Award – James Ward of Merritt Island; Rookie of the Year – Mark Chaney of Merritt Island; Youth and Young Adults – Noah Morande, Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange.
• Tampa Bay Chapter held April 25: Volunteer of the Year – Randell Weinberg of Largo; Clara Barton Award – Carol Summerville of St. Petersburg; Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service – Jeff Franzen of St. Petersburg;  Volunteer Spirit Award – Nancy Dile of St. Petersburg; Rookies of the Year – Leia and Ray Ramey of Clearwater; Youth and Young Adults – Jacob Feck and Pablo Martinez-Huerta, Lennard High School in Ruskin.
• Southwest Florida Chapter held April 30: Volunteer of the Year – Nancy Gerwe of North Port; Clara Barton Award – Carolyn Manson of Bradenton; Special Citation for Exceptional Volunteer Service – Jim Manson of Bradenton; Volunteer Spirit Award – Mark Hall of Venice and Susan Snyder of Bradenton.

ONGOING NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS  This spring, the region is working to “grow” its volunteer base in advance of hurricane season. While volunteers of all types are needed, the Red Cross has a critical need for specific positions. Free training will be provided.
 

• Disaster Cycle Services: Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers who respond to everyday disasters like home fires; Sheter Services volunteers to support residents within emergency shelters during a major disaster response; Disaster Health Services volunteers, licensed healthcare professionals, to deliver hands-on care to residents in shelters.
• Service to the Armed Forces and International Services: Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Representatives to support coordination between the Red Cross and local VA Health Care Facilities; Restoring Family Links Caseworkers to help reconnect families separated by international crises; and Critical Community Service (CCS) caseworkers to help military connected individuals address challenges they face by providing referrals to community partners.

Just like the people served by the Red Cross, the organization is proud its volunteers represent a wide array of cultures, backgrounds, ages, gender identities, lifestyles and beliefs. Everyone is welcome. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to get started today.

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